Americanization is the influence of American culture and business on other countries outside the United States, including their media, cuisine, business practices, popular culture, technology or political techniques. The term has been used since at least 1907. It is not a pejorative term but is often used by critics in the target country who are against the influences. In the United States, the term Americanization refers to the process of acculturation by immigrants or native populations (such as the Californios or Louisiana Creoles) to American customs and values.