Frankso wrote: "On the subject of Haino's supposed racism, you would be surprised to find out just how many people outside of the USA feel that their culture has been invaded by the USA - just ask a random selection of (French) people in the streets of Paris, and you'll get opinions like this from more than 50% of them." This may be even more true in Asia, ie Japan and China. The changes in those two countries are monumental. My wife , who is from Shenyang in north China, and I last traveled there in 1999. The invasion of Western (American) "pop" culture is very real. My previous trip in 1993 was only a preview of what was to come. There is nothing more shocking than entering shops in remote areas of China, well off the tourist route, and coming face to face with a larger than lifesize Michael Jordan poster. One need not go far to locate a McD or Mickey Mouse. KFCs are everywhere, as are Pizza Hut, Jeeps, Ralph Lauren. Imperialism, code named "Joint Ventures," is spreading rapidly through films, TV, you name it. Walk across the street from the Beijing train station, not an easy task BTW, and you'll find a Starbuck's. Shanghai, always the most Western of Chinese cities, might now be mistaken for Manhattan. So, though I have not read the quoted article, I do understand the fear of disappearing traditions. Think about the immediate reaction, at least as it was translated by American broadcasting networks, of Aghans upon the downfall of the Taliban. They were now "free" to cut their hair Western style, watch TV, listen to music, go the movies. In other words, become consumers. The real invasion does not come via air strikes, tanks, etc. It comes in little packages with smiley faces and a request for "one large fries, please." Alan E Kayser _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx