My last two pieces, on fan violence and dyed hair, between them spurred more discussion than anything I’ve yet written in this newsletter. With the permission of the authors, I will quote some of their very thoughtful replies, with further thoughts of my own. American readers are baffled by the need for the safety measures at… Continue reading Sports Fanatics
Category: opinion
National Self-Esteem
Can a country have an inferiority complex? Certainly the US strongly feels its own superiority, and this is reflected in its media. As pointed out in a Doonesbury cartoon years ago, a lot of American advertising uses the word “America” to sell products that have nothing to do with nationality. Mike Doonesbury asks: “Why are Americans so… Continue reading National Self-Esteem
Some Thoughts on Extremism
Talking with a friend about the events of September 11th, he mentioned that many devout Muslims, and even Hindus, are offended by some things they see on Western television. My first reaction to this was: “If it bothers them, they don’t have to watch it.” In some countries, governments try to “protect” their people from… Continue reading Some Thoughts on Extremism
Globalization vs. Local Culture
Originally published in Adventive’s I-Branding Digest, Oct 2, 2001 Context: I am American, but have lived half my life overseas, of which the last ten years in Italy with my Italian husband. From what I’ve seen in extensive travels and living abroad, most cultures are very resilient, and most adult members of any culture are… Continue reading Globalization vs. Local Culture
Pope-O-Vision
As popes go, John Paul II is certainly one of the best there’s ever been: he is truly upright and deeply religious, and he has tried to use his position to be a force for good in the world. I respect that, even though I’m not Catholic and don’t agree with everything he says. But… Continue reading Pope-O-Vision