Through a screen darkly
Book Description
In a world increasingly skeptical of American ideals, Martha Bayles uncovers a troubling paradox: while the globe embraces American technology and consumer goods, the deeper values of freedom and democracy face widespread rejection. Through candid conversations with perceptive observers across eleven nations, she reveals how America's cultural exports have become a distorted mirror, reflecting violence and vulgarity rather than the nation's most cherished principles.
Bayles traces this transformation to the Cold War's end, when public diplomacy retreated and aggressive entertainment stepped forward as America's unofficial representative. The result is a cultural disconnect that undermines the very ideals America seeks to promote globally. Yet this penetrating analysis goes beyond criticism to offer hope.
Rooted in American history, spirituality, and political wisdom, the book affirms an essential ethos that combines genuine hope for human freedom with realistic understanding of human nature. This balanced perspective represents what the world truly admires about America, even as it remains obscured by cultural noise.
Rather than simply identifying problems, Bayles charts a constructive path forward. Her work speaks to anyone seeking to understand how authentic values can transcend cultural barriers and inspire meaningful change. This exploration offers valuable insights for those committed to living and sharing principles that genuinely serve human flourishing across diverse communities and nations.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 325 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Manners and customs
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore HISTORY / Modern / 21st Century
- ✓ Explore International relations -- History -- 21st century
- ✓ Explore United States -- Foreign public opinion
- ✓ Explore Popular culture
- ✓ Explore Foreign relations
- ✓ Explore Popular culture -- Foreign public opinion
