Qutb perspective of America

Sayyid Qutb’s perspective of America is what was informed by the pragmatic observation and experience within the course of his studies in America. In his article, “I have seen America”, he highlighted what he perceived America to be it was impressed upon him. His articulation is summarized in what he referred to as the combination of the zenith of civilization with the nadir of primitiveness. In the context of this he presents America as that country that is known for its industrialization and massive production of goods and services with so much reliance and dependence on science and technology, but with zero value for humans. By this he means that while America’s greatness and development cannot be overemphasized, he is of the view of its abysmal primitiveness in the world of senses, feelings, and behavior. Hence, he didn’t human dignity being recognized in the midst of America’s thriving economic development. He attributes American’s withdrawal from the religious morality and culture and the reliance on the applied science as the cause. In furtherance, he identified America with domination, undue economic struggle and competition, war, and violence which were made manifest in its history of conquering, occupation, and the independence, and even in its football games. From this foregoing points of view, one could see from Qutb that he does not have much love for American culture. However, some of the points he raised cannot be totally disputed.