I don't buy that explanation. Who taught the U.S. to drive one Hummer per person? Isn't it more likely that whatever caused the U.S. to consume in this way is also responsible for the emerging consumer classes in newly-wealthy nations like China and India?
It's true that in some poorer countries there is a cachet specifically to American things (that cost a lot more than an ordinary person can afford).
It's true that in some poorer countries there is a cachet specifically to American things (that cost a lot more than an ordinary person can afford).