baseline quality
The fact that MUJI only existed as a kind of boutique product to be purchased at the New York MOMA store until a few months ago says a lot about what the baseline standards of quality are in this country. For products that are considered "everyday" in most other countries (UK, France, Japan and elsewhere) to exclusively be sold in one of the most reputable modern art museums in this country only goes to show that what is exceptional here is quotidian elsewhere. Following that logic, it is easy to see that what is considered to be of acceptable quality here is mostly likely complete rubbish in other places.
This evaluation of quality is not limited to well-designed home products, one can see it in the level of innovation in the arts and music and anything that requires some modicum of design sensibility. We've now even proven beyond any doubt that we are completely and totally inept at fighting wars. Is it any wonder that the world is getting its money the hell out of our banks?
What I'm saying isn't startling news. We seem quite happy with our lagging technology, crumbling infrastructure, and general disinterest in things outside of our borders.
