The relationships between Phuong, Alden Pyle and Thomas Fowler in “The Quiet American” might be observed in terms of cultural imperialism (Alden Pyle seems to want to change Phuong and Vietnam). What cultural and social factors seem to influence the attitudes, behaviour and reactions of each character? Could they be read as models for the cultural traits, outlooks and expectations of Americans, British and Vietnamese people? This essay shall answer the above questions by analysing the following points: Firstly, the definitions of cultural imperialism are examined. Secondly, the question of whether culture is a natural phenomenon or constructed by humans is discussed. Thirdly, the phenomenon of believing in cultural superiority (by particular cultures) is analysed. In further parts, strategies of suppressed cultures to avoid their annihilation are described and the question of whether specific types (as the movie’s characters) can be representative for their cultures is answered. Finally, in the conclusion of this paper the results are summarised and discussed.
Many definitions of cultural imperialism exist. The term is difficult to describe due to its reference to the two other abstract concepts of “culture” and “imperialism”. Tomlinson (1991, p. 2) sees cultural imperialism as a critical discourse which represents another (non Western) culture in dominant Western cultural terms. Tomlinson identifies four ways to discuss cultural imperialism: Cultural imperialism can be discussed as media imperialism, as a discourse of nationality, as a critique of global capitalism or, finally, as a critique of modernity itself (Tomlinson, 1991, p. 19–28). For Kottak (1999, p. 234) cultural imperialism describes the spread of a particular culture at the expense of other cultures. In his definition, Kottak not only focuses on media effects but includes explicitly economic and political forces. Thus, Kottak’s definition includes all types of effects which advance one culture.
Sreberny-Mohammadi (1997, p. 50) criticises the term “cultural imperialism” because it reduces “culture” to the products of the culture industries and – often described also as “media imperialism” – only focuses on the impact of modern media or multinational corporations. All theoretical problems related to this term shall not be discussed here but it is obvious that cultural imperialism has different meanings in different (academic and non academic) discourses.
Table of Contents
1. Essay Question Number 2: The relationships between Phuong, Alden Pyle and Thomas Fowler in “The Quiet American”
Objectives and Topics
This essay explores the mechanisms of cultural imperialism by analyzing the dynamics between the characters in Graham Greene's novel "The Quiet American." It investigates how cultural and social factors influence individual behavior, whether these characters serve as representative models for their respective nations, and how economic and political interests often mask themselves as cultural conflicts.
- Theoretical definitions of cultural imperialism and its diverse discourses.
- The debate between viewing culture as a natural phenomenon versus a human construction.
- The impact of ethnocentric beliefs and the perceived "superiority" of Western liberal democracy.
- Strategies of resistance utilized by oppressed cultures against external domination.
- The complex interplay between individual identity and collective cultural representation.
Excerpt from the Book
Cultural Imperialism and the Spread of Western Ideology
Thus, in the “Quiet American” Alden Pyle not only wants to change Vietnam’s political and economic system (in his role as a CIA agent) but also its culture (i. e. its way of everyday life in all aspects). To understand the term “culture” – or to reduce its complexity for this essay – we refer to the definition of Raymond Williams (1962, cited in Lull, 1995, p. 130). Williams describes culture as “a particular way of life” which a community shares. His definition identifies culture as dynamic and constantly changing and makes no distinction between “superior” or “inferior” cultures. In this sense, the effects of Pyle’s cultural imperialism can be seen when he changes Phuong’s “way of life”, i. e. the way she dresses and behaves.
In order to understand Pyle’s attitudes and behaviour, we have to analyse why members of one culture develop their perspective that they want to change another culture. Firstly, the U.S. in Vietnam (as other European colonial powers in the past) was pursuing its economic and political goals. Building up a colony, or in the case of South-Vietnam a dependent state, is mainly motivated by the interests of influential capitalist groups. All conflicts between different cultures throughout history are actually conflicts about economics or political power.
Summary of Chapters
Essay Question Number 2: The relationships between Phuong, Alden Pyle and Thomas Fowler in “The Quiet American”: This chapter introduces the research focus and provides foundational definitions of cultural imperialism from various academic perspectives.
Keywords
Cultural Imperialism, The Quiet American, Westernization, Colonialism, Vietnam, Alden Pyle, Thomas Fowler, Phuong, Cultural Superiority, Global Capitalism, Resistance, Identity, Liberal Democracy, Ethnic Perspective, Political Interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay examines the manifestation of cultural imperialism through the character dynamics in Graham Greene's "The Quiet American," specifically focusing on the intersection of cultural values and political/economic agendas.
What are the core thematic fields analyzed?
The core themes include the definition of culture, the concept of cultural superiority, the political motivations behind apparent cultural clashes, and the strategies of resistance employed by subaltern or oppressed groups.
What is the central research question?
The research asks how cultural and social factors influence the behavior of the novel's characters and whether these individuals can be read as representative models for the cultural outlooks of Americans, the British, and the Vietnamese.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The work employs a literary and sociocultural analysis, using established theories on cultural imperialism (such as those by Tomlinson, Kottak, and Scott) to interpret the character arcs and ideological conflicts within the novel.
What content is covered in the main body?
The main body critiques the idea of "civilization clashes," explores the motivations of U.S. interventionism, discusses the "hidden transcript" of resistance in oppressed cultures, and evaluates the limitations of seeing characters as monolithic representatives of their nations.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Cultural Imperialism, Colonialism, Western Ideology, Cultural Resistance, and Political Influence.
How does the author interpret Alden Pyle's character?
Pyle is interpreted as a manifestation of the "pure" imperialist who is genuinely, if naively, convinced of the superiority of Western liberal democracy and feels a missionary obligation to install these values in Vietnam.
What does the essay conclude regarding the "clash of civilizations"?
The author argues that the "clash of civilizations" is a simplistic perspective often used to cover up underlying economic, political, and military interests, rather than genuine, inevitable cultural differences.
- Quote paper
- Martin Strang (Author), 2004, Cultural Imperialism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/33709
