The history discussed in this chapter titled as “Commerce, Coercion, and America’s Empire”, provides great insight into the different ways in which the United States’ economic self-interest had sometimes indirect but always significant social, political, and economic impacts on Latin America. The most prominent sentiment in the text and the documents is the justified vilification of the elites from both Americas. However, what seems inconsistent or unfortunate is the disdain Latin Americans have for the average North American, while it seems that the average North American is generally oblivious to the exploits of their elites in these regions, only really being exposed to the region by second or third-hand accounts. Everything targeted at middle class Americans concerning the south illustrates a sort of tropical wonderland, through Disney, Hollywood, and other media; however, this image is far from the reality of the Latin American working class. During a time of such limited access, it is plausible to assume the North Americans were living in ignorant bliss, while their Latin American counterparts were suffering at the hands of the elites.

All four documents similarly share a perspective on the events of this time in history, but definitely do not support the same sentiments. Augusto Sandino’s “Political Manifesto” expresses what it is that separates him and those like him from the Nicaraguan elites who in essence helped exploit their country for financial gain and foreign benefits. Sandino expresses a sense of shame through a metaphor of being a child of his nation. He writes that the “flag hangs idle and humiliated by the ingratitude and indifference of its sons who don’t make the superhuman effort to free it from the claws of the monstrous eagle with the curved beak.” The eagle he refers to being the American investors. “From the Noble Savage to the Third World” debunks a lot of the fantastical US media that is guilty of perpetrating the myths of unity and friendship between the two regions. By attacking Disney, Dorfman and Mattelart are striking American culture at its very core.

While in contrast, I found that both American narrated videos seemed quite fond of Latin American locals. Silent War spoke of the immense teamwork between South and North American scientists and expressed sentiments of unity between military pursuits of all the American nations in the global fight against fascism. Journey to Bananaland similarly remarked on the excellent work of the banana farmers, and makes the transaction seem very cohesive between producer and consumer. Overall, the US media conveys an amicable relationship with Latin America that keeps the average American ignorant of the severe negative impact US investment and presence had on many lives. It would be interesting to see a more authentic document produced by an elite from this time, as to their perspective and how aware they were of the negative impacts.