Contempo Magazine Blog

Contemporary world history has reflected the struggle between the self interest of nations versus the greater good of all peoples. When I hear our own politicians decrying NAFTA and wishing to return to populist isolationism such as the United States had prior to World War II, I do become quite concerned. The world economy affects every person in every country. No nation can live totally dependent on only itself. Political rhetoric by some of our elected officials is damaging our chances to market products in South America, Mexico, India, and much of Asia. For example, Mexico’s oil industry is facing a crisis which desperately needs an infusion of expertise, capitol, and technology. No doubt the severe anti-Mexican sentiment by many misguided American politicians has poisoned the possibility that American technology could help her neighbor.

Growing up in the South, I never thought I would see the day that we would be cheering a Toyota team at a NASCAR race. Now Toyota is just one of the good ol’ boys on the track. Perhaps some politicians should spend time at a NASCAR race.

A very popular soft drink commercial on Mexico City’s Aztec television network makes me reflect on the differences between the “Me Generation” and “Baby Boomers” as well as American perceptions abroad. At the beginning of the commercial an American father with his family is greeted at a social function in Mexico. He looks uncomfortable as he is surrounded by Mexicans who hug him and say “Tu casa es mi casa”(Your house is my house). Subsequently he goes to the market and is advised to buy the brand name softdrink to prepare for a party at his place. The commercial then ends with the Mexicans gathered at their home prepared for a party wondering why the Americans have not come to the party to which they were invited.

The “Me Generation” grew up with Seinfeld, Friends, and more recently South Park. American hero’s have become self-centered and fixated on the accumulation of wealth through deception. The end always justifies the means excuses outrageous liers like Michael Moore. These cultural icons are a definite change over the generation that remembers a President who inspired us with the words “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”.

At a time when the world wide opinion of American culture is at its all time low, perhaps it is more important than ever, that Americans reclaim who we are. I remember another soft drink commercial that come out in 1971 for Coca-Cola with the song, “I’d like to teach the world to sing” which told a very different story of us.

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