Should we reject the American way of life?

[survivorinohio]

With its rise to the position of “hyperpower,” the global reach of the United States of America has become beyond doubt. Everywhere you look, from global politics and trade to local entertainment, cuisine and lifestyle choices, the mark of the United States is evident. But as globalization has hastened the spread of the American way of life, with its particular eating habits, popular culture, lifestyle, system of government, and values, many have begun to question the “cultural imperialism” that has spread “the American way” across the globe.
Since 2000 globalisation has been gathering pace, and the Bush administration has made spreading American values and democracy a specific foreign policy aim. This has led many to wonder whether or not the American way of life is the right model towards which the countries and cultures of the world ought to move. As increased communication between people across the globe hurries the evolution of cultures into a uniform whole, the question remains: should the American way of life be embraced as a grand template for the world’s globalizing cultures, or should it be rejected as a harmful and even dangerous influence?

I didnt write this but I think it poses an interesting question.

[TheTaoOfKim]

We would first have to identify the American way of life. IMO it can't be defined simply and would surely vary from person to person.

I am more interested in understanding different cultures and their religious and/or political strategies while sharing our own. Without understanding and mutual respect we won't get anywhere.

No, the American way of life should not embraced as a grand template. One size does not fit all.

[Clairwil]

Does the "American way of life" refer to those bit that are unique to America, or do they include all aspects, including those which might also be termed "Liberal Democracy" or "Western" ?

[40isfun]

I think it's a harmful and even dangerous influence.  I think it puts money before people.  I think it does not celebrate diversity but rather strives to make everyone the same.

[turtle68]

 I agree with Tao and 40, I dont think it right that any one culture trys to stamp their cultural ways on others.  As time moves forward all cultures are intermingling and changing, I dont see this as a problem IMO it is a type of evolution.

P.S  I really see the Asian influence going to be overriding more than western.  They are going to be the worlds (if not already) next major superpower