Mickey Mouse Protectionism

"America brings us democracy, whiskey, and sexy!"
- Some Iraqi Guy

There's a murky divide between the imposition of foreign cultural values and giving people what they truly want. I understand the critique of those who claim that America is smug, rich, and fat - and through the power of greenbacks and technology we jam our biggie-sized, bass-thumping, Kentucky-fried culture in places where it isn't ultimately welcome. If you're hunting for multidirectional irony check out the Muslim kid in the Finding Nemo T-shirt running towards the Red Cross relief helicopter to obtain a Kosher MRE after his country has been reduced to bricks by American JDAMs.

So I can understand why reactionaries to globalization like the folks at UNESCO think, at first, that they should put the brakes on the steady influx of Hollywood movies, one of our most influential and obnoxious exports. Hell, I get sick of American culture living smack in the middle of the country. So - even while I can't help but chuckle, I can sympathize, briefly, with the Canadians and French who are sponsoring the new treaty to enforce a stern variety of cultural protectionism.

But between the omnipowerful Internet (with technologies like bittorrent and iTunes) and the money-jangle of commerce, it seems like a lost cause - one which barricades the door for a few moments while the tidal forces of globalization only increase. With millions of dollars of boffo box at stake, Hollywood has already made an initial response, and it wasn't marked with Sean Penn sensitivity. Ace lobbyist Dan Glickman told a raft of French filmmakers that the cultural diversity argument was a load of phony foie gras, and the only "protection" here was of their increasing small share of movie revenue. The underlying message here - and it's one that may offend the dainty sensibilities of Left-coast liberals - is that you like our movies, you silly Frenchmen. And don't try and restrict your citizens' right to choose.

Side Note: Everybody has a dog in this fight. Some Pro and Con debate on the treaty at the Times of India.