Consumer Culture
Which reading showcases how big-time merchandisers leapfrogged over grocers?
Chapter 8: Supermarketing by Degrazia
Irresistible Empire
"As it adapted and responded to Italian consumers while teaching stubbornly backward-looking shopkeepers some lessons about modern retailing, it sowed the seeds of modern distribution" (Degrazia 379).
What is Lend-Lease and its impact on the world?
The principal means for providing U.S. military aid to foreign nations during World War II and it improved relationship of the U.S. with the rest of the world.
(Kroes ,121)
Why do countries fear globalization and the U.S.’ position as a superpower?
Because they fear the spread of American ideas through globalization, specifically capitalism. Other countries fear economic worldwide domination by the U.S.
"Anti-Americanism stems from four major sources... the sole superpower status of the United States makes it... well suited to meet these needs as the richest and strongest nation in the world" (Hollander, 34)
"Globalization is... little more than a new expression of venerable anti-capitalist sentiments and attitudes" (Hollander, 18)
What was one factor that led to the creation of the idea of the American Dream in Europe?
The only Americans Europeans had seen in the late 1800s and early 1900s were the rich Americans who could afford to travel (the Oyster Princess).
Does America adhere only to unilateralism?
No, America's capacity for unilateralism with its military means that it is usually unilateral with its foreign policy. Economically however, America's domination of the global economy causes it to become entangled in many multilateral organizations.
(Fukuyama)
What is the political response of the French left to economic subordination?
Similar to the French right, the new alliance between Communists and Socialists responded with a mission to reconquer France’s domestic economy
What form did economic subordination take?
Economic subordination manifested itself in the domination of domestic sectors by American multinational companies
What policies helped the U.S. become the dominant superpower?
"While some historians claim there were 'no selfish postwar purposes' behind Lend-Lease, British dependence on America was clear..." (Nolan, 157).
“The key Bretton Woods institution was the IMF [International Monetary Fund] … Every member set the value of their currency in terms of gold or dollars and promised to keep it within 1 percent of that value. This gold exchange standard made the dollar the linchpin of the global financial system, occupying the position once held by sterling” (Nolan, 175; emphasis added).
What is one of the main themes of the film One, Two, Three?
Money can buy you out of all your problems. Anyone can easily convert to capitalist beliefs, and every capitalist owes a debt.
Why did supermarkets not work as well in other countries in comparison to the United States?
Figure of the shopkeeper
Purchasing power differences
Lifestyle
Gap between American and European industry
Tradition
Incorrect currency/measurements
Everything was in English
Not catered to foreign needs
What role did the economic relief by Americans have in the perceptions of Europeans about America?
-Berlin Airlift
-Marshall Plan
(Nolan)
What is the connection between modernization and Anti-Americanism?
"the deepest and broadest source of anti-Americanism... is the aversion to modernity, which the United States most strikingly represents"
(Hollander, 12)
How did American commercialization impact European markets post-WWII?
"American mass culture started traveling abroad..." "[Americanization of production]... T-shirts produced in Europe are as likely to say "New York Lions"
"[American political language used] ... Dutch Advertising agencies" (Kroes ,126)
How did Post-WWII economic society in Europe form and shape under American influence of "The Five Freedoms"?
"The Five Freedoms pushed for individual freedoms and in certain societal terms that impacted and changed Economic competition and business in Europe." (Kroes ,128)
What is anti-globalism specifically in European countries?
A nationalist and protectionist political movement that ranges from left-wing to right-wing and opposes American influence over the local economy on issues of free trade, banking systems, currency, etc.
(Fukuyama)