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It's (not) A Small World, After All
From January 2000

We have been told that this past 100 years marked The American Century. We currently rule in economic and political power. We also supposedly rule culturally. American movies, TV and music can be found around the globe. English is becoming an international language. Other countries (particularly, but not only, France) worry about cultural imperialism, about American culture becoming dominant everywhere.

And yet, watching ABC 2000 on New Year's Eve, suddenly, the US seemed not quite so significant. On a superficial level, the celebrations in Sydney, Paris and even London made Times Square look pretty silly. But more than that, ABC's telecast, ably moderated by Peter Jennings, showed that the citizens of the world are living their own lives and maintaining their own cultures. Yes, they consume American cultural exports, but they do it in their own way.

I think that the coming century will prove to be more global in nature. As we look at American pop culture, we see more outside influences creeping in. Whether it's Hong Kong action films, Latino actors, African music, or Thai food, American is opening its cultural doors. This is partly due to the influence of immigrants in the US; the Internet also plays a role as the first truly global medium. I also think people are opening up to new experiences.

Every time I turn round something pops up. Wim Wenders & Ry Cooder make Cuban culture popular with The Buena Vista Social Club. Daft Punk and Air give France musical credibility. Rai artist Cheb Mami performs with Sting on the Today Show. Hong Kong auteur John Woo is shooting the next Mission: Impossible film in Australia, which has become a film mecca (The Matrix was shot there, and The Lord of the Rings is currently shooting.).

Sure, American culture will continue to be popular. But we should not expect to be the only players in the global cultural arena. Instead, we should prepare to become world citizens. Which sometimes means sitting in the audience, rather than being on stage all the time.