America Eats World: A Response to Hook's Article Concerning "Otherness"

Throughout class discussion and the readings, the difference between acceptance and a certain "fascination" upon picking apart other cultures became more apparent and defined. The modern Western ideal still strongly exhibits the mindset of colonialism, in a sense that the cultures of others are taken in bits and pieces, but never truly accepted or seen on an equal level. It is the constant ethnocentric domination that continues to draw a line to differ oneself from the "otherness" of those exhibiting different customs and beliefs. American consumerism takes these bits of fragmented cultures, displaying them throughout media and entertainment, yet never truly pays them the credit and dignity that they deserve. In consequence, these fragmented ideals become the means for further stereotyping, and an unrealistic understanding of other people. This perceived notion of people and customs causes further disorientation and inaccurate portrayal of the actual people, culture, and beliefs displayed in media (more directly American media). This false awareness leads to what Hook's analyses further in regards to "eating other cultures," swallowing the true meaning and personal significance lost through media's quest to only indulge in commercial benefit. It is the constant domination of this ethnocentric mindset backing the American culture that leads to the distancing of equality and acceptance. The drastic difference between recognition and consumption of culture is what I found critical in Hook's article, and in my own personal opinion of what happens in society and popular media culture. It is key to define the relationship one has with what is seen and displayed in the media, constantly questioning the blatant stereotypes and inaccurate portrayals of the "others" around us.