As I sat though my 50-minute Politics lecture at the University of Edinburgh on Monday, I started thinking about the title of the course: ìCooperation in the European Union.” Most would assume that, like the title suggests, we were discussing the European Union. However, for the past 30 minutes, the professor had only been referencing the United States and how it deals with the E.U. As I thought back on it, the professor was constantly referencing the United States during lectures. Wasnít this supposed to be about Europe? Thatís just the thing. Perhaps it is supposed to be about someone else, but in the end, it is always about the United States.
Having never spent longer than a few weeks out of the country before I came to live in Scotland this semester, I never realized how much Americanism affects so many other cultures around the world. Since I am from the United States, I never thought about the fact that because I live in the ìworldís greatest superpower” it would play a role in other countries. Not only does America play a huge role in shaping foreign cultures, it also dictates it in some ways.
For example, living with four Scottish flat mates has proved to be a rewarding experience in many ways. In their eyes, I am the essence of everything they already knew about U.S. culture. I have seen ìThe Hills” and therefore must personally know Lauren Conrad, they make fun of how I always have Starbucks Coffee and the fact that the name of my sorority is one featured in the movie ìThe House Bunny” literally sends them into fits of laughter whenever I am sporting my letters.
However, when they use their slang terms and talk about shopping in the UK, I feel completely lost. They see so much of our lives through American media that it is easy for them to understand and relate to me because of how much it influences their lives. Interestingly enough, it can be seen in places where they donít even speak English.
Last weekend I visited Paris, France and was excited to put to use the French ìskills” I had acquired during my years of classes in high school and college. I found myself starting to speak and quickly being interrupted by the waiter who would immediately start speaking to me in English. Not only would this happen to me as an American, but I also saw English being used as the communicative language between a French person and someone from Asia. English has become the universal language at such a rapid pace that you can expect almost any international airport to have English as the primary language for passengers.
Many people have put to question President Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this fall. Whether or not he deserved it is one issue, but another often forgotten issue is the fact that the award validates American imperialism. The fact that Obama is not Bush was enough for Europeans to support Obama being rewarded the prize. French President Nicolas Sarkozy declared that the award ìconfirms finally America’s return to the hearts of the people of the world.”
But will this universal Americanism last?
Most likely, no. Like any other period in history, nations have time of prosperity, but also decline. With Chinaís seemingly unstoppable economic, political and social increases, many see the end of the U.S. as the worldís dominant power.
What will a world with China as the strongest country be like? If predictions are right, Chinaís culture will eventually replace Americaís across the globe. This change will most likely be slow, but should show signs even in the next 20 years. For now, I will continue to try to understand UK stereotypes of Americans and counteract them with great effort.
Laney Austin is a regular contributor† for the Voice. She can be reached for comment at LAustin11@wooster.edu.