The Opinions explores whether the United States has lost its cultural dominance. Editor Nadja Spiegelman hosts American expats W. David Marx and Euny Hong to discuss how the world views U.S. culture and its lasting impact. This episode is part of "The New World Disorder," a series on the changing global order and America's shifting role.
Spiegelman, who lived in Paris, notes that foreigners often embrace American culture differently, citing "Malcolm in the Middle" as an example. Hong, based in Paris, highlights recent French adoptions of brunch and pastrami, influenced by shows like "Sex and the City." Marx, in Tokyo, observes the popularity of vintage American 1980s high-school gym T-shirts.
The conversation examines whether American cultural exports still hold the same influence they once did. Hong and Marx share personal insights from living abroad, revealing surprising elements of American culture that resonate globally. The episode questions if the U.S. still has its "monopoly on cool" amidst global disruption.
Listeners are directed to the full episode on various podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. The transcript is edited for length and clarity.