Exporting Culture

The influence of American pop culture dominates perceptions around the world. America’s biggest export determines, to a large extent, the negative image of America. We may have noticed a change over the decades in programming on TV, in lyrics, and movies. The Parents Television Council (ptl) has a database that chronicles the levels of base (and debasing) behavior to which our culture is subjected by the media. The influence of these “teaching methods” is apparent as our culture assimilates these behaviors with no regard for God’s standard.It is biblical tradition that has determined much of America’s guidance in good times and bad. There are people who do not know or understand this. This is our opportunity, but where do we start? We have slowly, easily allowed what seemed “harmless, little” infractions against “proper conduct” to become a whole new “acceptable” way of conduct lacking little concern for neighbor or God.
From a world perspective, this degradation is noted in what is often their only acquaintance with Americans: the imported TV show, music, or the technologically laden violent movie full of expletives and plenty of skin. In a recent article, Mike Medved was quoted, “The biggest concern that people [in other cultures] have is the erosion of local traditions, the encouragement of immediate gratification, the emphasis on a superficial view of reality.” Zachary A. Goldfarb in a Washington Times article refers to a new book (Oct. release) by Marvin L. and Margaret Defleur, Learning To Hate Americans: How the U.S. Media Shape Negative Opinions Among Teen-Agers in Twelve Countries, which contends: “though teens embrace American movies, TV, and music, they believe that the violence, crime and sex portrayed in pop culture accurately depict ordinary life in the U S.” Is this the “Great Satan” that the world sees? Sadly Argentina, is the only country where teens viewed Americans positively. We have helped this with our viewing and accepting in “little bits and pieces” what we may have known was wrong.
This is what drives an image of America that many in the world hold.It matters what our decisions are with money (movies, music), leisure (TV), material goods, or witnessing an injustice and saying nothing. It begins with the individual as to what is acceptable. What should we buy? Should we keep up with the Joneses? Are the Joneses in tune with God? Should we watch that TV show if we know we lend support? Each decision to view or purchase is a vote for something, a support for something. Each decision to purchase should be tempered with need, or want. For His glory, or mine? For if one infraction is allowed the way is paved for others with decreasing resistance. That paved way is often not the path.
Pete Wood (2004, archive)