"Americanization Phenomenon"

What Capitalism can give?

Capitalism has amazingly promoted a system of "Free Will". However it tends to be benefits for few and certain group--the elites, and damages the interest of everyone else. Thanks (not) to 'Father'? Capitalists may deny that the poor are disadvantaged and unable to gain any wealth because they have none to begin with. But still they create credos to those who are poor that"free enterprise" system of capitalism is constructed so that anyone, with hardwork, can be successful and gain wealth.

Let's see the good news. Capitalism has increased production so people do not have to work a way too hard to meet their need like what the ancestors did. What they need for living is easily available. They can just grab it. Today people are more civilized than their ancestors. people in different countries become closer to each other. Transportation and communication development has facilitated people around the world to exchange ideas and culture. Capitalism also contributes in the field of industry, agriculture, and business which have also contributed to economic progress. It may also potentially leads to the lessening of differences based on race, creed, caste, and nationality—displacing borders. In the factory the workers and officials from different caste work hard with one another and work shoulder to shoulder. This system—I have no idea—brainwashes-like people to earn money as much as possible so that they will take things for granted in some aspects as long as what they are working on save their days.

Americanization: History and Postcoloniality Issue

Before Elizabeth ruled (Mary era) it was said that many Puritans who found corruption in Catholics belief suffered from prosecutions well-known as Bloody Mary. Monarchy back then never embraced its people’s idea. The story continues as the Puritans finally made decision to travel to a land where the air of freedom can be achieved—America. But they still lived under British’s occupation until 1776. 

Colonial system is both cultural oppression and economic exploitation. In cultural studies postcoloniality contributes to the moment of enduring as result of colonialism. So it is more on the enduring effects instead of the end of colonialism itself. In other words the economic system that embraces “free will” (Capitalism) is how this all begins. It was presumably constructed against British monarchy system.

As a result of American capitalism Americanization may be considered as a part of a more general ‘change’ or ‘progress’. Americanization concept is not far from the ancestor-Puritans who in their belief characterize themselves as an exceptional or elected people which mean they are a excellent people. It may be one of their goals to attract people to watch, to observe, and to have the same ideology as they do. It is one of ways to shape our mind how American identity look like. 

Turning Table

Transnationality Issue: “Indonesian American”

It is not about Indonesian who is born in America but about how they appear more likely American than Indonesian at the recent days. The innovation principle of American capitalism has led the capitalists to create cultural products in a very persuading way so people will buy things they don’t need or will worship American way of life. Capitalism provokes people to be consumerist. We cannot escape capitalism, it’s on every billboard, every TV program. What they do is very attractive, their appearance are so brainwashing. 

American is well-known as fast food nation following the term of Mcdonaldization offering efficiency in which costumer in minimum time may get their stomach full. It stands for fast, friendly service, hygienic food preparation, clean, and inexpensive diets. It’s said to dominate food industry over the last thirty years now. Food and Beverage at recent time can be indicator of social status. There is possibly a “wow” factor when we can hang out with friends and have dine out in Solaria, McDonald, KFC, Starbucks, or the likes.