egafd.com

But this is the point, isn't it ? Surely the American imperialism that is consistently mentioned and worried over means cultural imperialism as well as political and economic. That is one of the main reasons for Arabic and Muslim fear and distrust.

Such influences threaten their way of life. I can't see how they can be separated that easily. In sum, we can't just say we like the films and music without the insiduous absorption of their world-view. There is no confusion for me. They are integral parts of the same determinant.

The 20th Century was the century of America. And it dominated in more ways than you and I can imagine. I don't say I like it nor has it made the world a better or safer place, but their brand of imperialism, like the British experiences of the 19th Century proves that cultural imperialism is invasion by outwardly peaceful means.

As usual Bimmercat you are trying to evade answering my direct question. Have I said anything anti-oil?
Are you in favour of military action to safeguard you and the USA's economic interests?
We would all like everything in the world to be cheaper but that's no justification for taking things by force.

Mart

WillieBo wrote:

Oh yes, we all rush to see those great Lumiere brothers' films, don't we ?

SNIP


Mine was a light-hearted response... just to remind some that Americans didn't invent everything!

magoo wrote:

SNIP

When they sucseed in destroying us all it will be no consolation to say "ah well but they DID give us Laurel & Hardy".


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Actually WE gave THEM Stan Laurel (born Arthur Stanley Jefferson on 16 June 1890 in Argyll Street, Ulverston, [near Barrow-in-Furness] in what was then Lancashire but is now Cumbria).

He was Charlie Chaplin's understudy in Fred Karno's musical comedy touring theatre troup that went to the US in about 1910.

(In case you're asking how I know... my family, on my father's side, are from Barrow, and an uncle later lived a few doors from where Stan was born. There is a plaque on the house to commemorate him and a local pub is called The Stan Laurel Arms)

Bimmercat wrote:

Did not know that the Soviet Union "kept us in check" or that you all held the Russians in high regard.

SNIP

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Like it or not, the nuclear threat that the USSR possesed DID keep the US in check every bit as much as the US nuclear threat kept the Soviets in check! Now that one is gone, the other does what it pleases, seemingly answerable to no-one!

Sadly the dialogue of Hollywood films like Rambo and Terminator has now found itself coming out of the mouths of those in the White House... very worrying for the rest of the world, I can assure you.

Do I feel safe knowing that America is there to protect peace and freedom... do I fuck!!!! With people as worldy un-wise as Bush and his hawks in power, the world is less safe than at the hight of the cold war.

I never intended this thread to be an american bashing exercise, infact I feel they a damn good friend to us, most of the time.

I just can't understand why I am excluded from the Green Card Lottery just because I am English.
I have since found out that over 50% of successful applicants are from the Republic of Ireland.

Surely somebody knows why UK residents are excluded ??

CC.

Yet again, WillieBo shows up my half-arsed education. Apologies. I'll stand in the corner with the conical (oh shit! now he'll tell me it isn't conical---you idiot, Carac!) hat with the big D on it

If ever there was an example of why some aspects of the US are resented in the rest of the world, just read your own comments Bimmercat.


Mart

Apologies, Bob S.