Although America carries a huge trade deficit with many countries of the world,
she exports to the world both her energetic culture and youthful spirit. These are most obviously reflected in her fast food franchise outlets and dynamic film industry with its wide range of wide international appeal.
When one considers why the Soviet system has collapsed and Western capitalism still thrives, many political analysts and well-seasoned economists may offer a variety of reasons.
The answer, if simplified to an extreme, can be summed up quite easily. The Soviets exported ideology while the capitalists satisfied practical needs. They exported fast foods and entertainment. The Soviets took themselves and their ideology far too seriously. Lenin, in death was never decently buried but immortalized in a vacuum-sealed glass coffin. The Soviet ideology is far too heavy-handed, far too difficult to digest for people who only wanted their daily bread and a little humor. Ideologies are too abstract to absorb and too hypothetical to find useful. They are not very nourishing and when forced upon the public over several generations, they breed resentment, boredom and poverty.
On the other hand, fast foods appease the hunger at a price almost everyone can afford. Some have argued that many fast foods contain far too many calories and the average hamburger and milkshake is high in cholesterol and low in nutrition. But, the ambiance in the places which serve such foods is clean, friendly and familiar.
America has capitalized on the appeal of fast food and successfully marketed its image. The fast food restaurants with their perky waitresses, soft background music and cheerful decor offer a homey, pleasant atmosphere where a hamburger and a milkshake can be purchased at a reasonable price. Furthermore, they can be found in almost every developed country throughout the world and have found a large patronage in some of the most unlikely places. Even Moscow has finally succumbed to the pressure of the people and the yellow arches of McDonald's can be found in the Russian capital.
In a similar manner the American film industry continues to delight and entertain both young and old around the world. Films like E.T. and Jaws are popular because they are exciting. American actors and actresses are often are handsome and attractive and have an international appeal. Directors like Spielberg and Scorsese have established international reputations. They are gifted talents who know the art of entertaining an audience and have produced films which have transcended culture and appeal to people of all ages.

In addition, the hi-tech, special effects, the use of computer graphics and tremendous financial investments which go into the making of a great film add to the wonder of the finished product. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the popular international mania which followed the release of the Titanic. So, forget your problems, eat a cheeseburger with french fries, wash them down wit a milkshake and take in a good movie. It's the American way!