Perspectives:

An American Studying American Studies Not in America.

Jasper JohnsFlag1967

Diddily squat.• Janteloven…

• Jantehaten…

Disclaimer/Waiver:

• Opinions, sweeping generalizations, personal musings. • The opinions expressed today are mine alone, and do not reflect nor should not be held against myself, my family, my nation or my g-d. Nor Roskilde University.• Feel free to ask questions about anything.

"The so-called Beat Generation was a whole bunch of people, of all different nationalities, who came to the conclusion that society sucked."

Amiri Baraka

American society sucks, sometimes…

But it also sings.

Ned Flanders parents on a Simpson’s episode were portrayed as Beatniks.

‘Spontaneous prose.’ Experimental poems.

Spunky leaders, half-baked recipes.

Recipe for an American

5 basic ingredients: Earnesty. – 1 cup. (Sometimes labeled under the brand “self-righteous”).• Self-irony is a rare wine in USA.

• Hollywood and the mass media take themselves seriously. Nobody else does. Liberal celebrity pundits helped President Bush win re-election.

Recipe for an American

5 basic ingredients: Earnesty. – 1 cup.

Space – 20 million liters. • Physical space – big homes, big cars, Big Macs

• Personal space – 1-meter (invisible) defense field circling every American

Recipe for an American

5 basic ingredients: Earnesty. – 2 cups.

Space – 20 million liters.

Emotion & Insecurity – 500 kgs. • Reduction sauce: arrogance

• To be American is to wear your heart on your sleeve. Which, can cut off the flow of blood to the brain. • Example: Governor Schwarzenegger

“My Governor can beat up your Governor.” -actual bumper sticker given to Cabinet and Administration staff (by AS).February 2004

(Psst. He’s not that tall. I didn’t tell you).

Recipe for an American

5 basic ingredients: Earnesty. – 2 cups.

Space – 20 million liters. Emotion & Insecurity – 500 kgs. Fatigue – a daily dose

• Americans are tired. Hard-working, goal-oriented societal construct. • Milestone mentality. Life is a Marathon. • Success & achievement is often measured by “stuff.” Homes, cars, trophies, clothes. • Sensory overload: media messages, pop icons, pop art.

"Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to "Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward." - Kurt Vonnegutlaugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward." - Kurt Vonnegut

Recipe for an American

5 basic ingredients: Earnesty. – 2 cups.

Space – 20 million liters.

Emotion & Insecurity – 500 kgs. Fatigue – a daily dose

Identity/Individuality • Identity points: Me, Family, Nation, God.

American Identity Points

Me

Family

Nation

God

Signs, icons & motifs

Me: “Catcher in the Rye.” Emphasis on personal rights and freedoms.

The Family Unit:Authors: David Sedaris, Augusten Burroughs, Jonathan Franzen.Nuclear families, sorority/fraternity, neighbors, adopted families, Sex & the City family. The Simpsons.

Nationalism:Dwindling patriotism, lack of introspection, partisan loyalty.

God:Red States. Religious plurality. Separation of Church & State. Inclusive/exclusive. “Faith” informing national optimism, and fear.

Tak.