Media Influence On Western Civilization

Rooted in ancient history and forever redefining and reestablishing itself, the precepts of Western Civilization have impacted the world greatly. Not only geographically defined, Western Civilizations can be recognized by certain common hallmarks in their practices: expansion to and competition with other countries, scholarly pursuits in arts and sciences, perceived rights of citizens, both materially and personally, and a free-market economy where fair pay is established. Many of these ideas are rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, and much can be learned from both their successes and failures (Ramon, n.d.). However, Western Civilization did not develop in an isolated void, and influence from the East can be found on the blueprints of modern Western Civilization. Guided primarily in later years by the Christian faith and the promotion of such, Western Civilization has struggled for hundreds of year to justify political positions with Biblical standpoints. Dominating world politics, and controlling much of the global economy, the West maintains its authority as a world

Militarily, Europe and the United States lead the world in technology and training, and often provide support and aid to struggling nations in the Middle East and beyond. Western technology permeates the daily lives of people around the globe, and popular media from Europe and America are recognized internationally. These media influences have normalized Western culture in many Eastern countries, and promoted new ways of thinking there (Kraidy, 2002). Countries such as South Korea have adopted Western-style systems of government, and have developed thriving free-market economies because of it. In effect, Western societies continue to exhibit great control both politically and socially around the world, and the strength of the Western economy supports nations