Perspectives: An American Studying
American Studies Not in America.Jasper Johns Flag 1967
Perspectives: An American Studying
American Studies Not in America.
Jasper Johns Flag 1967
Diddily squat.
Janteloven…
Jantehaten…
Does everyone know what that means? It means nothing. Nada. Nil. Neget. Honestly, I don’t pretend to know anything about much at all. Certainly about the country in which I was born and rasied. And Im extremely self –conscious in this position, tlkaing to you… my peers. Mostly because, you are a Dan ish audience, with different sensibilities than me. I feel tempted to adapt this presentation to suit Danish customs. To not make it personal, to not talk about myself in a manner that could be construed as boasting or bragging.
But… what the heck? I’ll give it my best shot…
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
laugh, 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.
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