INTL 101: INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL POLITICS

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity?

LECTURE CONTENT
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Key Concepts Argument against the cultural globalization Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES Argument for the cultural globalization Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO

Key Concepts


consumerismconsumerism- economic policies that place an emphasis on consumption, and, in an abstract sense, the belief that the choice of consumers should dictate the economic structure of a society. Cultural imperialism- a critical imperialismterm for US dominance of the emerging global culture.

Key Concepts
 

Economic integration- the merging to various degrees of integrationthe economies and economic policies of two or more countries in a given region. Fast food nation- Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the nationAllAll-American Meal (2001) is a book by Eric Schlosser, first serialized by Rolling Stone in 1999. The book examines the fast food industry in the US and its global effects. HegemonyHegemony- the holding by one state of a preponderance of power in the international system, so that it can singlesinglehandedly dominate the rules and arrangements by which international political and economic relations are conducted. Information economy- is a loosely defined term to economycharacterize an economy with increased role of informational activities and information industry.

Key Concepts


JingoismJingoism-is a term describing chauvinistic patriotism, usually with a hawkish political stance. In practice, it refers to sections of the general public who advocate bullying other countries or using whatever means necessary to safeguard a country's national interests.

Key Concepts


Multinational corporations (MNCs)(MNCs)companies based in one state with affiliated branches or subsidiaries operating in other states. Social Darwinism- is a term used to describe a Darwinismrange of political ideologies which are held to be compatible with the concept that Charles Darwins theory of evolution of biological traits in a population by natural selection can also be applied to competition between human societies or groups within a society. It has also been used to justify capitalism or imperialism.

Argument against the cultural globalization



Julia Galeota of McLean argues that many cultures around the world are gradually disappearing due to the overwhelming influence of corporate and cultural America.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES



Globalization threatens cultural diversity because: The motivations behind American cultural imperialism: the desire for access to foreign markets and the belief in the superiority of American culture. Example: American film industry.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES



Fast food nation, more widely recognized than the Christian cross. Such American domination hurts local markets, as the majority of foreign industries are unable to compete with the economic strengths of US industry.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES

Americanization of foreign cultures: American belief in the superiority of US culture reflects the late 19th age of imperialism during which the jingoists attempted to fulfill what they believed to be the divinely ordained manifest density of American expansion of Social Darwnism.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES



Superiority of American culture promoted by marketingmarketingmarketers have always been able to successfully associate with American products. Examples: Nike and GAP.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES



American corporations have developed a successful global strategy: instead of advertising American conformity, they pitch they diversity. Example: Mc Donalds international im lovin it campaign. CocoCoco-Cola.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES



If the strength of these diverse American images is not powerful enough to move products, American corporations also appropriate local cultures into their advertising abroad. Example: MTV many networks.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES

Critics of American cultural imperialism argue that foreign consumers do not immediately adopt the American culture. Example: Naomi Klein- No Logo. Klein Media and information industries play an important role about the military and economic hegemony of the US. Example: Role of CNN.


Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES

The use of internet increases American influence. Some scholars who oppose to this belief refer to the new information economy. Some countries use protectionist measures for website accesses. Example: China and Cuba.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES



Supporters of cultural imperialism theory, such as David Rothkop, a former senior official in Clintons Department of Commerce, argue that American cultural imperialism is in the interest of all of the world. He uses Hungtions theory.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES



Some countries have attempted to stop American cultural influence by limiting access to American cultural programming through satellites and the Internet. Examples: France, China, Canada, Iran, Cuba.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? YES



Some measures that maintain the integrity of culture: i) in the Lexus and the Olive Tree, Thomas Friedman advocates the use of protective legislation and the concept of glocalize. glocalize. ii) In Jihad vs McWorld, Benjamin McWorld, Barber argues for civic space. iii) Need to focus on the education of youth in their native values and traditions.

Argument for the cultural globalization



Philippe Legrain, chief economist Legrain, of Britain in Europe, an organization supporting the adoption by Great Britain of the euro as its currency, argues that it is a myth that globalization involves the imposition of Americanized uniformity, rather than an explosion of cultural exchange.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO



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Globalization does not threaten cultural diversity because: It increases individual freedom. It revitalizes culture and cultural artifacts through foreign influences, technologies and markets. Example: African rhythms in rock n roll.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO

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Fears about an Americanized uniformity are overblown. Example: Most countries shows are homegrown. America are not the only player in the global media industry. Examples: Germany, France, Japan.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO

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America is an outlier, not a global leader. Example: Baseball and American football have not well to other parts of the world. Although Hollywood dominates the global movie market, it is less American than it seems. Example: Top actors and directors are often from outside America.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO

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A common global language- use of EnglishlanguageEnglishwould certainly be an advantage, but a single one seems far less desirable. Even though American consumer culture is widespread, its significance is often exaggerated. Profound cultural changes have little to do with CocoCoco-Cola. Examples: Technology and immigration are reshaping culture, but national identity is not disappearing rather it is loosening.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO

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CrossCross-border cultural exchange increases diversity within society but at the expense of making them more alike. CrossCross-cultural exchange can spread greater diversity as well as greater similarity. Example: More traditional as well as McDonald restaurants.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO

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Foreign influences can rapidly become domesticated changing national culture, but not destroying it. Some losses of diversity are a good thing. Example: Liberalism is a European philosophy that has spread the world.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO

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Faith in science and technology is even more widespread. Even those who hate the West make use of its technologies. Example: Anti-globalization protestors Antiorganize by email. Globalization is not a one-way street. oneExample: Muslims are a growing minority in Europe, but Christians are a disappearing in the Middle East.

Does Globalization Threaten Cultural Diversity? NO

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Foreigners are changing America even as they adopt its way. Example: Immigrants. New hybrid cultures are emerging. Example: In America people speak Spanglish.