Are we still viewed as “ugly Americans?” According to a recent Pew Research Global Attitudes Project study, Anti-Americanism is down in Europe, despite a persistent value gap. While President Obama has enjoyed popularity in Europe, his presidency “has not closed the long-running transatlantic values gap.”
Marion resident Kirtland C. Mead is an international management consultant, researcher, and executive educator. He has spent nearly 40 years either living in Germany, Paris, and London, or traveling to Europe on business, experiencing a European perspective on America. During this period of American hegemony, many of the Europeans whom Mead encountered couldn’t understand how the United States attained its top status when so many of the Americans they encountered seemed unimpressive.
At 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Aug. 20, Dr. Mead will present the European view on the American history, as he experienced it in the social context of a dinner party. When casual conversation turned to culture clash, several questions emerged: Was the U.S. really special, as Americans often maintained, or was its superpower status the result of a very fortunate history, as the Europeans believe? Could it be that America could become big and rich without necessarily being either good or skilled? And what should America do now?
Dr. Mead’s lecture will be held at the Marion Music Hall, located at 164 Front Street. Ample parking is available across the street at Island Wharf. The presentation will be offered free of charge, though donations are gratefully accepted. No reservations are necessary. For more information, please call the SHS at 508-748-1116.