Only in America … it's often said, by European liberals, that news coverage in the US is absurdly inward looking and patriotic. Why don't they give world events more coverage on Fox? Where is the curiosity about global affairs?  Instead of saying "100 people were crushed …", a TV anchor in the US will say "100 Americans …". What is the reason for such apparent national narcissism?  It is not mere narrowness of outlook. The simple truth is that if you are inside it – and even if you are on the far side of the Atlantic – the US is a massive and strange fact that is very difficult to ignore. Americans can't take their eyes off America because they have front-row seats for the weirdest show on earth.  Consider this. George Zimmerman, the former neighbourhood watchman acquitted by a Florida jury earlier in 2013 for the fatal shooting of African American teenager Trayvon Martin, has put what is said to be his first painting for sale on eBay. The Los Angeles Times reports that it may be a copy of a well-known photograph – but that has not daunted his fans.  Bids at the time of writing have reached $110,100, with bidders leaving messages of support.  Zimmerman's "art" is a picture of an American flag with the words "God" and "One nation with justice and liberty for all" written across it. It suggests he sees himself as a patriotic hero – and the people making offers apparently agree.  It's reminiscent of Martin Scorsese's most disturbing films, Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, in which antiheroes who seemed destined for disaster become media celebrities instead. Will George Zimmerman end up as a regular guest of TV chat shows? Will his "patriotism" even get him his own show?  It's no surprise that Americans only have eyes for America. Who can resist staring at a car wreck?
Jonathan Jones: The Florida neighbourhood watchman acquitted over the death of Trayvon Martin is selling a painting on eBay, and bids have reached $110,100. Why does Zimmerman fascinate America?