🇺🇸 McAmerica: The Success Secrets of Brand USA | Empire

America is a meticulously constructed brand; it is the indispensable nation with exceptional power. There is no country as adept at branding as the United States.

Popular international mega-brands like Apple and McDonald’s sell neat pre-packaged pieces of the American dream to eager international consumers. A complimentary national branding strategy sells "freedom" and "democracy" over international airwaves, in movie theatres and through diplomatic influence.

But if Brand America is the sum of the effects of its soft powers, can we really separate this cultural imperialism from the nation’s use of hard power?

This month on Empire we investigate Brand America as the indelible presence that exerts its influence on the world. We talk to those who construct the brand, disseminate its message as brand ambassadors as well as those who are its stark critics.

Even after a series of economic failures and continued military interventions why does Brand America continue to be unmatched and unrivalled in the world? Will Brand America triumph over the nation’s strategic failures or is it on its way to becoming unravelled?

[toyosia]

This is so long but I have to watch it for homework

[thesenate_]

We’re all united here for one thing… Homework… we all feel each other’s pain. Donate £1 today so geography students can survive their daily lives and do not have to live in poverty

[dunique]

It cannot be denied that America has a loud voice in this globalised world. However, it should be understood the world does not consist of just America and few countries in Western Europe (their allies).

There are different people, cultures, traditions etc around the world that will one day surge up.

[patriciamasci]

I can recall in the 90's when everybody was wearing a GAP sweatshirt. <- THIS is how Branding works!! GAP clothes are highly priced for mediocre quality!! I refuse to be a "Walking Billboard" for any greedy Corporation that manufacturers their clothes offshore!!!

[ClubCovertLondon]

VOA reps are soooo squirmy, its like watching a Mid East minister or the old USSR ones!! Scary.

[DustinTheGreat]

i felt like this episode was a little confused and all over the place. if you wanted it to be on soft power, you should have spent the entire time on state soft power.

[nedz]

Does anyone know the name of the song at the beginning? 

[Larkinchance]

These CEO's and executives are superbly dressed, worldly, sophisticated, extremely intelligent and super cool... versions of P.T.Barnum's huckerism..

[dizhar]

Meanwhile in Abu Dhabi? What is this shit?

[csifresno]

It probably would be a benefit if the world was more like America

[dizhar]

Thank you for the anthropology lesson. What does this have to do with news? Shouldn't Al Jazeera  a chancel coming fro the Arab world talk about Arab issues? Think about it guys your being manipulated.