Globalization Eliminates Important Cultural Differences

Globalization eliminates important cultural differences.
Describe a specific situation in which globalization might not eliminate important cultural differences. Discuss what you think determines whether or not globalization eliminates important cultural differences.
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Globalization--or the process in which people, companies and governments of different nations become integrated--has existed for centuries. There have been exchanges among nations, mainly for purposes of trade. Nations have also imposed themselves or taken over other parts of the world for economic gain and dominance. However, the pace of globalization has been greatly accelerated in the last few decades due to the emergence of technologies, such as the television and internet. While the commercial effects of globalization have been widely discussed, scholars are now contemplating the cultural implications. One idea is that globalization eliminates cultural differences. While this may be true in most aspects, globalization has also caused local and indigenous cultures to take a defensive stance and proactively reject foreign influences.

Globalization, in general, has the effect of shrinking our world. That is, people from different nations become connected to one another and exchange cultural aspects. Undoubtedly, the cultural exchange is bent towards Western influence---or more specifically, the "Americanization" of the world in which values, preferences, and other aspects of culture reflect influences from the United States. For example, movies from Hollywood have become largely popular in nations other than the US and people attempt to emulate the appearance, dress, and activities of Western actors and actresses. This has manifested itself in darker women lightening their skin, dying their hair blonde and wearing clothes similar to American pop icons whose images dominate fashion magazines. Another instance includes the infiltration of Western fast food chains in other countries and Americanization of local cuisine. Indeed, improvements of communication technology have made people of other nations idealize Western culture while downplaying or rejecting their own.

The example of the US itself is a manifestation of globalization on a regional level. The US, composed of immigrants from different parts of the world, includes a mix of cultures and identities. While the US is ethnically diverse (relative to other nations), it is surprisingly homogenous. For instance, the majority of US citizens only speak one language, have no interest in outside cultures, and are steadfast believers of consumerism. While there exist communities segregated along ethnic lines, US citizens (through the school system) are not encouraged to know more about cultures that exist outside the borders and learn another language.

While most of the world idealize US culture, some have become defensive of their territory and seek to protect their own customs. Globalization, in a sense, has caused many in the Islamic world to take a stand against Westernization and defend their culture. Many see US influences as a threat to their Muslim way of life where religion is the center of all matters and women/children must be protected against harmful Western ideas. There exists a gamut of reactions to the defense of Islamic culture---from peaceful protests and boycotts of Western products to suicide bombers and physical attacks of Westerners. This "us vs. them" mentality does not only exist in the Middle East but also in the US itself. When the US experiences negative times, such as economic recessions, citizens tend to blame outsiders, such as illegal immigrants and Muslims for their woes.

The idea that globalization eliminates cultural differences holds true in cases where people can readily adapt to changes. It also is influenced by whether people of a society embrace or reject Western influences. Those who idealize the US as the land of success and wealth will be more likely to adapt aspects of Western culture to the detriment of their own customs. Those who feel pride for their ways will want to preserve their cultural integrity by rejecting globalization. They will define themselves even more so against the dominating influences and take proactive measures to preserve their way of life. Indeed, only a minority of people will reject the effects of globalization. As technologies improve and policies favor free trade, the world will continue to get smaller and eliminate cultural differences.