As Others See Us

The Causes and Consequences of Foreign Perceptions of America

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy
Cover of the book As Others See Us by Stephen Brooks, University of Toronto Press, Higher Education Division
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Stephen Brooks ISBN: 9781442608481
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Higher Education Division Publication: February 1, 2006
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Stephen Brooks
ISBN: 9781442608481
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Higher Education Division
Publication: February 1, 2006
Imprint:
Language: English

One of the ironies of the post-Cold War world, in which the power of the United States is without rival, is that the costs of isolationism and ignorance are greater than ever. The temptation to imagine that the rest of the world matters less than before is enticing, as America basks in the triumphant glow of a world in which capitalism and democracy, under the aegis of American leadership, are thought to have vanquished all rivals. Although it is unlikely that Americans will come to pay much attention to the rest of the world anytime soon—except when their citizens are threatened or killed abroad, or when they are persuaded that the threat of foreigners doing harm at home seems real—their failure to do so cripples the ability of the United States to understand a world in which American interests, security, and prosperity are embedded to an unprecedented degree.

As Others See Us investigates the causes and consequences of the world’s perceptions of America. It proceeds from the premise that the images, ideas, and information that foreign populations have of the United States and Americans come from a number of sources, most of which are mediated. Some of these sources are American, Hollywood especially. Others are located outside the country, in the media, educational, religious, and political systems through which foreign populations learn about America. Any attempt to understand the "what" and "why" of foreign perceptions of America needs to look closely at these external determinants of how the image and interpretation of the United States is constructed in different societies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

One of the ironies of the post-Cold War world, in which the power of the United States is without rival, is that the costs of isolationism and ignorance are greater than ever. The temptation to imagine that the rest of the world matters less than before is enticing, as America basks in the triumphant glow of a world in which capitalism and democracy, under the aegis of American leadership, are thought to have vanquished all rivals. Although it is unlikely that Americans will come to pay much attention to the rest of the world anytime soon—except when their citizens are threatened or killed abroad, or when they are persuaded that the threat of foreigners doing harm at home seems real—their failure to do so cripples the ability of the United States to understand a world in which American interests, security, and prosperity are embedded to an unprecedented degree.

As Others See Us investigates the causes and consequences of the world’s perceptions of America. It proceeds from the premise that the images, ideas, and information that foreign populations have of the United States and Americans come from a number of sources, most of which are mediated. Some of these sources are American, Hollywood especially. Others are located outside the country, in the media, educational, religious, and political systems through which foreign populations learn about America. Any attempt to understand the "what" and "why" of foreign perceptions of America needs to look closely at these external determinants of how the image and interpretation of the United States is constructed in different societies.

More books from University of Toronto Press, Higher Education Division

Cover of the book Telling Our Stories by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book Inequality, Poverty, and Neoliberal Governance by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book A Short History of the Middle Ages, Volume II by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book Linguistically Appropriate Practice by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book A History of Anthropological Theory, Fourth Edition by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book Rock'n America by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book The Shaping of Western Civilization by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book Charlemagne's Courtier by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book Thinking Government by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book Violence Against Women by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book Kickstarting Your Academic Career by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book A History of Science in Society, Volume I by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book A Civil Society? by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book A History of Science in Society by Stephen Brooks
Cover of the book City Politics, Canada by Stephen Brooks
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy