Fred posted: And I didn't infer that you thought Afghan music was inferior. It's just that why should we assume they would want to listen to any American music? If they do, fine, but one of the things that irk non-Americans is America's somewhat arrogant exportation of its culture. Sure, lots of non-Americans love it but in too many cases it supplants indigenous culture, like kudzu.
It is true that as a nation we are, almost above all else, curious. We assume everyone else is too. Perhaps that's naive and innocent. Frankly, I love this country for that very reason. I do like the idea of cultural exchanges, both within our borders, and for those interested, people and nations outside our borders. As far as American pop culture supplanting others cultures, I agree that that's a very real concern. But I think with care traditional cultures can be preserved and exist alongside modern influences. (If you stepped into my house, you'd be overwhelmed with a sense of mid 18th century America. Yet, I don't live in the exact conditions that are preserved in painstaking detail as in Sturbridge Village or Colonial Williamsburg.) This is an issue that is very real to me. Because many of us in my family are enamored with that particular era of this country's history, we collect and emulate many aspects of life at that time. But we still have microwaves, computers, etc. (And they're tucked into cabinets with historically correct raised panel doors and authentic hardware.) So, what's the answer? To carefully preserve the details of a culture so that anyone who wants to can incorporate aspects of it into their life. The other half of the equation is whether in the interest of historical preservation we should not share ideas and inventions with a people. The key is choice. As long as there is a choice, people will make the choice they want. Isn't that exactly what we're (U.S. and Northern Alliance) fighting for? lots of love Anne
