by Todd Pheifer

Created on: June 09, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

Stereotypes and generalizations

Making broad assumptions about America's reputation around the globe is problematic, particularly since there are so many different nations and cultures that have been impacted by America over the years. America is known for a variety of things, including military operations, diplomatic intentions, humanitarian efforts, technological advances, political philosophy, and consumerism. Certain franchises, such as fast food restaurants have expanded well beyond the borders of the United States and have infiltrated a variety of diverse cultures. Sometimes this has been welcomed, and other times it has been seen as a sort of economic invasion. Here are a few thoughts on the image of America's restaurants as it pertains to globalization.

Perception

When judging the perception of America, one has to look at what is portrayed in particular countries. If fast food is the only exposure that certain individuals or communities have to America, then the United States should not be surprised if the country's reputation rests on the performance and behavior of that franchise or corporation. Does America want a fast food restaurant to be their international spokesperson? Is a hamburger and French Fries the symbol of America around the world? Does the behavior of a fast food franchise reflect the spirit of America and how it wants to be perceived?

Style and substance

One also has to examine the content that fast food provides to foreign nations. When American companies market, package, and sell foods that are generally viewed as somewhat unhealthy, it does say something about the priorities of a nation. People do need to eat, and fast food is terribly convenient to a busy society, but it can be difficult for companies to argue that their particular product provides a positive impact on the restaurant's target community. In addition, it says something about the pace that America maintains and how some nations might perceive America as pushing a frantic and over-committed lifestyle onto the rest of the world.

Big in America

The United States like things that are large. This includes houses, cars, and meal portions. It isn't hard to find studies and images that show the physical size of Americans as compared to the rest of the world. Given the amount of poverty around the world, it probably isn't a flattering picture for America when the rest of the world sees a large group of overweight individuals. When other countries see obesity in

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