Cultural Imperialism : the United States in Latin America or "The Velvet Boot of the Shameless Hussy"

Abstract

Cultural imperialism is a vague, undefined term that has recently come into vogue, primarily in revolutionary circles. Despite the ambiguous, cliche quality of the phrase, it is of the upmost importance for understanding relations between developed and underdeveloped countries. One may take any aspect of this relationship, from the economic to the political, and correctly call it an example of cultural imperialism. All depend on the importation of foreign ideas, technology, and institutions from developed countries, with no thought for their appropriateness to the underdeveloped countries. This paper examines instances of cultural imperialism in Latin America.