Professor Jirik - Effects of Cultural Imperialism on Iraq

Professor Jirik - Here is a blog post with a few different types of media that can help explain and be visual aids to my paper.   Not all forms of cultural imperialism have to be on such a grandiose scale like establishing democracy, smaller forms like showing the Iraqis American dance moves can also be considered cultural imperialism.

This video is a prime example of cultural imperialism.  It shows service members sharing American music and dance moves with Iraqi soldiers.  A friendly encounter that allows both parties to share a laugh is simple enough in getting the Iraqis adjusted to Americans and embracing American culture.



This CNN report on the Afghan version of "American Idol" is important because it shows Afghan culture accepting and implementing a part of American culture.  When the War on Terror first began, music in Afghanistan was forbidden.  With the work of American forces, Afghan people are now able to not only have their own version of an American show but they text their votes in too!  Things that were once unheard of in Afghanistan are now becoming possibilities simply by the presence of American troops and a new wave of ideas being brought into their society.

Not all forms of cultural imperialism have to be made on other country's soil.  This picture from Reuters shows  two Iraqi women: Wasan Alqaisi and Sumer Majid, adjusting to life in the United States.  They are sharing a Forth of July picnic with an American family and embracing American culture like hamburgers with American cheese.  The Iraqi woman were "blending their faith and lifestyle with a U.S. national identity."

an Iraqi medic consoling an American Soldier

Cultural imperialism is a result of American troops in Iraq.  Much of it may be on purpose like imposing American ideals of democracy and government to try and help the Iraqis establish a stronger and less corrupt democratic government.  However, much of it is not.  Just by trying to find common ground or to create new friends and not enemies, Americans have introduced their music, dance, food, interests, etc. onto the Iraqi people.  In turn, many Iraqis have accepted American service members and the things they are trying to teach the Iraqi people.  I'm not saying that this makes the war good or bad, or that this will even help us win this war, all I'm saying is that cultural imperialism is happening both consciously and unconsciously.