The Obsession with America Among Europeans: Perspectives and Impacts

In the nearly 50 years of my life and living in England, I have only ever met one individual with a US obsession during my primary school years. This person, a PE teacher, introduced us to American sports such as baseball and American football.

One of the most memorable events was our detailed classroom analysis of the JFK assassination. Each of us played the role of a prosecutor, defense, and even Lee Harvey Oswald. We conducted a virtual trial with the hope that someone would provide a more accurate version of the event. As part of our assignment, we had to present diagrams of the bullet's trajectory and discuss the locations of the grassy knoll. These were all part of our lessons when we were under 10 years old, leading to a lasting impression.

I found his introduction of American culture odd at the time, but it certainly provided me with an appreciation for some of the biggest events in history and American sports.

The only other instances of European obsession with the US culture that I have encountered were among the nouveau-rich who embraced US culture during the 1990s and early 2000s. These families were extremely well-off and went to great lengths to adopt American cultural elements, such as perfect English. They eventually moved to the US, spending a year or more there. While they were once obsessed, today it is simply not cool to be blatantly American, and any displays of such obsession are kept under wraps.

It is not appropriate for anyone to be obsessively aligned with another culture or country. However, if one genuinely likes the US and finds that culture enriching, then it is healthy to do so.

American culture can sometimes negatively impact people who are overly obsessed with it. Such individuals may instinctively reject anything American, including American ways of approaching politics, law enforcement, health care, pensions, and vacation time. This cultural aversion can lead to social isolation and a sense of alienation from their own culture and heritage.

Some Europeans might remain obsessed with American culture as a point of personal identity. Alternatively, they might move to the US to fully immerse themselves in the culture they find so appealing. Their motivations for doing so may range from seeking a better lifestyle to finding community with like-minded individuals.

Ultimately, it is important to strike a balance between appreciating and embracing foreign cultures and maintaining a strong sense of one's own cultural identity. This is especially crucial for individuals who choose to remain in their home countries but wish to incorporate elements of American culture into their lives in a meaningful and respectful way.

Regardless of one's cultural preferences, it is important to remember that cultural exchange and appreciation can foster a better understanding and appreciation of different perspectives and ways of life. As individuals, we should embrace the diversity that globalization brings and strive to live in harmony with others, regardless of their cultural backgrounds.

Keywords: European obsession, American culture, cultural influence, American identity, cultural appropriation