Globalization And Canadian Identity

Advances in technology have created a digital age where people across the globe can connect and interact with each other as easily as if they lived in the same community. Globalization has driven the worldwide spread of technology, creating far-reaching connections and what has come to be commonly known as a “global village”. This term, coined by Canadian professor and philosopher Marshall McLuhan, is a metaphor used to describe the shrinking of the world into a closely connected village, free of physical and cultural borders, through the use of electronic media. The source states that this new global identity threatens to replace national and individual identities. In this quote, the author criticizes social and economic globalization, representing

the negative impact these changes could have on these vastly different but interconnected identities. In a CBC interview on May 18, 1960, McLuhan describes the rise of the “tribal” man, and society involuntarily moving away from individualism and toward a group identity. He speaks of how people’s value of self-definition is slowly being replaced by an age valuing collective identity and acting as a group. However, many would argue that globalization, global identity, and expansion of digital media has had a positive impact on society and the world in general. With this in mind, I believe that globalization has created a global village, but this does not threaten our national and individual identities, it merely connects cultures and people from around the world.
Regardless of the influence of electronic media, pluralistic societies have continued to retain their diverse national, ethnic, and religious identities.

Canada is a strong example of multiculturalism and has been described as a cultural mosaic, an elaborate body of unique and individual pieces that come together to create a remarkably diverse and beautiful country. Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau once said, “There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an ‘all Canadian’ boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate.” Media has undoubtedly shaped this mosaic, but it has not turned it into a singular Canadian identity. In Canada, various populations come together to appreciate different cultures and the food, dress, and customs associated with them in annual Mosaic Festivals. This tradition of celebrating individual and cultural identity has not been threatened by the increase in digital media, or by the “global village” ideology, it has been

strengthened.
Electronic media has influenced transnational corporations by providing greater insight into the global consumer.

Some transnational corporations have accommodated the needs of unique individuals and cultures rather than adopting the concept of a global identity. This has been demonstrated by the popular American fast food chain McDonald’s, and their response to local cultures. In India, lamb or vegetarian burgers are served in response to Muslim and Hindu dietary restrictions. Not only do they separate the food preparation so the meat never makes contact with the vegetarian food, they also separate the menus, so vegetarians don’t even have to read about meat dishes. This illustrates how seemingly ruthless companies value the individual consumer and the different lifestyles found worldwide. Successful transnational corporations have embraced hybridization by expanding their companies to other countries and blending elements of the country’s specific culture into their business plan. By doing this, corporations are promoting individuality and as such helping to shape a national identity rather than simply accepting the concept of a westernized global

identity.
Cultural revitalization is another way individual identity has overcome global identity and assimilation of culture. We have seen this firsthand in Canada through the revitalization of Indigenous language, culture, and traditions. Digital media has assisted in connecting Indigenous people online, as well as increasing awareness of their language and culture and its importance. Media is helping bring lost cultures back to the forefront and recognizing identities that were less prevalent, rather than assimilating cultures into a singular identity. Residential schools prohibited Indigenous traditional practices, including their native language. This resulted in a loss of identity, through the decrease in common Indigenous languages, and left very few people to pass down the culture to their ancestors. Through extensive change and reconciliation, these lost languages are being revitalized. There are language programs at universities and language and learning centres that offer language courses and cultural events. The Government’s involvement with the Truth and Reconciliation Report is also assisting in creating awareness and keeping the individual identity of the Indigenous people alive. The revitalization and survival of this distinct individual identity is in direct opposition to the concept of a global village.
In conclusion, the source demonstrates how in the modernized world, digital media can pose a threat to personal identity. I disagree and believe that digital media helps connect people worldwide, and regardless of the influence of media, people retain their unique identities and worldviews. For this reason, a global village and a single collective identity can’t realistically exist in our society. People cherish their culture and are drawn to the things that make them unique, as well as the things they have in common with others. This individuality and connection shapes us as people, so to have a single global identity would be to have a lack of culture and therefore, a lack of what makes us individual people.