An article recently caught my attention simply because its title is the same as that of our class, but i suppose thats what titles are meant to do. The article, titled American Studies: Stars and Gripes, talks about lowering interests in american studies abroad and the dismal view many young Europeans have of the good ol' U S of A. When it comes to evidence, it cites the obvious causes to explain the downturn of opinion. But behind the text is the pragmatic sense that whatever happens someone will dislike America, even former bffs. In an ideal situation, the world would work in harmony and everyone would like each other. But an ideal world is just a dream. The focus of the article is the slump of students applying to study America in Europe. Although few idealists about America, if any, exist in europe, there is a move to save the slumping subject. A few pragmatic individuals who still see the good in America are no longer waiting for America to redeem itself (but the author does mention the election is doing just that) and are taking steps towards rebuilding the reputation by focusing on culture and history rather than politics. Students interested in the programs have started to rebound as a result, although it may just be because of the election. But one thing is certain, the efforts and pro-active actions haven't hurt. In any situation idealists and pragmatists are needed to progress, in this case as with many other cases, the idealists were only dreaming and waiting on the world to change. In the end, the pragmatists had to step in to save the day.
1 comment:
nice post!
I thought it was interesting that USA's reputation grows when it is focused on history and culture, as opposed to politics.
I enjoyed your closing statement that suggested that the world needs both pragmatists and idealists. I have heard people argue that one or the other is a better approach to life, but I agree with your idea that both are needed. In history, it has been seen that simply approach does not work very effectively as the puritans were idealists and ended up being killed in events such as the Salem witch trials.
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