Why Cultural Diplomacy?

I appreciated the previous class topic about public and cultural diplomacy because of its explanation and discussion of the importance of cultural diplomacy in conducting foreign policy. Frankly, before I took Cross Cultural Communication (and another class called Public Diplomacy) I had little interest in cultural diplomacy or even intercultural communication. The topic seemed to me at that time rife with a bunch of academics discussing largely theory about achieving "peace" and other "feel good" lofty goals without real-world or serious policy implications. I am glad to have been proven wrong. Although I still do feel intercultural communication involves many academics attempting to figure out how to "change the world" by changing cultures and their behavior, I now regard cultural/public diplomacy as subjects that do deserve much needed attention. I think these subjects especially hold relevance with regard to achieving America's soft/smart power objectives.

Unfortunately, it seems to me that cultural diplomacy seems to only act in an independent role with reference to a nation's foreign policy goals. Practitioners of public diplomacy should not simply practice it in the name of eventual cooperation, understanding, etc between the nations, but they should practice it also in concert with foreign policy planners to achieve U.S. objectives. There appears to be a lack of cohesion or set of strategic goals that public diplomacy practitioners seem to not have. Is the Korean Wave really helping achieve South Korea's foreign policy goals? Does Mulan actually lead us to a point where we accept Chinese policies? Is Pokemon doing all that much to convince U.S. leaders to change domestic policies to favor Japan? For all the above questions, I believe the answers are all "no." This is because there is some lack of coordination between the "do-good" culture of cultural diplomacy and government foreign policy planners. If cultural diplomacy was really considered a tool instead of an after-thought in the foreign policy toolbox, it would be more integrated and more strategic-goal oriented.

Admittedly, some cultural diplomacy programs are aimed at promoting long term interests of the U.S. But, not nearly enough is done by the government, which is unfortunate. And then there is the whole debate about "if they like us and are receptive to our culture, why aren't they receptive to our policies?" Again, that's another discussion that significantly challenges the entire premise of public diplomacy and its ultimate success.

I think it is safe to say cultural diplomacy is generally positive, especially in a business sense where markets are opened and more cultural products are consumed. But, if cultural diplomacy wants to truly succeed outside of business, it should directly coordinate with foreign policy planners when deciding strategic, long-term objectives for the U.S. or any other nation willing to use it in a government-directed foreign policy context.

- David Lindgren

Response to Cultural Diplomacy Conference

I thought that the conference was very interesting because of the way that the panel and speakers talked about culture. The way that they discussed culture was very much like a product. I think that the idea of culture is much too complex to put in a box like that. For example, the woman who was talking about the artwork displayed in the U.S embassay in a European country wasn't talking about the merits of the artwork to the U.S, but how the artwork was used to make the United States look better. I don't like the idea of the United States 'faking' culture in order to make our culture look better. I disagree with the fact that we will have a more favorable view in the country just because the people can see a work of art in our embassy. The way to spread good messages about our culture may be through the arts, but should be through interactions with people, not just display.

Hey,.. so any word yet on the ethnographie?... its two weeks from now so... I had to leave class early last week so i was not sure if you guys met or anything...

response

While the Korean way to promote their country may seem to far outshine the shout outs to the United States overall, to me, the southern culture does exhibit a lot of pride. This is especially apparent in the country music. The country radio stations often play patriotic music interspersed with the modern day country music that is filled with pride for our country.
With song titles such as:
"American Soldier" - Toby Keith
"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" - Toby Keith
"Only In America" - Brooks & Dunn
"Have You Forgotten" - Darryl Worley
This list could go on. (I could also add Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus but I hate to even admit that I listen to this song...and no, i do not consider it country...it is just a side note)
Considering country music is really all I listen to, maybe my perspective is slightly different than many others. I am very much a Texan with a Texan mentality. My favorite holiday is the Fourth of July and I completely support and admire the soldiers.


On the other hand, it is true that many celebrities (not usually the country stars) become famous and find opportunities abroad to contribute their support and money to rather than using their fame to help our own country. But, there are more opportunities abroad that present a desperate need. Many celebrities do these things simply to help their image and not out of a desire to promote their own country.

Hey Guys, have we met or talked about the ethnography assignment yet?...

Response to October 29

The thing about the "Korean Wave" culture that struck me the most was the attitudes of the Korean Wave celebrities. There is such a large contrast between how they view their popularity and how many celebrities here in the United States view their popularity. In the video, as far as I can remember every time a Korean Wave star was interviewed, they always mentioned something about their country and their pride or love for their country. These Korean stars try to promote their country through their popularity, which is something that is not a familar concept in the United States. This contrast just continues to show that the Korean culture is much more of a collectivist culture, with the most emphasis on the country. In the United States, we are very much and individualistic culture, and our celebrities are a prime example of this. There is no attempt by them to try and promote America throughout the world-their motivation is purely for them as an individual. As the Korean Wave stars become more popular worldwide, however, I wonder how long they will retain this attitude of "country first" when they are being offered more jobs overseas.