W6. Cultural Globalization / Sangbae Lee

1. Summary

Cultural globalization is, in simple language, the transmission of ideas, meanings and values around the world in such a way as to extend and intensify social relations. In other words, it means the rapid movement of ideas, attitudes, and values across national borders. The term "Glovalization" came to be widely used in the 1980s, but as early as the 1960s, the Canadian literary critic Marshall popularized the term "global village" to describe the effect that the ability to connect and exchange ideas instantaneously would bring to the world. This sharing of ideas generally leads to greater interconnectedness and interaction between peoples of divers cultures and ways of life. In this process, it is true that technology has created the possibility and even the likelihood of a global culture. The internet, fax machines, satellites, and cable TV are sweeping away cultural boundaries. Also, global entertainment companies shape the perceptions and dreams of ordinary citizens, wherever they live.

 

2. Interesting contents

Cultural globalization is maybe best exemplified by pop entertainment culture. As you know, k-pop is very popular over the world. Many young people in other countries are dancing to k-pop music and following and enjoying asian fashion trend. Also, young people in Moscow dance in ways that are similar to those in Tokyo. Japanese anime is watched in Chicago, and mexican soap operas are enjoyed by viewers in Manila. Now it is very common over the world. Because of the internet like Youtube or Facebook, many people can easily watch other country's music and contact their culture. So, the newest relase of a musical group can be spread worldwide quickly through a variety of video sharing websites; celebrity personalitites achieve global pop icon status through the same means. It is easier than ever before for people from divergent cultures to find common interests.

 

3. Discussion point

The critics of cultural globalization often argue against its destructive effects on national identities. They warn that unique cultural entities may vanish, and that languages spoken by small populations could be at an increased risk of extinction. The specific values, traditions, and history — the identity — of a culture could disappear. They fear the threat of dominant, industrialized cultures overtaking and supplanting indigenous ones, silencing new and different ideas. So, in this situation, what is the better options to minimize those destructive effects for cultural globalization?