'Civilisation' - a hard term to define. But while every society has
a distinctive culture, authentic civilisations must offer those
they subjugate an attractive way of life. Their imprint outlasts
their imperium. A century ago, Debray argues, there was a European
civilisation of which America was an outlying culture; but today
the relationship is reversed. 'In 1900, an American of taste was a
European in exile; in 2000, a trendy European is a frustrated
American - or one waiting for a visa'. Characteristic of American
civilization is its three overarching fetishes: space, image and
happiness. America is a civilization of space and image, whereas
Europe was one of time and writing. And its kitsch infantilism
blinds itself to the tragic complexities of human life. A measure
of America's success is how its 'globish' jargon has so
successfully infiltrated European languages. For Debray, the
dominance of American civilisation is a historical fait accompli,
yet he sees a model for Europe in Vienna after its exclusion from
the German Reich. For decades to come, Europe can still offer a
rich cultural seedbed. 'Some will call it decadence, others
liberation. Why not both?'
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
