Cultural Globalization: The Emergence of the Americanized World

684 Words2 Pages

Kofi Annan once said, “Arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity”. Globalization is an inevitable phenomenon in human history that brings about greater interconnectivity and integration of people worldwide. Over the past few decades, the pace of global integration has accelerated quickly and dramatically due to unprecedented advancements in technology, communications, science, transport and industry (The World Bank, 2013). Globalization affects economical, cultural, technological, political and social aspects of a country. In this essay, we’ll be talking about cultural globalization and its effects solely. Cultural globalization is the rapid movement of ideas, attitudes, values across national borders and the “the emergence of a specific set of values and beliefs that are largely shared around the planet” (Castells, 2009, p. 117). Circulation of ideas has allowed people to partake in extended social relations that cross national and regional borders, leading to the diffusion of cultures. Due to increasing interconnectedness, there is formation of shared norms and knowledge in which people associate their individual and collective cultural identities with. Cultural globalization is a double-edged sword with both benefits and disadvantages to society. However, its threats to national traditions outweigh the progress it contributes to society.

One of the threats to national traditions as a result of globalization is Americanization or spread of American values. The emergence of the Americanized World is in tandem with the growth of globalization. There is a convergence of consumers’ tastes and preferences whereby the American model serves as a blueprint for global culture due to increased interacti...

... middle of paper ...

... Any culture can be expressed in any language in some ways, but the nature language is most effective. Also, art is also increasingly influenced by western cultures, and this distorts a country’s cultural identity as well.

However, cultural globalization also offers the potential to enrich the world culturally. Cultural exchange brought about by globalization can promote tolerance and diversity. A “global village” whereby ideas and practices can be appreciated and exchanged and there are reductions of cultural barriers. People can communicate and understand others of a different culture better and there is reduced discrimination. Global trends such as cooperation in the same production or trade networks enable societies and individuals to know more of each other. Their differences become familiar and acceptable rather than alien and contentious (Ergil, 2010).

More about Cultural Globalization: The Emergence of the Americanized World

Open Document