Over the years I’ve heard a lot of pundits talking about America’s cultural imperialism. In some cases this is seen as good, in some bad. A lot of people lament the disappearance of traditions and traditional pasttimes, clothing and food in favor of cigarettes, jeans and McDonalds in third world countries.

It IS sad to see the old things disappear entirely. But at the same time it’s great to see the ideas behind democracy and the rule of law gaining currency around the world in lockstep with our TV shows.

And then we have China. Through sheer numbers and political cussedness they’ve managed to maintain a measure of cultural independence not seen in many other countries that were, until so very recently, incredibly poor.

I’m kind of stoked about it to tell you the truth. Any country that throws parties like that one is focusing on things other than the United States, negative or otherwise. They’ve got their own concerns and interests and artistic vision.

Frankly, I’m kind of sick of a lot of the pap that we’re turning out as a culture nowadays and of being the only country that matters on the world stage.

Artistically, new blood is exciting and some of it is going to come from China. Politically and economically, well…I for one would like to be among the first to express my admiration for our new occidental masters…