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
- Cultural Imperialism: Definitions and Debates
- Culture: Natural or Constructed?
- Cultural Superiority and its Consequences
- Resistance Strategies of Suppressed Cultures
- Representativeness of Characters and Cultures
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes the relationships between Phuong, Alden Pyle, and Thomas Fowler in Graham Greene's "The Quiet American" through the lens of cultural imperialism. It examines the cultural and social factors influencing each character's attitudes and behaviors, exploring whether they can be considered representative of Americans, British, and Vietnamese people. The essay investigates various definitions of cultural imperialism, the nature of culture itself, and the role of perceived cultural superiority in shaping interactions between cultures.
- Defining and understanding cultural imperialism
- The nature of culture: Is it natural or constructed?
- The impact of beliefs about cultural superiority
- Strategies employed by oppressed cultures to resist domination
- The question of cultural representation in fictional characters
Chapter Summaries
Cultural Imperialism: Definitions and Debates: This chapter explores the multifaceted concept of cultural imperialism, examining various definitions from scholars like Tomlinson and Kottak. It highlights the complexities inherent in defining "culture" and "imperialism" and reveals the diverse interpretations of cultural imperialism found across academic and non-academic discourse. A working definition is proposed, focusing on the attempt of a dominant culture to influence and change another, while acknowledging the interconnectedness of cultural, political, and economic spheres of influence. The chapter sets the stage for analyzing Pyle's actions in "The Quiet American" as a form of cultural imperialism, extending beyond mere media influence to encompass economic and political forces.
Culture: Natural or Constructed?: This section delves into the debate surrounding the nature of culture, contrasting Huntington's view of culture as a centuries-old, natural phenomenon with perspectives that emphasize its constructed nature. Huntington's "clash of civilizations" thesis, which categorizes cultures into distinct civilizations, is critiqued for its overly simplistic and potentially biased Western perspective. The chapter highlights the work of Singer and Ali, who challenge Huntington's assumptions and argue for a more nuanced understanding of cultural interactions, emphasizing the role of perceived realities in cross-cultural communication and the complex interplay of economic, political, and military interests in shaping cultural conflicts. The section ultimately argues against viewing cultures as static or natural entities, reinforcing the fluid and constructed nature of culture.
Cultural Superiority and its Consequences: This chapter examines the phenomenon of believing in cultural superiority, particularly within the context of American intervention in Vietnam. It explores the historical context of this belief, referencing the assumptions of cultural superiority held by both France and the U.S. in their interactions with Southeast Asia. The chapter analyzes Alden Pyle's character in "The Quiet American," highlighting his seemingly genuine belief in the superiority of American liberal democracy and questioning the extent to which this belief masks underlying economic, political, and military interests. The discussion emphasizes the blurred lines between subjective belief and justification in the pursuit of cultural influence.
Resistance Strategies of Suppressed Cultures: This chapter focuses on the reactions of oppressed cultures to cultural imperialism, using Phuong's character in "The Quiet American" as a case study. It introduces Scott's concepts of "public transcript" and "hidden transcript" to illustrate how oppressed cultures often employ indirect strategies of resistance, publicly conforming while privately criticizing the dominant culture. The chapter also discusses individual acts of resistance, such as boycotts and subtle acts of defiance, emphasizing the agency and resilience of individuals within oppressed cultures despite limitations imposed by coercion. The chapter explores Phuong's behavior, acknowledging criticisms regarding her apparent submissiveness while highlighting her indirect acts of resistance within the context of colonial societal structures.
Keywords
Cultural imperialism, cultural construction, cultural superiority, resistance strategies, “The Quiet American”, Graham Greene, Phuong, Alden Pyle, Thomas Fowler, Vietnam War, colonialism, ethnocentrism, public transcript, hidden transcript, American foreign policy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analyzing Cultural Imperialism in Graham Greene's "The Quiet American"
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an essay analyzing cultural imperialism in Graham Greene's novel, "The Quiet American." It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The essay uses the novel to examine the complex interactions between cultures, focusing on the characters of Phuong, Alden Pyle, and Thomas Fowler.
What are the main themes explored in the essay?
The essay explores several key themes, including: the definition and debate surrounding cultural imperialism; the nature of culture (whether it's natural or constructed); the impact of beliefs about cultural superiority; resistance strategies used by oppressed cultures; and the representation of cultures and characters in fiction. The analysis is primarily focused on the dynamics between American, British, and Vietnamese cultures within the context of the Vietnam War.
What is the essay's approach to cultural imperialism?
The essay examines cultural imperialism through a multifaceted lens, acknowledging the interwoven nature of cultural, political, and economic influences. It moves beyond simplistic definitions to consider the various interpretations and complexities inherent in understanding this concept. The essay uses "The Quiet American" as a case study to analyze these complexities in a specific historical and geopolitical context.
How does the essay define and understand cultural imperialism?
The essay tackles the challenge of defining cultural imperialism by examining existing scholarly work and proposing a working definition. It emphasizes the attempt of a dominant culture to influence and change another, recognizing the significant interplay between cultural, political, and economic power dynamics. The analysis specifically considers how this plays out in the actions and motivations of the characters within the novel.
What is the essay's position on the nature of culture?
The essay delves into the debate about whether culture is naturally occurring or socially constructed. It critically examines Huntington's "clash of civilizations" thesis, arguing that such a view oversimplifies cultural interactions and potentially promotes biased perspectives. The essay advocates for a more nuanced understanding that acknowledges the fluidity and constructed nature of culture, emphasizing the influence of perceived realities and external forces (economic, political, military) in shaping cultural conflicts.
How does the essay analyze the characters in "The Quiet American"?
The essay uses the characters of Phuong, Alden Pyle, and Thomas Fowler to illustrate different aspects of cultural imperialism and its consequences. Pyle's actions are analyzed as a form of cultural imperialism, examining the underlying motivations and the potential disconnect between his beliefs in American liberal democracy and the realities of his actions. Phuong's character serves as a case study for exploring strategies of resistance employed by oppressed cultures. Fowler's perspective provides a contrasting viewpoint on the unfolding events and the complexities of the situation.
What specific aspects of resistance are discussed?
The essay explores the ways in which oppressed cultures resist cultural imperialism, using Phuong's character as a prime example. It draws upon Scott's concepts of "public transcript" and "hidden transcript" to understand the nuanced strategies of resistance, which often involve publicly conforming while privately dissenting. The analysis includes both overt and covert acts of resistance, emphasizing the agency and resilience of individuals within a context of societal oppression.
What are the key terms used in the essay?
The essay utilizes key terms such as cultural imperialism, cultural construction, cultural superiority, resistance strategies, ethnocentrism, public transcript, hidden transcript, and American foreign policy. These terms are central to understanding the complex themes explored in the analysis of "The Quiet American."
What is the overall argument of the essay?
The essay argues that Graham Greene's "The Quiet American" offers a compelling case study for understanding the complexities of cultural imperialism. By analyzing the interactions between the characters and their respective cultural backgrounds, the essay aims to demonstrate the nuanced ways in which cultural, political, and economic forces interact to shape individual actions and broader historical events. It highlights the importance of considering both overt and covert forms of resistance and the constructed nature of cultural identities in the face of imperialism.
- Quote paper
- Martin Strang (Author), 2004, Cultural Imperialism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/33709
