"The Ugly American"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the fictional novels of two military officers, William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick. It analyzes the Unites States government's incompetence in foreign affairs. The paper illustrates the disinterest of U.S. diplomats in the foreign country he is living in. The author describes the subject of the book as the conflict of the United States foreign policy against the Communists, and their goal to take over portions of Southeast Asia.

From the Paper:

"The main theme woven throughout the book is that of U.S. governmental incompetence in our foreign affairs. Ambassadors and personnel cannot speak the native language of the countries where they are stationed. Often the personnel are political has-beens, who got a choice Ambassadorship for years of governmental work. Each of the stories in the book builds on the last, and adds depth to the different characters, showing their inefficiency and lack of judgment, contrasted with the "good" characters, who really try to help and learn about the native people."

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