Americanization
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For information on assimilation of foreign immigrants into the United States of America, see Americanization (immigration).
For information on assimilation of foreign culture in American culture, or the superseding of foreign culture by American culture, see Americanization (foreign culture and media).
For information on the attempted assimilation of Native American cultures as a policy of the United States government c.1850 - c.1920, see Americanization (of Native Americans).
Americanization (or Americanisation) is the term used for the influence the United States of America has on the culture of other countries, substituting their culture with American culture. When encountered unwillingly or perforce, it has a negative connotation; when sought voluntarily, it has a positive connotation.
[edit] Trivia
In Sweden, there is a humorous expression stating that it is the most Americanized country in the world, and the USA is number two.
Arthur Koestler described Americanization as “cocacolonization” in his book The Lotus and the Robot, referring to Coca-Cola, a symbol of American culture.
[edit] Further reading
DeBres, Karen; 2005; A Cultural Geography of McDonald's UK; Journal of Cultural Geography