Americanisation Flashcards
What is Americanisation?
Americanisation is the effect upon a local culture by the long-term and large-scale importation of elements of a consumerist culture founded in the USA.
Examples of Americanisation…
Coca-Cola and Pepsi, Hungry Jacks and McDonald’s. It is a television culture of Jerry Springer and Oprah Winfrey, The Simpsons and Mickey Mouse, and “reality shows” (such as Survivor and Big Brother).
Where is Americanisation shown
Ordinary Australians spend many hours watching TV (especially Australian youth).
With the result that we are subtly influenced by its content - whether we want to be or not, whether we are aware of it or not.
Due to the massive amount of American content on television, especially during prime time, Australia’s culture and way of life are being heavily influenced by American culture and its trends.
Where else is Americanisation found?
Language
American words (or common general English words, now laden with an Americanised meaning or application) and American phrases have buried themselves deep within the Australian language, often without our being aware of their origin.
Examples: babe, bro, dude, hoe, homies, ok, whatever
Phrases: chill out; like totally; you go, girl; you’re so busted
How is Americanisation shown in fashion?
Many people used to slavishly follow Paris fashions (and some still do), however, that trend has become more diversified nowadays and is generally limited to the upper end of the market.
However, the American influence upon street-wear can often be seen; for instance, in the “hip hop” rapper-style fashions worn by many teenagers; along with a profusion of bandanas and baseball caps (especially when worn back-to-front, in the American style).
American influences loom large over the clothing industry, especially the youth market, with brands such as Nike (sport), Wu-Tang (hip hop), and Levi’s jeans.
Some general knowledge of Americanisation can include…
Through the saturation of our television networks with American movies, situation comedies, and assorted other TV shows, Australians often know more about the USA than they do about their own country.
A minor survey carried out asked Australian-born subjects to list the states, native tribes, and national leaders of both Australia and the USA; sadly, most people could name more of those from America, rather than from Australia.
It has even been reported that, after having been inundated with a wide diet of American police/crime shows, some people in Australia have dialled 911 in an emergency.
Having an American mind-set is shown..
Additionally, many Australians have begun to adopt an American mind-set.
For instance, it is only in recent years that we have seen the emergence in Australia of the concept of “loser”; in the past, someone who had fallen on hard times would be termed as a “battler”, implicit in which is a struggle to rise up again; whereas it is quite common nowadays to hear such people referred to as “losers”, a nasty and disdainful phrase, implicit in which is the idea that such a person is destined to always be at “the bottom of the pile” and to be somewhat beneath contempt.
How is Americanisation shown through music?
American output also dominates the local music charts. Like many other countries, Australia is awash with music from the USA - which undermines local music output.
As with the situation in television, it becomes cheaper to promote and sell American music rather than promote Australian music.
The African-American influence is strong on the music scene. In decades past, the black musical forms of blues, jazz, rhythm and blues carried much influence, whilst the modern music form of rap influences Western youth, along with a contemporary rap subculture of basketball, break-dancing, and graffiti writing (that is, graffiti in a particular style, including that of “tags”).
How is Americanisation shown through politics?
Another impact of Americanisation is how Australian elections are far closer to a US Presidential race with the personality of the leader now of greater importance than any party. Although, Australians are told to not understand the West-minister system and believe they elect a PM, not a party to govern. This showing Americanisation through the idea of Australians following their thoughts of Americans political ways, when it is the opposing side of the debate.
Finally..?
Australian society is becoming far more Americanised then anyone could wish for, this having a negative impact on our culture. It is a process whereby ordinary Australians are bombarded every day with images of the American lifestyle, so much that it merges almost unnoticed into their own lifestyle. It is a process whereby our home-grown entertainment industry is overwhelmed by the enormous powerhouse of the American economy, with drastic effects upon the modern Australian nation.
