Final answer:
The United brand represents ideals of freedom, democracy, and opportunity, but perceptions vary, influenced by American self-representation and contrasting Soviet depictions. Civic participation exemplifies how individuals can embody and promote these United States values. American cultural influence, ethical practices in merchandise production, and historical foreign policy contribute to the complexity of the United brand's representation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how the United brand is represented and what it means is a complex one, given that the perception of the United States and its brand can vary widely depending on the context. When examining American self-representation, the United States often projects an image of freedom, democracy, and opportunity. This portrayal is seen in various forms of media and political discourse. However, during the Cold War, the Soviet depiction of American life painted a different picture, often highlighting perceived inequalities and social issues.
One way to actively participate and represent the values of the United brand in our representative democracy could include engaging in civic participation that ranges from voting, to engaging in dialogue, to community service. This embodies the democratic principles of the nation and contributes to its reputation. Regarding cultural influence, American branding is powerful, as evidenced by the use of English words and American symbolism in fashion and other industries globally, which points to the reach of American culture as observed in places like Bayreuth, Germany.
From a historic perspective, William Brands' book, 'The United States in the World: A History of American Foreign Policy', implies that American foreign policy and its international brand have been subjects of scrutiny and nuance. Finally, when exploring the production of school insignia apparel, we can examine how schools enforce ethical practices in line with the United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) and observe the global networks that produce these items.