Examining Globalization and Imperialism’s Parallelism Essay

Introduction            globalisation corporationnot be unsulliedly described as a one-time event. N either muckle it be defined as a pure passing fad nor a made-up term invented by various economic experts. world-wideization is a favorable experience that has been predicted and judge to occur at the turn of the century. In recent years, it can be observed that not a single day pass by wherein globalisations direct effects and impacts be not felt. fit in to Mishkin (2006), the plain and simple act of consuming foreign goods is already ruminative of globalizations power and influence. Globalizations massive cooking stove and reach provided increase with the aid of highly modernized and advance(a) technological materials that ar in truth(prenominal) such(prenominal) capable of breaking the barriers of place and time. Appargonntly, the global village that was once espoused by the renowned technological determinist, marshal M cLuhan is fast becoming a reality (Garson, 2006). Individuals, regardless of their age, assimilation, race and social class become connected in this evidently b holy orderless society.            But mend a borderless society may seem to be beneficial to the result of commerce and trade, geographys untimely death (Murray, 2006) is clouded with doubts and animosity. Globalization thus presents a double-edged sword wherein its consequences can be either beneficial or detrimental (Collier, 2007). While globalization may very trigger the rise of different emerging markets, which, in turn would calculate to an increase of employment opportunities and product creationthese scenarios are perceived by globalization critics and detractors as yet another direction of widening the economic gap between the rich and the poor.The destruction of geographical parameters enables transnational corporations to advantageously penetrate poverty-stricke n communities with promises of wealth and prosperity. However, on a deeper contextualization of the amour, the luxury and copiousness are no less than myths. Realistic bothy speaking, globalization articulates the require and demands of a capitalistic system that blatantly thrive on exploitation and twopenny-halfpenny labor.            Globalizations seemingly capitalistic nature as intumesce as its wide scope and reach are some of the reasons cigaret its close association to imperialism. Going back to historical discourses it can be seen that imperialism began in an era wherein land explorations and discoveries were rampant. However, it is besides important to note that imperialism in the earlier days was not merely concerned on unraveling impertinently domains and territories.Along with it was the aim to conquer and rule over newly detect lands and communities, which in turn resulted to territorial disputes and conflicts betwee n Spain and Portugal. The success of each and every exploration equates to having greater chances or possibilities for geographical and economic expansion. The kingdom with the about number of colonies can promptly utilized the latters inherent resources and labor forces. Natives are subject to harsh working conditions in order to feed the colonizers economy.            Under these circum locations, indeed, the overt parallelism between globalization and imperialism is very much manifested. Globalization is imperialism redefined. Globalization is imperialism that influences and expands at a faster footstep chiefly because it is highly supported by sophisticated technology and communion channels (Janssens, 2004). Empires are continuously established by ruling parties.This is condescension of Negri and Hardts assertion that Empires are different from conventional imperialism wherein the latter pauperizations to distinguish a concret e spatial scope and range, while Empires are basically decentralized and deterritorialized (Held & McGrew, 2007). Based from a critical perspective, the ideologic connotations and underpinnings of globalization, imperialism and Empires of Hardt and Negri are all the same, except for the tools used for expansion and the degree or speed wherein expansion materializes. cultural Imperialism            As globalization or imperialism for that matter, continues to inter as a worldwide economic approach that seeks growth and tuition among participating nations, another dilemma occurs. This is something that goes beyond the unequal distri scarcelyion of wealth and massive exploitation of the workers. As the rally for economic prosperity goes on, globalization has as well as permeated the ethnical boundaries and slowly trans gradationed as an impending brat to timeless beliefs, customs and traditions.Ancient practices that go for been long kept and hold by various autochthonal groups are slowly eradicated and given derogatory treatments for much(prenominal) are viewed as no longer applicable or valuable within the context of highly modernized and digital world. This inauspicious situation thus places marginalized groups into very uncompromising situations. Indigenous groups are pull ahead campaigned into the periphery. The so-called globalization of close (Inda & Rosaldo, 2008), which, approximationlly, should promote convergence and contact is no less than a strong manifestation of pagan imperialism.            in that respect are three aspects that highly characterize or define the mechanisms of cultural imperialism (Hesmondhalgh, 2002). First, there is an plain overflow of cultural products that are mostly derived from the westward (Hesmondhalgh, 2002). These cultural products, are consistently enforced or spoon-fed to other cultures (Hesmondhalgh, 2002). Since cultural products are widely disseminated and seemingly forced into non-western communities, cultural imperialism thus opens the initiative of cultural homogenisation (Hesmondhalgh, 2002). Lastly, the outcomes or consequences of cultural imperialism result to the death of indigenous cultures (Hersmondhalgh, 2002). Given this situation at hand, Sztompka (1993) expressed that cultural imperialism is most likely to affect or influence indigenous groups situated in communities that maintain had their own share of their colonial experience.            While this discussion sees the importance of share-out the practices of indigenous groups for the sake of awareness and preservation, these aspects become endangered as globalization enters into the limelight. The aim for awareness transforms into close-minded stereotypical views and preservation turns into total eradication. expiration of the native tongue             Golding and Harris (1997) discussed that imperialism greatly impacts the use of vocabulary. In as remote as globalization and imperialism is concerned, the massive utilization of the English spoken language cannot be merely attributed to the fact that it is the so-called international lingua franca (Thomason, 2007). Rather, on a closer look, it is an overt manifestation of western dominance and hegemony that promptly jeopardizes language multiplicity (Tomlinson, 1999). Held (2000) shared that much of the valuable in formation is written in English. Likewise, such has been the primary medium for instruction in the academe and is very much employed in business communication.In as far as ethnic minorities are concerned, globalizations strain on modernity and connectedness forces the former to learn and use the language (English) to ensure and maintain their global competitiveness. Although appropriations have been made by local or non-western cultures, such as Spanglish (Spanish and English) or Hinglish (Hindi and English) (Christensen & Levinson, 2003), for example, appropriations seem to shake off the larger picture. Appropriations can be viewed as a direct misuse to other languages, for it implies the inability of non-western languages to ascertain competitive advantage not unless they operate under the shadows of the English language. Since many individuals utilize English, minority groups are further marginalized. Its small size cannot possibly go against the majority.Take for example the racing shell Native Americans, the Navajos, which are surprisingly alienated in their own domains primarily because there language orientation differs from the large number of the populace (Baker, 2001). The incorporation of English in Malawis curricula also created adverse effects in one of ethnic groups, Lomwe, wherein, the number of its native speaker has experienced a considerable decline (Kaplan & Baldauf, 1999). Obviously, su ch situations do not only exemplify language dominance.More than anything else, such readily projects cultural homogenizationone of the most important determinants of cultural imperialism and / or globalization. Cultural homogenization encourages the rise of a global culture wherein issues of race and ethnicity are no longer deemed important. Consequently in order for a global culture to materialize, there is a strong motif for participating entities to converge and act via a common languagewhich in reality, does not really holds e select but a plain and pure reiteration of western interests.Global AmericanizationOn the other hand, globalization is also perceived by experts as the seemingly tyrannical assertion of Westernor to be more(prenominal) exact, American culture (Horton & Patapan, 2004). This occurs as cultural products in the form of art, music, film, lifestyle etc. continues to infiltrate different communities (Pearson & Simpson, 2004). Although cultural sharing and transmission are very common, the problem with this set-up is that it tacitly imposes the American way of life and perspective, with a total disregard to ethnic roots and practices. This forge is described by Pearson and Simpson (2004) as Americanization.Americanization further threatens non-western cultures primarily because it is aided by mass media. The diffusion of values, customs and beliefs rapidly occurs. Basically, Americanization greatly affects and influences the ideological stance of indigenous groups as they are constantly bombarded by images that promote and uphold the grandiosity of the American life.The frequent exposure of natives to western thoughts and ideas can readily affect their views regarding the practices of their respective ethnic groups. As the agenda-setting theory purports, mass media is very much capable of shaping ones views and impose which topics should be deemed important or not (Woodward, 2007). Mass media, under the context of Americanizatio n also operates as a tool for biased and stereotype representations of other cultures.Hollywood for example, is known for its seemingly impartial portrayal of Asians. More often than not, individuals with Asian descents, or to be more specificChinese are often presented as villains in many films (Benshoff & Griffin, 2004). Likewise, Hollywood has also managed to dominate the movie assiduity of other countries, thus bringing death to local films.Compared to Indias Bollywood, it can be seen that in terms of the number of movies produced, the former readily outnumbers Hollywood (Wasko, 2003). However, since Hollywood has already established itself as the epitome of high quality films, this basically contributes to the decreasing appeal of Indian-made or Asian-made films. In addition to that, the seemingly negative notions attributed to Asians have readily prevented individuals from patronizing not only Bollywood, but also films which are outside the Hollywood enclave.The above-ment ioned situation readily impacts the perception of Asians regarding the value and importance of their historical roots. This is most especially true as for the illustration of individuals whose parents have different ethnic origins. Affected parties are trapped in a situation wherein they have to choose and shape which culture is more superior and which cultural practices should be readily exercised.The matter becomes even more complicated as Americanization leads to intense consumerism of Western products which delimits the government agency played by local producers. According to Lockard (1998), consumerism is the result of the overlapping segments of two economic and cultural imperialism. Economically speaking, transnational companies Andersen and Gray (2008) implied that commodities such as food and dresses can alter the individuals attitudes and orientations. Take for example, the case of fast food chains that have emerged in non-Western countries, which, in return, gave h ave a bun in the oven to a fast-food culture that readily upholds the notion that western products represent establish and modernity (Allen, Albala & Nestle, 2007).The corresponding effect of this is that fast-food culture has transformed the shipway wherein food is served and prepared. Those that do not adhere to the practices of fast-food culture are this instant dismissed as way too traditional (Allen, Albala & Nestle, 2007). Allen, Albala and Neslte (2007) mentioned that such scenario has readily taken the attention of concerned parties from China, Mexico and even a modern country such as France. The noise created by the growing fast-food culture expresses high tendencies of devouring not only the local practices of non-western communities, but also the survival of local individuals that rely on such industry.In the meantime, the apparent decline of musical traditions and oral lore in the Igorot (a Philippine tribe) also signifies the adverse effects of consumerism. Ac cording to Reyes (cited in Craig and King, 2002), the introduction of radio in the early 70s exposed the youth western popular music that they can enjoy on a daily basis via purchasing the cassette tapes of their positron emission tomography western artists.This situation prevented many Igorots, most especially, the younger generation from pickings some time to produce songs, most especially during memorable or special events (Reyes cited in Craig & King, 2002). Since youngsters are bombarded with pre-packaged music, they no longer need to exert extra effort in song making for all they have to do is purchase a copy of their favorite artists and push the play button.The problem with the consumerist approach of Americanization is that it forces indigenous cultures to believe that they actually need the cultural products that are being offered to them. Americanization tends to create false needs in order to serve the western interest. SinceConclusion      &n bsp     Indeed, undoubtedly globalization and imperialism are the same. It subdues both the economic and cultural aspects of indigenous and non-western cultures by using the idea of progress and modernity as a disguise or as a defense.With the availability of sophisticated technology, globalization or imperialism spread much faster thus bringing death to historical practices and customs. Globalization or imperialism also results to identity problems and further marginalization of ethnic groups. The consumer-driven approach have totally bastardized and transformed the cultural expression of indigenous groups into mere commodities that readily lack the artistry and intricacies of traditional works via standardization.ReferencesAllen, G Albala, K. and Nestle, M. (2007). The line of reasoning of Food. Westport, CT Greenwood Publishing Inc.Andersen, R. and Gray, J. (2008). Battleground The Media. Westport, CT Greenwood Publishing Inc.Baker, C. (2001). Foundations of Bili ngual discipline and Bilingualism. Clevedon Multilingual Matters Ltd.Benshoff, H. and Griffin, S (2004). America on Film Representing Race, Class, Gender  and gender at the Movies. Malden, USA Blackwell PublishingChristensen, D. and Levinson, D.  (Eds). (2003). Encyclopedia of Community. California Sage Publications Inc.Collier, P. (2007). The cigarette Billion. 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