Pervasiveness of American Culture

Its everywhere.

I'm really hoping that coming here wasnt a mistake. I'm nervous. I hate making bad decisions. Or even just wrong ones. If I had gone to Morocco, I know American culture and me being too comfortable would be the very least of my concerns.

The music is the most prominent. Rihanna, Maroon 5, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, etc.

Last Sunday night, Alison and I (after watching one of the NFL playoff games--Jets?--at an Irish mate's house) went out with several Irish guys.

Walk into pub. There's a live band. There's a live band called Sweet Corn Riot. There is a live band called Sweet Corn Riot playing All These Things That I've Done by The Killers. Followed by I've Got a Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas. Followed by Hey Jude by The (very non-American) Beatles. Followed by Under the Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Concluding with Killing in the Name Of by Rage Against the Machine.

One of the guys tells us that song has recently been re-released here in Ireland. It seems like a song that befits the Irish well. [For my mother and others who are unaware, a prominent line is, Fuck you, I wont do what you tell me]

Just a quick aside, I love the people here. I like a bold, unreserved opinionated populous. I fit in better. But thats another post.

More American music is played, notice the Cardinals, Packers game is on a tv--supposedly its really popular here and in the UK.

We move on to a late-night bar. More American music. More Jay-Z, that damned Kesha song, Barbie Girl (?!)-but to be fair I think those guys were Swedes, that Mambo #5 song. Sex on Fire. Several times. Tyler and Adam were right, that song is played all the time in every bar. I dont know if they realized it stretched around the globe though...

Anyway, American movies play in the theaters here, American TV shows are the dominate drama programming, they follow American celebrities and gossip, etc.

The fashion too [Northface, Uggs (which are technically from Australia), and black tights all day are all seen here], but thats similar to food--its all becoming fusion anyway. The world is flat, etc etc.

And my favourite new expression: For fuck's sake

but it doesnt mean anything if its not in the Irish accent.