外國人都是... Foreigners Are Like That...
America, with its abundant natural resources and its immense kingdom, is presently one of the most powerful countries in the world, dominating and leading global affairs in economics, athletics, entertainment, academics, and even politics. With these remarkable “attractions”, it is not surprising why the people of America would consider themselves the “center of the world” with a tint of pride, arrogance, and attitude.
As depicted in Hollywood films, in times of global crisis and planetary destruction, it is always the President of the United States who instructs people to stay calm and leads the people away from doom and devastation through live broadcasts from the White House. And as the center of the world, it is also none but America who suffers from alien attacks and the invasion of other species. If the United States of America is destroyed then so is the rest of the world; earth cannot survive without the supreme USA. Americans not only fantasize their delusions of peace officers in make-believe productions but also take solid actions of maintaining world harmony in real life matters. In recent years, they have taken active steps mingling in the Middle-East, Asia, and activities around the globe. Where there might be a dispute, there is America.
Such a self-appointed peace-keeping role is also expressed in the admired television documentary series of COPS, NYPD, LAPD and many other similar programs. Americans are always seen patrolling public order and fighting for the well-being and justice of all the people on planet earth. The most note-worthy examples, however, must be the widely-popular comics and popular movie adaptations of Batman, Superman, and the Incredible Hulk. The superheroes in these works always change into their secret identity of mighty beings so as to come to the rescue of innocent, fragile, and weak citizens. Here, the muscular and robust heroic figures stand for the mighty American government while the powerless and defenseless people symbolize the many trivial and insignificant countries in the third world.
As the world becomes increasingly fascinated by American popular films and other media productions and publications, we should be more alert of this kind of message that perpetuates the American myth.
America, with its abundant natural resources and its immense kingdom, is presently one of the most powerful countries in the world, dominating and leading global affairs in economics, athletics, entertainment, academics, and even politics. With these remarkable “attractions”, it is not surprising why the people of America would consider themselves the “center of the world” with a tint of pride, arrogance, and attitude.
As depicted in Hollywood films, in times of global crisis and planetary destruction, it is always the President of the United States who instructs people to stay calm and leads the people away from doom and devastation through live broadcasts from the White House. And as the center of the world, it is also none but America who suffers from alien attacks and the invasion of other species. If the United States of America is destroyed then so is the rest of the world; earth cannot survive without the supreme USA. Americans not only fantasize their delusions of peace officers in make-believe productions but also take solid actions of maintaining world harmony in real life matters. In recent years, they have taken active steps mingling in the Middle-East, Asia, and activities around the globe. Where there might be a dispute, there is America.
Such a self-appointed peace-keeping role is also expressed in the admired television documentary series of COPS, NYPD, LAPD and many other similar programs. Americans are always seen patrolling public order and fighting for the well-being and justice of all the people on planet earth. The most note-worthy examples, however, must be the widely-popular comics and popular movie adaptations of Batman, Superman, and the Incredible Hulk. The superheroes in these works always change into their secret identity of mighty beings so as to come to the rescue of innocent, fragile, and weak citizens. Here, the muscular and robust heroic figures stand for the mighty American government while the powerless and defenseless people symbolize the many trivial and insignificant countries in the third world.
As the world becomes increasingly fascinated by American popular films and other media productions and publications, we should be more alert of this kind of message that perpetuates the American myth.