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Americanization
Since the attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, many Americans are confused. Why would anyone hate us? The answer may partly lie with how America is perceived in many parts of the world. The United States is the world's richest nation. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union more than a decade ago, America is the only military superpower. America is a model for tolerance, diversity, and democracy. Nevertheless, many people disagree with American values. In traditional cultures with low crime and a strong family structure, many people around the world see America as a violent, permissive society. In his book Jehad vs. McWorld, Benjamin Barber argues that the culture of the United States and other western nations has replaced the traditional values of some societies. Young people around the world are wearing western clothes, listening to western music, and adopting western attitudes. In 1873, Jules Verne wrote an adventure story titled “Around
the World in Eighty Days.” Today it is possible to circle the globe
in less than a day. The very words you are reading are part of a website
that has been viewed by people in at least 181 nations. People who were
once isolated from one another are now part of a global community. Through
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elevision and the Internet, we have instant access to almost any part
of the world. With that access comes a responsibility to understand other
people and cultures. By learning about and understanding one another,
we can hope that the citizens of the world can develop a sense of tolerance
and respect for one another.