We are all aware of what we have as our own. We are happy to share what we have with others, who we know have their own national cultures through which they see, and interpret ours.

It is not our purpose in life to export, or impose this national culture anywhere, or upon anyone. We know it is ours alone. This is different from that country that has a universal culture.

See cultural imperialism.

Roninspoon: Nothing in the past justifies anything in the present.

History is replete with irony. As you said, "History might be the immaculate irony".

Not to piss on your fire or anything, but two of the countries you mention actively pursued imperialism for several hundred years and the other two are colonies founded by imperialistic expansion.

themusic: Believe me, I wasn't trying to justify imperialism. I was attempting to point out the irony of your choices.