Harold Pinter’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech, an excerpt:
“I put to you that the United States is without doubt the greatest show on the road. Brutal, indifferent, scornful and ruthless it may be but it is also very clever. As a salesman it is out on its own and its most saleable commodity is self love. It’s a winner. Listen to all American presidents on television say the words, ‘the American people’, as in the sentence, 'I say to the American people it is time to pray and to defend the rights of the American people and I ask the American people to trust their president in the action he is about to take on behalf of the American people.
It’s a scintillating stratagem. Language is actually employed to keep thought at bay. The words ‘the American people’ provide a truly voluptuous cushion of reassurance. You don’t need to think. Just lie back on the cushion. The cushion may be suffocating your intelligence and your critical faculties but it’s very comfortable…â€
Are you entertained? What is the commodity, “self-love”…how many ways is it really packaged, and have you bought any lately?
D, I think to a certain point, there has got to be some responsibility on the part of the listeners/readers to take the initiative of critical evaluation of society and politics. But I think comfort and “ignorance is bliss” are way too much of a “good thing” to give up. In other words, though we know we should take off our rose-colored glasses to see the world “better”, we wouldn’t: it is just too comforting not to be bothered.
While this is amazingly complex, I’ll point out one aspect.
Part of the American identity state of mind seems to stem from the loyalty already talked about. The only thing you’re more loyal to than yourself, are the things you’re apart of, things like your country (unless you’re been overtly affected by warlord gov’t or something like that). Now I know that’s not a revolutionary thought, but when it comes to the US it’s actually sort of interesting when you apply it to the ‘American Dream’.
Think of the US as a casino for a moment. It’s got all the bells and whistles, Hollywood, tv, the fancy gimmicks. But just like a Casino, the majority of people there know that they are in fact… not very well off. But there is always that chance you’ll make it big. You can see the big rollers… through the glass in the private rooms with the pretty girls. If the Casino ups its prices a little bit to pay for a new wing overseas, the people WILL pay. Their casino is the best one… and no one will convince them otherwise. Hundreds of cameras on them… they don’t care. Zero tolerance policing and their own private law. There are tons of Casinos out there… some with alot better odds, but this one is the biggest… and the best.
It’s a very smart system… and I would place the American leaders as among the most innoventive in history.
That is: the quality of one’s critical faculties and the quality of political discourse with which one participates affect one another. The slovenly use of ‘the American people’ is no less purely rhetorical than the US calling itself the United States. It is of course easier to take such things with a pinch of salt, to never consider whether such use of language is even remotely appropriate given the actual state of the various people of that country. One can, like the child in the classroom being asked what 2 x 3 is, simply give the expected answer whenever the question arises without even thinking about it. If one passes the test and receives what ever reward it might be (teacher approval, a sweetie, civil liberties) then it doesn’t matter whether or not one has ever understood the question or the answer, one merely has to understand giving the answer at the right time.
Hence the President(s) will carry on glibly referring to the ‘American people’, the people will carry on glibly taking that phrase with a pinch of salt (because their expectations have been fulfilled) and critics like Pinter will carry on pointing it out because they, like some of us, have read Orwell’s essay and seen the wisdom contained within it. Obviously I’m not sure that Pinter has read that essay but I’d be very surprised if he hadn’t.
Is there a country that commodifies self hate?
I find this Pinter passage particularly interesting:
“It’s a scintillating stratagem. Language is actually employed to keep thought at bay. The words ‘the American people’ provide a truly voluptuous cushion of reassurance. You don’t need to think. Just lie back on the cushion. The cushion may be suffocating your intelligence and your critical faculties but it’s very comfortable…â€
Accepting, for the sake of argument, that self love is a commodity packaged in language: I wonder if Pinter applies the idea equally to all nations. Does Pinter imagine that the U.S. is the only country that employs a scheme to keep thought at bay? Does he imagine that there aren’t many more countries that attempt to keep thought at bay? Does he imagine that Britain is the land of the thinkers, that Europe is free from such entertainment?
Everyone buys self-love. How much you buy is up to you and you alone…
You have to keep in mind that Pinter is a playwright and a large portion of what he is describing is American Cultural imperialism, carried forth to a large extent by Hollywood and advertised valuations – at least this is what I suspect he is referencing. As to the inclusion of other nations, what he says is that America is simply the best show on the road. There are many others, but they just don’t do it as well.
As to the purchasing of self-love. “Love”, and in particular “self-love”, seems to be the primary definition of value, in terms of desire. The subjectivities through which American Culture operates seem uniquely hermetic, fragmented from the whole, desiring units, defined pragmaticly and spiritually as consumers, who waste upon themselves endless engorgements of “self-love”. The idea that one is “free” in all this is perhaps a deceptive one.
Pinter always had a deep secret affection for America (no idea if he has changed his mind), and has often expressed it - even to the extent of previously getting him into trouble with Coward who was not quite so keen. They had loud arguments on the subject, so I am told.
Hollyweird is more like it. Not all of the U.S.A. has the whistles and bells. We have the rural areas with cowboys, rodeos, ranchers, poor farmers. Heck, I am not into whistles and bells, conveniences yes, but nothing fancy. Also, since you live in Canada, you are an American too Gobbo as you live in the Americas. We are far move diverse than Canada and most any other country. Yes, you have a major French influence in Quebec, but so do we in Louisiana, remember we purchased much of our land from Napolean as he needed $ for war. We probably have absorbed almost all ethnic groups into this land. A New Yorker differs from another New Yorker and a North Dakortan, or Las Vegan, Californian, Louisianan. Get the drift? We have many dialects and many customs governed under the Constitution. BTW: one state’s laws differ from another state’s laws. Kansas and Utah are basically dry states, Nevada is not. Most states outlaw prostitution, not Nevada.
Yes, U.S. citizens pride themselves on innovation, build a better mousetrap and adaptation, this stems from our rather classless system, as on the frontier and early colonies we had to be a “jack of all trades” to survive. My mother never could break from her UK class system, never learned how to break of her role is society. That is, Dad, my brother and I would roll up our sleeves, paint, change oil, mow lawns, cook, damn, Dad was a great cook. Mom, could not break away from that. She was great with flowers, the typical English garden, but forget the painting, mowing, changing oil, cleaning the pool. Hell, she never, ever learned how to barbeque properly.
I don’t know. How many of you in Europe are jacks of all trades as many in the U.S. are?
I mean, Dad could: cook, clean, paint, repair cars, build patios, a double car garage, brick walls, etc. We went to the UK for three months when I was ten. When we returned he had painted the entire house and the house and yard were in great shape. My other half, built his patio, does car repair, cooks, cleans, laundry. Heck, I have been in Nevada for months, except for Thanksgiving, the house is clean and we had a wonderfull barbequed steak dinner last night. I made the salad and baked potatoes. The only chore he hates and refused to do is dusting (i.e. original antiquing).
Sorry… a couple too beers for me to type this out all that great but quickly:
You’re right about hollywood… but I was talking on more of a media scale. I’m not saying every town has the lights and lazers… just that every town has a tv with cable.
As for Canada… yes we’re american… but to say you’re more diverse might be a little extreme. How many east indians do you see on the major cable outlets in the states? I really cannot think of a more culturally diverse city in north america than vancouver, montreal or toronto. ← I’m sure someone will argue this though.
As for your dad being mcgyver… that’s great, but I was talking about the American -leaders-. Nixon, Bush… those guys couldn’t drop a peice of shit in water if they were sitting on a toilet… but somehow they and their yes men continually come up with some ingenious shit.
Yes, there are many people who can put their hands to many things, my Father was one, I have had 4 different professions in my working life (Office Sales, Vehicle Recovery, Store Management and Elderly Care). I know of many people who have many talents. But I ask myself whether this is the question.
It is interesting that when someone makes a comment on American habits, people become itchy. It is very clear to anyone who has vaguely looked into American history that diversity is American. However, the way America presents itself to the world is anything but that. The diversity of America seems to stop when an American president calls for loyalty, or when the flag is unfurled.
The same can be said about the American entertainment business, at least of the shows that are shown in Europe. You might have Bill Cosby, Friends or any Sitcom, Stargate, CSI and whatever else is sold to Europe, you don’t need the sound, you know that it is American as soon as the pictures are there. Any other imports from other countries are immediately identifiable as not being American. Do you see what I am pointing at?
I think that if the world could get more insight into the true diversity of America, it would be more popular. However, it is worrying when you get this one picture presented and the feeling that everything else is under the carpet.
Yes, this is the question and I believe you have answered it.
Okay, but it sounds like the class structure, which is my point.
That is, Dad could do masonry, cement, build a two car garage to code, build me a 10 x 12+ log cabin, actually it was as high as the garage, build fences, etc., and he was an union grievance man, as well as a journeyman machinist. Built a hot wired corral, mow, edge, put in drip hoses for the roses, change the oil in a car, change a tire, etc. How many Europeans are this diverse? Ditto for my other half regarding laundry, housework and yardwork. That is, he and I can both wipe our butts.
Now there is my uncle, rather a big shot in UK government, we were often waved threw customs during the IRA terrorism. Could the very brilliant man drive. NO! “Hey, let’s go to the Wheat Chief.” Sure Uncle … What a hike. He could not drive. He tried once while we were visiting and nearly drove us into the stream in his backyard, OY. Brilliant yes, know the Benchley Park crowd, was in on creating the first computer, but he could not rebuild a car, nor do any house repair, or yardwor.
Sorry, we generally argue that we are far more diverse thant any other nation. It is the other countries that lump us, or stereotype us.
Are you claiming we stereotype ourselve by claiming to be patriots, which I am.
All politicians are corrupt and unfurl the patriot flag, including Germany and France, we do the same. This does not make us any more homogeneous than previously. We are diverse, and not afraid of walking between the various classes.
Hell, the Assistant DA, who lived across the street from my parents could not understand why they could not make ends meet. Dad would show them, both of them, how to install a sliding glass door and complete various home repairs.
What “hands on work” can you do Bob, or for that matter, any living in Europe?
I am really asking because I haven’t seen much evidence of this.
Hollyweird is a microcosm of a very small, rich segment of our society. We are not Hollyweird. Geez, I remember so many Brits asking me why I didn’t look like MM, sorry guys, but Marilyn is not the American woman.
Having seen what Europeans do in their pastime, I think many would be glad of the opportunity to be as diverse as your Father. What has happened here is that industry has forced a lot of people into drudgery that may not be part of your reality. I say that because of the Log cabin, hot wired corral, mowing, edging etc. which for many people in agglomeration areas is impossible because of lack of space – I’d say that the same for Americans in large cities. There is a certain amount of privilege that has to be taken into account too.
You are painting with a broad brush here. Of course there are people who do not have the competences that others have, but that is the same in all countries. When I grew up in England I was in a more rural area and helped on farms, sorted the bails of hay and made myself generally useful with the animals. My youngest brother never had this experience but has shown himself competent in areas in which I am not.
It is also well known that European academics tend to be experts in one area and “idiots†in others, but it depends really to what degree they occupy themselves with one subject. In India, on the other hand, many housewives have an academic degree, as well as being the successful managers of the family. I wonder whether we are actually talking about Americans and Europeans, or whether it is really about individuals in all countries?
What I am saying is that the PR of America in other countries tends to play down the diversity that America undoubtedly is. I believe that this is due to a large degree to the American media. Fortunately we have in Germany TV- programmes (shown at a time when everyone can watch) that show the diversity of America as well as the rest of the world. This way we can differentiate. But looking only at American media shown in Europe, you fail to see this.
Patriotism in Europe has learnt a lot from the past, although when you watch the international hooligans at football matches, you sometimes doubt. Of course I live in a country where the dangerous forms of nationalism have given way to a kind of internationalism that many people feel does take away the awareness of national cohesion. It is the result of a vigorous attempt to remove the Nazi memory, which, in connection with the marketing of the “American way of lifeâ€, leaves people asking, what is German?
It would be unfair to compare my abilities with others seeing as I have had more opportunities. However, what we “can†do and actually do are quite far apart, depending on the afore said opportunities. We are no longer an agrarian society, but an industrial one. Therefore, you will find similarities in industrial areas of the USA. I have so far achieved everything I have put my hands to, but being now in a managerial situation, I find I do not spontaneously do many of the things I have done in the past – although I notice that I still enjoy them.
Sorry to hear it, get well soon!
Merry Christmas to you too, even though I believe that Boxing Day is primarily British.
I’d have to agree that American culture, filtered through the media and pop culture movies presents a distorted picture of the America that is, but I suspect this is true of all cultures. What they publically project may not be what they actually are. At the same time, American cultural imperialism is not to be denied. This has more to do with being the 800 pound gorilla than anything else. Like all biggies, sensitivity to anyone else is rare. It’s all about us, and we obviously have all the rights answers - cause we’re the biggest. It is even more obvious that other countries and cultures should resent the imposition of ‘Americanism’. The golden arches become a symbol of all that others see as interference in their own cultural values. Like all cultures, Americans present both good and bad images.
Unfortunately, those who would persuade are persuaded. I’m not sure that an American president cynically exploits the buzz words to prevent people from thinking, although recent events make you wonder. Having been raised in ‘American culture’ those who wrap themselves in the flag may actually believe it. Arrogance isn’t uniquely American, it just shows more. No one ignores the 800 pound gorilla…
Also there is a rhetoric of unity (the United States, the American people, the wording of the Constitution and so on) more common and popular in the US (particularly when discussing politics, rather than culture) than in any other country of which I’m aware. This paints an easy picture for the cynical European press (of which the British press is a particularly hypocritical part) to propagate, and of course US foreign policy does have that monolithic attitude about it not at all unlike the British in our Empire building days…
Okay, but it sounds like the class structure, which is my point.
Yes, very true.
Also, my apologies as I was crabby last night with my cold, but this is not acceptable, and my cold is not your problem. Sorry, my post was too strong.
Literacy extends far past the academic world and it is unfortunate that many do not realize this. You probably have some skill as a veternarian as you worked with critters; along with some agricultural skills knowing what hay to feed to what critter, and never feeding them wet hay.
Like the recent meddling in politics by the UK academic union. What a bunch of idiots, and to top it all of they did not know the facts or what is really happening. My cousin is a nuclear physicist in the UK and he was totally against what the union was doing.
Many academics do live in ivory towers and have no real idea of reality, working full time, caring for a family and attending university does to a person. They do not understand why essays are often not done in timely manner.
Yes, this is true in Japan as well. Unfortunatly, after raising a family Japanese women cannot, and I do mean, cannot enter the work force earning the money their skills normally would command. I was speaking with a Japanese AAA insurance broker and she claims that women are forced out of employment by their midthirties as the men who run the companies deem that something is wrong with her if she is not married with children by this time.
Actually, right we are discussing individuals as well as the divergent class systems in the world.
Yes, and you are correct in that I fail to see this as a U.S. citizen as I can laugh at the campy Desperate Housewives as it is so outlandishly out of character for most U.S. housewives. This was true too regarding the very popular evening soap Dallas. I could not understand why my cousins stayed up late to discovered who shot JR. How sad that Europeans actually believe we are like our media. However, the BBC shows are often very popular here; Brother Cadfrey, Mystery Theater, hum, there was another Upstairs Downstairs, etc. that were very popular as well.
Perhaps, this is true of all media and demonstrats that the media has too much influence worldwide. Hum, come to think of it the Arab media does this as well and any show that negatively depicts Jews often becomes wildly popular in the Middle-East. Ah-Ahrem has done pieces on this in its cultural section, not to mention its bias, albeit all current news reporting is very biased. Our news media often makes huge omissions which is considered a fallacy.
Good point, rather similar to asking “What is American.” Globalization is upon us, just look at the WTO riots fighting against this, but probably to no avail. Perhaps this will eventually create more homogenization and understanding. I can’t help but look around and see Pier One Imports, clothing, cars, washing machines, etc. made in other countries. The Italian, Mexican, American, Asian, German, French, English restraurants.
Yes, I was being unfair and am sorry.
Actually, the U.S.A is not longer really industrial, but a service centered economy. That is, those who really make the bucks provide services, like doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, administrators, etc. Think about it, the workers who create make very little compared to others.
Good for you, I haven’t. Once worked in an university print shop during the summer, hated it and left, Trust me, this was mutual as I could not cut the paper correctly with the guillotine.
Merry Christmas to you too, even though I believe that Boxing Day is primarily British.
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Actually, it is also Canadian, and Canadians are Americans too.