United States Save All

Recently after the Tsunami in Japan someone had to help the distressed country. As a superpower the United States was one of the first to step up to lend a hand. As President Obama was heartbroken to see what had happened to the families he pledged that the U.S. would give the country assistance. Obama is confident that the country will rebound with the help of the United States. Loewen stated in Lies My Teacher Told Me, "textbook authors portrayed the United States basically as an idealistic actor, responding generously to other nations social and economic woes" (Loewen, 232). This relates that in history superpower leader acts in the interest of others. This is the exoteric reasoning however it makes me curious to what the esoteric reasons happen to be. The United States does not help others only because its right we must benefit in some way otherwise our government would not do this.

Although I believe that Obama truly wants to help the people in their time of need there is no mention of what the United States gets from helping as well. Their were a large amount of American tourists located in Japan as well as business' and ships located on Japan's coast. Obama helps Japan since they are in need, however it also benefits the United States as well as raises our public relations with foreign countries.

This image of the United States helping the country in need with no benefit for themselves is portrayed often in textbooks. The American Pageant shows this, "Secretary of State George C. Marshall invited the Europeans to get together and work out a joint plan for their economic recovery" (Bailey/ Kennedy, 182). Foreign countries often are shown to be helpless countries that need the United States to save the day. Of course the U.S. does this with no benefit to oneself. The exoteric reason here is that they are in need so we will send a substantial amount of financial help. As Loewen stated, "Textbook authors portray the U.S. government's actions as agreeable and nice, even when U.S. government officials have admitted motives and intentions of quite different nature" (Loewen, 226). Growing up it is portrayed that the US are heros that help other countries. They were the underdog that overcame British power and now are the superpower.. or rather the superhero. The U.S. has the appearance of helping other countries in need since it is their responsibility, however their esoteric reasoning what they gain from the situation is never shown.

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