A glamorous, untouchable elsewhere

Abstract

The attack on the World Trade Center and the ensuing `war against terrorism' make necessary a reinspection of the western notions of selfjustification and alliance with America. An analysis of popular German and British illustrated magazines during World War II reveals a remarkably stable image of America as a Glamorous Elsewhere (in relation to ordinary life) that was also an Untouchable Elsewhere (in relation to military action). The image was produced equally by both German and British media. This article argues that it helped to establish an `American dream' in the West, a dream that still shapes the concepts dominating the western perception of the `war against terrorism'. But the post-11 September crisis of 2001 required the adoption of new concepts, more adequate to the changed nature of international images, alliances and warfare.