In conclusion, globalization should shape identity only to the extent that individual and collective identities are not being lost or forgotten when trying to fit into or conform to ever-dominating global cultures. These overwhelming forces lead to cultural homogenization around the globe, from language to tradition. Mass production companies in popular culture enslave people of poorer countries to work for minimal wages, for maximum hours and under horrific conditions. Unique cultures, once totally independent, are disappearing into the vortex of assimilation. Despite its evident downsides, globalization can be attributed to making the world what it is today: modern, forward and knowledgeable. Media, transportation, and trade allow for the sharing of ideas, worldviews, and philosophy. Modern communication is widely available, not to mention so much easier, faster, and more convenient than ever before.
Society is modernizing at a rapid rate: there is nothing we can do about that. People around the world need to come to realize the importance of cultural diversity, unique traditions, and personal identities apart from any other. Unique cultures and identities are a vital aspect of any society, and we must not allow for the homogenization of these cultures to occur in our world.
25 October 2011
Languages
As English is becoming more and more dominant as a result of globalization, minority languages are being overpowered and are disappearing. In order for minority languages to thrive, they must be passed on from generation to generation. Globalization should be a means for languages to be spread and promoted amongst the world, but instead, due to globalization, English is slowly taking over these minorities. Society mainly functions in the English language, for example the world wide web, business exchanges, and aviation. Because of globalization, English and other primary languages are being introduced to regions where a different language is spoken, not vice versa (these different languages are being introduced to English countries).
Our World as an Object of Consumerism
Our world as an object of consumerism and mass consumption... we should hope that our world will never look like this! Some people strongly believe that our world, in some aspects, already reflects this idea that mass companies and the demand for products is overruling the need for cultural diversity, different identities, and respect for culture and resources.
Just Do It... Or Else
The artist of this political cartoon is obviously in strong disapproval of certain effects of globalization. Mass corporations, such as Nike (as depicted) and the demand of their products result in the enslaving of poorer countries with a large working force; in places known as sweatshops. This not only results in the loss of resources, natural land, and the ruining of peoples' lives, but also the tragic loss of a unique collective identity that the enslaved people used to have in their natural environment. Many cultures' ways of life are drastically changed by the introduction of mass production corporations and their ruthless treatment of the workers. :(
Media and Technology
As members of a globalizing society, our identity is something we should integrate into our modern society. The quote below is explaining that we are losing these identities in order to conform with more dominant cultures (ie. North American) through means of media and technology.
This video is symbolically exemplifying the world joining forces into one collective identity. It shows the affect of globalization that it results in the homogenization of global identities. In our opinion, this is a negative effect in the sense that cultural diversity is vital to maintain despite the threats of a globalizing world. On the other hand, this video could be interpreted in the way that all the world's cultures are being united and sharing resources, knowledge, ideas, and culture.
Globalization has its Ups and Downs....
Forces of Globalization include: trade, transportation, technology, and the media.
TRADE: This is a huge asset to corporations and communities who require certain resources to function- and cannot obtain them locally. Trade allows anyone from anywhere in the world to get foreign goods, which has, for the most part, proven to be beneficial to society. However, evident disadvantages also arise from this practice; for example, the Native Americans of North America during the fur trade. Europeans wanted so badly to obtain beaver pelts for business, but as a result of overhunting, took away the Aboriginals' natural resource: therefore taking away how they make a living, and their traditional practices of hunting! They lost this identity that was important to them. In the same way, the Ladakh people are slowly losing their unique and primitive culture to the overwhelming forces of a globalizing world.
TRANSPORTATION: This, also, has changed our world dramatically, even over the course of the last 50 years. the invention of cars was probably the most advantageous, along with large transportation vehicles that transport goods, going hand in hand with trade. Transportation allows for the trading of goods- which, as explained above, can pose positive and negative effects. Transportation provides convenience, but also causes pollution which poses threats to certain places and cultures: and therefore identities.
COMMUNICATION: This, by far, has changed the most over the past years. The introduction of the Internet was the beginning- and since then, the way we communicate has dramatically changed; between cell phones, online communication, and so on. These methods are surely more convenient, easy, and quick, but the more people rely on technology to communicate, the more socially inept they become. Slowly, people are losing their ability to truly and literally communicate with one another- which should not be happening!
MEDIA: Media and communication go hand in hand with the aspect of globalization. Media is the method by which we communicate with one another; for example, through websites, newscasts, and shows. It informs us
of the events occurring in the world, outside of our own local community. Media provides us with this kind of knowledge, but can also offer false information like with bias and tweaking the truth to defend a force.
The Extensive Dominance of the USA !
This political cartoon demonstrates the excessive global dominance of the United States. Our personal and cultural identities are being so greatly affected by sovereign nations, that unique identities are beoming more and more rare by the day. People tend to conform, by nature, to traditions and thoughts created by a popular culture.
Social 10-1 Project: To What Extent Should Globalization Shape Identity?
This is a project by Sarah and Ally 10A :) In this blog, we will answer this question using a variety of resources, from political cartoons to newspaper articles. We will discuss how our globalizing society affects and reflects both our personal and collective identities. Enjoy !
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