The American influence

Let me ask a quick question: what do you think is quintessentially American? Fast Food? Automobiles? Perhaps the idea of owning your own house, complete with a perfect kitchen? How about our language? All of the above? Whatever our "uniquely" American quirks are, they can usually be felt abroad...at least in France.

Let me preface this blog post by saying that I am not, in any way, advocating any bit of supremacy from the viewpoint of an American. There are certainly Americanisms that have not entered into everyday French culture and society...and probably never will. Also, influence works both ways. The United States is influenced by the French in various ways as well. Nevertheless, I will make every attempt to remain factual and shy away from value judgments. Ok?

First, the obvious: fast food. This is a phenomenon that has shaken the entire world. McDonald's, for example, operates over 30,000 restaurants in 119 countries. They serve 47 million customers per day and employ about 1.5 million people worldwide. Impressive, hey? Similarly, Subway operates over 30,000 restaurants in 90 countries worldwide. Both of these restaurants are, without question, a very strong symbol of American culture. Coca-Cola is another American influence that is felt worldwide. Originally founded in Atlanta, Georgia, Coke products are now sold in more than 200 countries. Starbucks is yet another example, with locations in nearly 50 countries. What is it about American fast food that has created the explosion of locations abroad. Tim Horton's certainly has not had this kind of success. The Quick (French/Belgian fast food restaurant) has also seen little expansion abroad. How come?

When looking for an apartment or house in France, some ads will list "cuisine Américaine" (American kitchen). This means that the kitchen is usually more open, with more counter space, more cabinets, and larger appliances. This struck me as interesting, as I usually don't think of large kitchens to be one of those quintessentially American things. Assuming that this kitchen thing is true, it is even more interesting that our love of big kitchens has implanted itself in France, where it is plainly evident on reality listings.

How about movies and television? Most television shows in France are voiced-over versions of American shows, such as NCIS, Law and Order, and even some soap operas. Movies are also voiced-over versions of Hollywood movies, sometimes with an untranslated title. Imagine if the only movie/TV show you could find was foreign-made with subtitles or voice overs. I think I would get a little annoyed with that after a while. Just because I was curious, I watched a voiced-over version of NCIS one night. At times, the French voice did not fit the character at all. Now, I don't know if the French mind this so much, but I found it a little distracting.

So--what does this all mean? How large is the scope of American influence abroad? Is this a cause for concern in other countries? I asked my host family these very questions. They responded by saying that it's not such a bad thing. They also mentioned that this influence only reaches so far. For example, they mentioned that the United State's political influence is much smaller now than it used to be, especially with the increased power of the European Union. As far as fashion and entertainment, they said that the United State's influence is much greater than it used to be. It has its limits.

It's very interesting to see this influence first hand while abroad. Where cultures tend to clash, some come together. Some people resist this convergence, others embrace it. I guess it all depends on the person, culture, and the force of influence. Only time will tell where this will lead us...and them.