The Cultural Decentralization - Essay Example

Cultural Decentralization Cultural Decentralization “Worldwide, non-Western cultures faced fundamental challenges to their cultural identities-not so much a recentering of culture but a decentering of culture”. This statement may be assumed to mean something different cultures, namely the United States and Japan. Worldwide cultural influences were mostly facilitated by the events which took place after the Nineteenth Century. The United States and Japan have prospered over the last Centuries, and they currently exhibit some cultural similarities. It is not easier to distinguish some cultural beliefs, and practices between these two countries, as it was during the Eighteenth Century. They are the main contributors to the new global economic environment. This paper analyze and interprets quotation “Worldwide, non-Western cultures faced fundamental challenges to their cultural identities-not so much a recentering of culture but a decentering of culture”. Almost all non-Western cultures have been influenced by the Western cultures including nations in Africa and Asia. The non-Western cultures have been mainly influenced by the American Culture. For instance, super markets and retail stores, such as McDonald, selling American food and clothes are situated in almost all countries including Asian countries (Hogan, 2005). These nations are slowly adopting American culture, therefore, “decentering culture”. Decentralization of Asian culture is considered to go both ways. This means that the American culture has significantly influenced Japan, but the effect of Japanese culture on the American youths can only be done by reviewing a popular culture. This includes anime, Pokemon, Television programs and pop music. Analysis of these items indicates that the export of Japanese culture and media is a leading business (Hogan, 2005). Several transformations have been witnessed in the Japanese culture since the Nineteenth Century. For instance, in the late Eighteenth Century, Farming was the most significant economic activity in Japan. However, this began changing progressively in the min Nineteenth Century. They began to realize the sense to adopt sustainable economic activities in the modern economic growth period (Hogan, 2005). In order to embrace change, several reforms were made on government policies. For example, they abolished the class system and implemented a free and compulsory education system. The Nation also stated offering its citizens government subsidies to encourage them to venture into private business activities. The Japanese was also encouraged to begin investing their money in industries such as the textile industry (Hogan, 2005). The government also developed modern transport and communication system to facilitate business activities. They built telegraph lines and Railroad, including postal system. The introduction of Westerners in Japan significantly complemented this expansive growth. The Westerners, and other foreign visitors offered Japan immense knowledge, which they realized was beneficial for their economic growth. Japan began exporting its domestic products into other countries, thereby expanding market for its local products, which also boost the national economy (Hogan, 2005). Farm mechanization also began in the mid Nineteenth Century. Industries were equipped with modern machines, which increased the volume of production. Cotton and silk milling became the leading. In order to diversify economic activities, Japan borrowed Western knowledge and began mining. A modern banking system was developed with the introduction of Bank of Japan and modern currency. Increased industrialization made the government sell out its government-sponsored factories to private investors (Hogan, 2005). The events of World War II significantly influenced the environment of both the West and Japan. Japan was involved in a severe war with the United Sates and its allies. They dropped a nuclear bomb in Japan. Japan lacked resources to build its structures and support economy. It, therefore, relied on Western countries for economic support (Hogan, 2005). The situation was not bad in Japan after the War as you may think. The United States did not ask them to repay its war wages, but gave it more than $2 Billion to stabilize and improve the economy. This money helped Japan to prosper in several sectors. Japanese government was capable of pumping lots of this money to rebuild its national infrastructures (Hogan, 2005). This money was also spent in developing science and technology sector. The economy of Japan is currently one of the best economies in the world. They are frequently witnessed in the world financial stage. Despite of the struggles to maintain most of its traditional culture, Japan has realized the need to embrace international life. The same situation also applies to Americans too. Statements like, “How many Americans now drive Japanese automobiles?” has become a common question in the United States. This is just one of the examples indicating how different societies have joined forces in the global economy (Hogan, 2005). With respect to the passage of discussion the beginning of this article, it is correct to argue that the American and Japanese cultures are so intertwined, that they have deviated from the original cultures they ones held. This is mainly facilitated by the events that occurred during the World War II. However, this is profoundly influenced by the strong economies of the countries since the Twentieth Century (Hogan, 2005). Both the nations still have a lot to share in the future, as the relationship bond grows between them every day. Melding of beliefs and cultures is something that is beneficial for both Americans and Japanese citizens. Culture diversity is essential, since it helps people to understand the significance of cultural practices and beliefs they are not familiar with, from all corners of the world. Understanding each other’s cultural practices and beliefs encourages socialization among different individuals (Hogan, 2005). Through culture decentralization, a given nation is capable of creating international markets for its local products and services. It is forms of marketing strategy, where given markets buy your products because the customers like the way the natives use the product or service. For instance, McDonald Inc. is an American company by it has opened retail stores all over the world through its franchising program. It offers several flavors of ice creams, cakes and Satrbucks. In conclusion, cultural decentralization was mainly facilitated by the events that took place during World War II. Currently, much of the cultural decentralization is being facilitated by strong economies of different Nations, for example, the United States and Japan. Other than the strong relationships that are created between different nations due to cultural influences, culture decentralization also helps different nations to create international market for their local products and services. Through culture decentralization, Americans people have realized that the Japanese are just people like them and, therefore; they should work together to make this world a better place. Reference Hogan J. P. (2005). Cultural Identity, Pluralism, and Globalization, Volume 1. New York: CRVP. Read More