ACT Reading Practice Test 22

SOCIAL SCIENCE: American Influences Abroad

A tourist walks along a muddy Indonesian street looking for a souvenir that represents the local culture. He stops by a small street vendor to look at the goods for sale. What he sees shocks him: T-shirts and posters

Line 5 promoting American football, basketball, and baseball teams, brand-name American food and drink, and an assortment of other items of Americana. Although this example may seem surprising, it is a reality in many countries. American culture has inflitrated

10 many nations around the world that Americans generally consider the most exoitc. In these places, the importation of American culture—be it by consumer goods, media, or otherwise—is affecting indigenous peoples and their traditions.

15 The presence of American culture in other countries receives mixed reactions. Some people praise American business or simply find the so-called invasion innocuous. American logos appear in quite unexpected places, embodying the ubiquitous American symbols

20 worldwide. The presence of such American food and retail goods in a foreign market might indicate that the companies producing them are eager to support the local economy. American corporate confidence in a country’s markets can boost additional foreign

25 investment. In many cases, the populations of developing countries and highly industrialized and modern nations have embraced Americana. Many other people reject what has been called American “cultural imperialism.” Some sociologists,

30 anthropologists, and cultural experts lament the steady decline of distinct national, ethnic, and cultural identities as omnipresent American influences overpower ancient traditions and beliefs. For example, Mexico and the United States have

35 often had a tense relationship unhelped by the language barrier. Regardless, there has been an overwhelming influx of American ideas and products into Mexico. Look to the typical Mexico tourist resort. Only about fifty years ago the sleepy towns were still untouched by

40 commercial development. They held their local culture close. Now, however, grand international hotels tower above the traditional colonial architecture. A walk down a main thoroughfare in a tourist town could reveal a plethora of American businesses. The local cantinas

45 and native boutiques are losing the battle against large American corporations. Despite these issues, however, many other experts have applauded the spread of American institutions across the world. They point to jobs created, as well

50 as the modernization of infrastructure that comes with American commerce. They explain that these things will help bring lesser-developed nations into the modern world and help to decrease poverty and other social ailments. In fact, many of the jobs offered by

55 American companies pay handsomely compared to the local market’s average wage. Furthermore, some experts point to Japan as a prime example of where American involvement has been beneficial. After helping to rebuild the country

60 both politically and economically after World War II, America left a pervasive cultural footprint on the country. Although the Japanese people have embraced many American concepts and products, they have maintained a distinct culture that is rich in the traditions of the past

65 but open to Western ideas. American commercial and cultural expansion abroad has created both benefits and problems. In many places, there is still no clear picture of the future effects of Americana.