Imagine thinking that Cuba or Venezuela or Greenland would be better off if it had a McDonalds and a Walmart. But this is what American Representative Gimenez thinks about Cuba. And it is the crux of American imperialism. It is imposing a culture of consumerism on other nations. One which is completely in the grip of mega-corporations who produce banal, toxic, useless, disposable products and, of course, guns.

The arrogance of America is in thinking not only that the rest of the world views it as superior, but that the rest of the world wants their way of life. Most Americans who are fortunate to travel abroad, and who do so with a humble curiosity about the world and its peoples, are often shocked to find out how bad they have it at home.

They find cities that preserve history and that are designed for people rather than cars. They eat food that is not hyper-processed, mass produced and laced with chemicals and additives. They encounter people who aren’t rushing through a meal or talking endlessly about money and work. They watch families going to museums or parks or plays or concerts with their children without constantly looking at the time. They see how life can be without constantly worrying about paying for healthcare should they get sick or injured. And quite often, it makes them consider leaving the US for good.

Yet, this desire to impose a thoroughly inhuman and unhealthy way of life on the world persists in much of the populace. In the case of this post, a politician who was born in Cuba apparently thinks the island nation would be better off if it is carved up for wealthy corporations to exploit.

Empires throughout history have imprinted their culture on others through architecture, art, music, language and cuisine. In this regard, America is no different. Except that this culture is rooted solely in mindless consumerism. And it has little to offer the world outside of uninspiring, processed food, oversized cars, sweatshop made clothes and luxury items, and no time to enjoy life away from slavish employment at one of the corporations keeping them distracted and unhealthy.

Kenn Maurice Orfanos, January 2026