In Our Opinion...

Chasing the American Nightmare

By Philip Ard

The proliferation of American media products around the world has lead to widespread talk of America’s cultural imperialism. As American media products continue to dominate the international market, some fear that other cultures will adopt these values and ideologies creating a homogeneous culture around the world devoid of unique characteristics. While there are several theories as to what the outcome of this media proliferation will be, one question remains to be asked. How have western cultural products been accepted in the West?

Increasingly, it seems, western audiences are rejecting their own cultural products as they experience the incongruities that exist between the life that is portrayed in the media and the reality of western life. As a result, these inconsistencies are placing western culture at odds with itself. Currently, western media (particularly television and movies) finds itself in a period in which it is experiencing growing pains as it attempts to redefine itself while continuing to promote financial growth. The image of what constitutes a successful life; the idea of a large suburban home, two new cars, the beautiful wife and obedient children, is unobtainable to the average citizen. One has to look no further than the ludicrous amount of debt incurred by the average citizen in an attempt to achieve this dream. This is the crux of the recent sub-prime mortgage lending fiasco.

In all of this cultural confusion, one can now see why other cultures feel increasingly alienated by American life and values. We are questioning the Dream as well.

 

Teddy Bear Ignites International Controversy

By Amy Biondi

On November 25, 2007, British teacher Gillian Gibbons was arrested in the Sudan after complaints from the Sudanese Education Ministry. Gibbons was found guilty of inciting religious hatred in Sudan after allowing a classroom teddy bear to be named Muhammad. Gibbons’ sentence could have been up to 40 lashings, six months in prison and a fine, but she was sentenced to 15 days in jail and deportation. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told a television crew in England that Gibbons’ detention was “completely wrong.” As the media continued its coverage of the story and political pressures pressed the Sudanese government, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir agreed to pardon Gibbons, ending a case that outraged Britons and Muslims around the world.

This story represents the media’s role as a political catalyst. The media’s ability to confer status, meaning that the media gave Gibbons a “voice” that protected her from harm by the Sudanese government, was obtained through the international media coverage the story received. Media coverage also facilitated dialogue between the Sudan and Britain. Through statements that were passed back and forth in the media between the two countries, a conversation took place. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband reminded the Sudanese government of the "close relations" Britain and Sudan had enjoyed, "based on our mutual respect for each others' religious and cultural values." Sudan’s President acknowledged such political pressure by granting Gibbons a pardon.

In today’s global communication environment, media can create new political realities and force governments to take action on issues that otherwise would not be considered. Had there been no media coverage, the Sudanese government would have experienced far less pressure from the international community and the British government, and could have imposed a much harsher sentence on Gibbons.

At Left: Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir talks during a press conference in Khartoum, Sudan, Monday Dec. 3, 2007, after he agreed to pardon British teacher Gillian Gibbons, jailed after she allowed her students to name a teddy bear Muhammad. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

At Right: Gillian Gibbons is seen shortly after arriving at London's Heathrow airport. (AP Photo/Steve Parsons, Pool)