Globalization and its effects on Cultural Imperialism

Is it possible to subdue the effects of Cultural Imperialism?

In order to subdue or stop the effects of cultural imperialism we need to understand that globalization is the change bearing agent and globalization is inevitable. Therefore it is near impossible to subdue its effects.

Is culture an option?

What is the objective of globalization?

What is Cultural Imperialism?

Indian Culture

Before we proceed further, we must keep in mind that, Culture is not static; it grows out of a systematically encouraged reverence for selected customs and habits.

After mentioning the above it is reasonable to suggest that culture is easily effected and changed by influence of a stronger, dominant and often ‘happening’ culture.

The term 'Cultural imperialism' refers to the practice of promoting a more powerful culture over a least known or desirable culture and can take the form of an active, formal policy or a general attitude. For centuries, countries imposed their cultural values on other nations, and some believe that cultural imperialism is a threat. Today, as a global economic and political power, the United States is said to be intruding into the cultures of other countries of the world.

Globalization is a fashionable but vague teThe ongoing globalization, based on the Washington Consensus, is aimed at bringing in cultural uniformity throughout the world without leaving any scope for diversities. It wants to impose American culture and way of life everywhere.

True Pakistanis?

Western Culture and it's complexity

Hollywood

Hollywood and The English Language

Hollywood movies portray American culture which provides equality, freedom and all positive aspects of life, making a way for soft power to be used by America on third world countries. Since, educated youth of Pakistan, especially, the upper and upper middle class prefer westernization; Hollywood is dominating all sense of cultural identity. Educated Youth are more prone to Hollywood movies than Bollywood industry. Since, Hollywood gives them something out of the box and presents their movies in such way that the target audience finds it hard to believe that there is something against the cultural norms and the virtues promoted by them. And these can be seen in our youth who readily are adopting the western culture. Their modes of life are changing every day, becoming more and more westernized.

Another factor which is contributing to culture imperialism through Hollywood is the English language. More importance is given to English language in Pakistan in our era as compared to Urdu, which opens the doors of Hollywood industry to our youth and they consider it as part of them. Youth is more excited and enthusiastic in celebrating western festivals which they see through Hollywood productions rather than their own. A good example of it is of Halloween and Valentine Day which has taken place of our cultural festivals which were once a part of us- to the extent our traditional gestures has been replaced by western gestures.  These trends can be seen in our own media industries who are trying to imitate the Hollywood which in turn set these trends for the youth.

What is Globalization?

Examples of Cultural Imperialsm due to Globalization

Conclusion

In Concussion I would like to say that there is a massive impact of globalization on cultural imperialism which can effect everything from the way we dress, talk, our language, morals and values to what we prefer to watch, hear and our ideas and perceptions about entertainment, out country and the rest of the world.

Globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture.

Globalization and its effects on Cultural Imperialism