# A European's Americanization "Visions" Celebrates Absurdities Between NYC & Amsterdam By Marc Cohn | Published 2007-11-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visions-nyc-amsterdam References: [1jp.org](http://www.1jp.org/visions_on_america.html) & [1jp.org](http://www.1jp.org/) "The American Way of Life" is something you usually don't stop and think about. Dutch artist Jean Koning, however, noticed that his personal behaviour resembled those of popular American trends. His European standards were basically replaced by American ones. With that in his conscious mind, he started to contemplate and record his experiences in writing. His interpretations of 'life' are now collected in the book 'Visions'. It's a humorous book where absurdity is the main key to a colorful life. Traveling between his two houses in both [Amsterdam and New York](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concrete-amsterdam), Jean Koning wrote this speedy piece of work in between [fashion week](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take), the release party of his own album and lounging on the couch in his apartment. Wondering about the latest trends and hypes, abusing TV-shows and [Hollywood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hollywoodthemed-games)-stars, he came up with a new philosophy on America. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Americanization of European Culture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cross-cultural marketing strategies to tap into the growing influence of American trends on European consumer behavior. - **Absurdity as a Cultural Phenomenon:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create products and experiences that embrace absurdity and humor as a way to engage and entertain consumers. - **Interconnected Global Lifestyle:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build platforms and services that facilitate seamless experiences for individuals with multiple homes across different cities. ### Where This Applies - **Cross-cultural Marketing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop tools and strategies for businesses to navigate and leverage the cultural shifts between European and American markets. - **Entertainment and Media:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate absurdity and humor into content creation and delivery to capture the attention of modern consumers. - **Hospitality and Real Estate:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and create living spaces and services tailored to the needs of individuals leading a global lifestyle with homes in multiple cities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Unique Artistic Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amusebouche.md) - [Humorous Parenting Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eat-pray-cry.md) - [Surreal Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md) - [Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decentralization-please-save-culture.md) - [Hipster Era Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cobrasnake-y2ks-archive.md) - [Grand American Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-eurotrip.md) - [Brick-Centric Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-collection.md)