the Apple iPhone: An American Ambassador

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/wireStory?id=5346449

Japan is home to the largest gadget produces in the world, such as Sony and Panasonic, but last summer Japan was enthralled with an American product, the iPhone. This gadget was created in Cupertino California and has become one of the largest trends in America through the past two years. Prior to its launch “a line of nearly 800 iPhone fans snaked around the block, with some sleeping on the streets to ensure they would be among the first customers.” (Kageyama) The iPhone may not be bringing new features to the advanced Japanese cell phone market, but these consumers cannot wait to get their hands on it. This is just one example of foreign countries admiration with America’s culture. The iPhone has become the fad in America that Japan has to have it. I believe this all stems from the American myth. Most foreigners have never been to America and only hear about our culture and trends through secondary sources. These individuals build America up and put it on a pedestal. America is where the world’s largest professional sports are played and home to Hollywood. America is blanketed with a shawl of “coolness,” if you will. The Japanese had heard about the Apple iPhone being the hottest gadget in America and they had to have it, even though it is less innovative then their current technology according to Kageyama, “The iPhone's capabilities are less revolutionary here, where people have for years used the tech-heavy local phones for restaurant searches, e-mail, music downloads, reading digital novels and electronic shopping. They tend to shrug off foreign models, such as those of Nokia Corp.” (Kageyama)

America almost walks around with a chip on its shoulder and I believe other countries buy into this. We boast most of the world’s riches and are labeled the destination for freedom. This image we have created transcends through all cultures. I think our military presence and power creates an image of superiority over other countries and forces them to look up to us. Military power forces others to recognize you and acknowledge your strengths. For years America was lenient on immigration and foreigners flocked to America with hopes and dreams. We boast economic and personal freedom. Many other countries do not experience this and thus look up to anything and everything America does. These poor countries look at America as a utopia because of its safety and economic prowess. Our successes have translated into hope for other countries. Thee people believe that if they work hard they can come to America and succeed. This sense of hope is often applied to all things American. People in foreign countries will watch our movies or listen to our music just because it’s American and in a way makes them feel freer. The iPhone didn’t bring new technology or features to Japan, but it did bring an American lifestyle and the Japanese public couldn’t wait to get their hands on it. The Japanese who purchased an iPhone felt a sense of superiority because of their new gadget with exclusive ties to the American culture.