ANSWERS: 2
  • I think you can take your pick, but need to distinguish between cultural imperialism and cultural influence, which is sometimes extremely difficult. If one uses a definition of Cultural imperialism as - (from Wiki) "the practice of promoting, distinguishing, separating, or artificially injecting the culture or language of one nation into another." - then almost any kind of interraction between one nation and another could be construed as such. Again, following this definition, the list is almost endless. The English language (eg IT systems), Disney, Pepsi, Coke, denim jeans, etc. I won't go on with a huge list as it's rather boring to read, but it's a very long one. Of course, there is a recipient and a 'giver', and usually the more powerful nation is the giver. I remember the outcry the French made when the first MacDonalds opened in Paris. I'm not a fan, so I can see their point, but French culinary culture won't sink into a hole because of it. There are, however, some areas where I think we need to be a bit careful. Air traffic control uses English as it's language all over the world - is this imperialism or influence? I'd say the latter, because there seems to be no direct benefit to corporations (there may be indirect ones) or nations - and presumably a very real benefit to individuals who fly. If speaking the same language stops more 'planes falling out of the sky, then I'm all for it. The BBC is, I think, an example of both imperialism and influence, though I wouldn't want to cite the percentages. The World Service, although recently cut back (and one reason for this I think has been given as a desire to limit cultural imperialism) would qualify as an influence, since many people in many countries benefit, and the only 'loser' is the British taxpayer who funds the corporation. Ultimately, there are different ways of doing almost anything, from dress to food to language. Cultures which receive nothing from others run a risk of becoming somewhat stagnant - unique, but prone to prejudices and narrow thinking. I believe it is possible to take from others and still keep one's identity, but for this to happen, restraint from the giver must be exercised, and I'll admit we're unlikely to see this from most major corporations.
  • The western world by using different types of media, with the most influential being television to create new western values in differnt culutes around the world is an example of cultural imperialsim. After all 75% of the worlds television broadcasts are in english. I beleive that eventualy everyone will become "americanized" which depending on how you look at it can be a good thing or a bad thing. Cultural imperialism is a result of what communication theorist Marshal Mcluhan calls the "Global Village", which is the shrinking of time and space barriers in human communication due to electronic media. Carson- Communication Student

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