American Things

In reading the Butler piece, I couldn't help but notice a conflict between local and imported goods. The early colonists struggled between using local products and shipping in more elaborate things from England.   For example, "wealthy colonists bought fancy English furniture in an effort to affect English taste in reception rooms dining rooms, hallways, and bedrooms" (pg. 155). Similarly, wealthy Americans today purchase Italian sports cars or Persian rugs or French art. It is hard to understand why foreign products are so desired. American things are also reliable, elegant, and beautiful. It almost seems as if Americans are not proud of their own goods. Perhaps this is because Americans are so busy and do not take the time to put forth their best effort. Perhaps Americans assume that foreign merchandise is produced with more care. I'm not sure if this assumption is correct, but I don't think it's completely far fetched.