How Globalization Affect Cultural Imperialism - Research Paper Example

How Globalization Affect Cultural Imperialism and Communities In Regard To Immigration Cultural imperialism refers to the practice of imposing an individual’s cultural values onto other societies, and this interferes with the native culture in the process, ideally, it is practiced to create a culturally homogenous world for global capitalism and eliminates global diversity. Globalization refers to the intensification of worldwide social relations linking distant localities, and it refers to the compression of the world into one village with the spread of the Western culture being the central goal. Globalization has crucial economic, political and cultural dimensions, and the living conditions of the people residing in localities are affected by global processes (Eriksen). Arguably, western powers have continued to extend their grip all over the world politically, economically and culturally. Labor is very important in our lives as it assures individual survival and the life of species (Arendt 8). This paper presents a very thoughtful discussion on how globalization affects cultural imperialism and communities concerning immigration. The first section provides the negative and positive aspects of cultural imperialism resulting from globalization, and the second part explains whether cultural imperialism has a positive or negative effect on communities of citizens and immigrants. With the increasing globalization and creation of global cities, may people shift to the cities; therefore, population change seen in these cities is as a result of globalization (Martinez-Fernandez et al 214). Arguably, the process of globalization was promoted by the expansion of the humanitarian system since the end of the Cold War (Barnett 723), and with the ongoing globalization, the major aim of this process is to bring in cultural uniformity all over the world, and leaving no space for diversities. Globalization focuses on imposing American culture and way of life to accepted or embraced throughout the world. Globalization interferes with cultural imperialism and various communities as well as individuals’ lifestyles. Many people are afraid that the spread of globalization leads to the homogenizing different societies across the globe. Globalization entails accepting American culture as the dominant one, for instance, American multinationals such as Coca-Coca and McDonald are some of the most powerful corporations that have spread globally and influenced global consumer culture. These corporations have exerted a strong influence on local character and lifestyle. Arguably, American values have been embraced in various parts of the world, that is, their Hollywood movies, food, clothing, and many more, and this can be described as cultural imperialism. More so, the spread of globalization through global media and multinational dispensations has promoted the erosion of local cultures and traditions, and this has greatly interfered with individual’s cultural identity. It is in the interest of the United States to encourage the development of a world where their economic and political interests would prevail, a common language is English, and the common values are developed to be in line with the values which Americans are comfortable with. Creating a global culture entails the promotion of a particular lifestyle, and globalization has strengthened the dominance of the world capitalism leading to elimination of local cultures and traditions through a global culture. Arguably, globalization brings about a homogenized global culture and the native cultures eroded, and this global culture leans heavily towards the West; therefore, from a cultural perspective, the process of globalization is largely the spread of Americanization. Furthermore, today, we live in a consumers’ society where labor and consumptions is part and parcel of our lives (Arendt 126), and so, globalization has enabled the distribution of high tech machines to various places worldwide so as to make labor and work activities easier, and the available land in the society is used for settlement, infrastructure, and resource production (Wescoat and Douglas 10). Moreover, Arendt posits that human condition for labor is life and worldliness for work (Arendt 7). Culture refers to an individual’s indigenous way of life and it comprises of language, moral and social norms, religion, spirituality, and eating habits among others, and imperialism refers to the formation and maintenance of unequal relationships between communities and favoring the most powerful communities. Therefore, cultural imperialism simply refers to the practice of enhancing and imposing a culture especially of powerful political nations, over the less potent societies, and some people view cultural imperialism as the use of both political and economic power to influence other cultures, and spread of foreign values and culture at the expense of a native culture. More so, cultural imperialism take many forms to reinforce cultural hegemony; cultural hegemony is where one culture is considered dominant over others. Therefore, eradication of cultural diversities through globalization, and forcing societal uniformity and homogeneity only benefits the capitalist economies and their multinational corporations. All these global issues brought about by globalization affects the lifestyles of immigrants as they are trying to fit in and adopt or accept the new culture. Globalization promotes individualism because individual’s recognition is based on merit and achievement, and it fosters the formation and development of a set of universal values. Globalization influence individuals’ lives everywhere and it mainly driven by both technology and economic interests (Eriksen). In addition, globalization enhances interaction and adaptation of different cultures. For instance, through interactions, societies and cultures get enhanced in various ways. Globalization is very important since it leads to the spread of multiculturalism, hence exposing individuals to cultural diversity. More so, globalization facilitates the development of a plural society, this happens when there are increased economic activities, which lead to creation of many institutions, industries, interest groups as well as non-governmental organizations to protect and promote, individual’s interests, and this way, a pluralistic society is created. Accordingly, globalization facilitates the development of small cities with effective communication and information networks (Martinez-Fernandez et al 219). Furthermore, globalization also comes with some benefits in the cultural arena, that is, increased understanding of other people’s cultures helps in unifying diverse individuals and reduces unnecessary conflicts arising from cultural differences and misunderstandings. A better understanding of other people’s cultures may enhance our confidence and pride in our own culture and heritage, and this way, people will be able to address the issue of cultural differences in a more effective manner for greater mutual understanding. Moreover, exposure to alternative ways of life can help in increasing global awareness and appreciation of diverse people. In addition, globalization helps in promoting integration and removing various cultural barriers as well as some of the negative dimensions of a certain culture. Furthermore, globalization has led to greater immigration including illegal immigration, and has significantly increased the means through which immigrants actively participate in another country’s cultural, economic, social, ands political life. More so, globalization promotes a rapidly increasing network of interconnectedness and interdependencies and these are what describe the modern social life (Croucher 185).Therefore, it can be argued that globalization is indeed a very significant step towards a more stable world and better lives for people. However, some people view globalization of the western culture to result to the development of a new hybrid cultural form, and it has a homogenizing impact, therefore, according to them, globalization leads to both hybridization and homogeneity in the society. It is undeniable that the diversity of cultures and subcultures exist, and the interaction of diverse cultures can be perceived as a positive process because it engenders variety and this leads to enrichment and expansion. This is possible because cultures enrich one another. On the contrary, the interaction of cultures comes with a risk of intercultural and ethnic conflict, in that, some people believe that their cultural identity is very important, and that they are nobody when do not belong to a culture. Traditionally, culture has been considered an important factor in imparting and strengthening identities of groups or people. In addition, majority believe that language, culture and identity are closely related, and that an individual’s culture is what makes them unique. Acceptance of other people’s cultures is a difficult and takes place gradually. Therefore, in the process of trying to preserve an individual’s culture, language, religion, and ethnic identification among others, people do get involved in conflicts. More so, a person may view the other’s culture as being strange, alien or even threatening, and these negative stereotypesmay eventually trigger conflict between the two cultures. Furthermore, the intensive interaction of different cultures worldwide may enhance the formation of a homogeneous society where one or more cultures may attempt to acquire more powers and dominate other cultures. Cultural imperialism can be perceived as portion and product of the procedure of imperialism, whereby, leading countries develop and extend their monetary, tradition as well as political power over other countries. This affects particularly the local cultures of developing countriesthat have become dominated, invaded and even challenged by the western cultures, more so, cultural imperialism happens when a certain culture portrayed and deemed as incapable of modernity. More so, cultural imperialism can be viewed as worldwide expansion of one language at the expense of other languages. Cultural imperialism resulting from globalization, affects individuals’ lives as well as the society. For instance, the McDonald’s restaurant that is located in various parts of the world has replaced many local cafe; more so, many Hollywood films are available and are being watched globally. All these shows that standards and norms are formed based on the beliefs and norms of the dominant culture. Arguably, a powerful or dominant culture may consider other cultures inferior. Furthermore, teaching people foreign language, which is very important for immigrants, forms part of cultural imperialism. In conclusion, the processes of globalization and cultural imperialism have been closely related and have influenced individuals’ lifestyles. The term cultural imperialism can be seen as the effort of imposing one culture over other cultures. On the other hand; globalization can be defined as the intensification and compression of the world social norms to form a homogeneous global culture. Globalization leans on the values of the West and therefore, it aims at making the whole world to be like the West. Arguably, globalization aims at bringing in cultural uniformity all over the world and eradicating cultural diversity. Accepting other people’s culture is very difficult and it takes place slowly, and the most affected people are the immigrants as they attempt to fit in and conform to the values of other cultures. All in all, immigration resulting from globalization has really affected individual’s lives and the community as a whole. Works Cited Arendt, Hannah. "IV: Work." The Human Condition. [Chicago]: University of Chicago, 1958. Print. Barnett, Michael. “Humanitarianism Transformed”. Perspectives on Politics / Volume / Issue 04 / December 2005 pp 723-740. Croucher, Sheila L. Globalization and Belonging: The Politics of Identity in a Changing World.Lanham, Md. [u.a.]: Rowman& Littlefield, 2004. Print. Eriksen, Thomas. Globalization and the Politics of Identity.UN Chronicle. 2009. Web. 27 Nov. 2013< http://folk.uio.no/geirthe/UNChron.html> Martinez-Fernandez, Cristina, Ivonne Audiraz, Sylvie Fol, and Emmanuele Cunningham-Sabot. "Shrinking Cities : Urban Challenges of Globalization." International Journal of Urban and Regional Research 36.2 (2012): 213-25. Wescoat, James L., and Douglas M. Johnston. "Chapter 4 : Constructing the Politics of Landscape Change." Political Economies of Landscape Change: Places of Integrative Power. Netherlands: Springer, 2008. Print. Read More