of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, with a brief to think about
‘rebranding’ America (see Richard Tomkins in the
Financial Times
, 20/21
October 2001). Not unlike the perception that the USA is a ‘hyper power’, which
draws a host of criticisms and attacks, maybe Disney has become too much of a
commercial success. Along with being the source of economic value, Mickey
Mouse is also a term of disparagement (i.e. a Mickey Mouse operation); in a
similar manner, Disney is a term of contempt, an abbreviation for American
cultural imperialism. Accusations by detractors, that the USA spreads a culture of
crass commercialization around the world, are gaining more attention. American-
style
consumerism is seductive, but can bring with it a tawdry element.
The identity of the institution is important in creating a vision of the values of
the firm, thus many enterprises are concerned with controlling and enhancing their
corporate identity. Given that even popular commentators are grappling with the
contest of British identity, it would be odd if the V&A did not address issues of
national identity. Indeed it is an opportunity for the institution to redefine its posi-
tions in the UK and internationally.
Writing an editorial in the
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