Cultural Diplomacy= A Must!

When studying cultural diplomacy, the question arose as to whether we should let pop culture speak for America. In my opinion, it should! The only other way that other countries learn about America is through our foreign policy initiatives, which are sometimes not the greatest. Pop culture is the only positive aspect of Americans in some countries.

I think that it says something when countries that want to bomb us are addicted to "Baywatch", or other examples of quality trash TV. In order to form positive relationships with other countries, we need to find common ground, which in this case is entertainment. During the Cold War, America still had a positive influence on the USSR, thanks to jazz. Though uniquely American, all could relate to it. It wasn't vulgar, though some believe the culture associated with it was, and added to the culture. Everyone appreciated it for what it was. Entertainment is probably the best area for cultural diplomacy. It doesn't change the structure of the government or change a country's values because it is only there to entertain.

If we were to find or create a positive way to access other countries, our own reputation might improve. But we also need to be receptive to other countries' "cultural diplomacy". We need to learn from others and not just think that others need to learn from us.