Civilization: How We All Became American - Couverture rigide

Debray, Régis

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 1788734033 ISBN 13 : 9781788734035

Editeur : Verso Books, 2019

Synopsis

American civilisation's dominance over Europe - and what to do about it

'Civilization' -- a hard term to define. But while every society has a distinctive culture, authentic civilizations must offer those they subjugate an attractive way of life. Their imprint outlasts their imperium.

A century ago, Debray argues, there was a European civilization 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 civilization 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?'

A propos du livre

À propos de l'auteur

Régis Debray is the author of many books, including Media Manifestos, Critique of Political Reason and God: An Itinerary.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Verso Books
• Date d'édition: 2019
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 1788734033
• ISBN 13: 9781788734035
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 192
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: Terminal Video; n.pederzini@terminaldistribuzione.com; ; Via Bruno Buozzi, 24/26,; Granarolo dell'Emilia BO,; Italie