Culture In A Globalized World

Culture In A Globalized World

Interaction is a fundamental need for our survival. Be it at family level, community or international level this assertion is irrefutable. If this is so, then what we call globalization is not really a new phenomenon in a sense that the need for interaction is inherent to human nature. Indeed even interaction in terms of trade, ideas and culture has a long history that predates the nation-states. If Latin was spoken in different parts of the world thousands of years ago, if gold was taken from Africa to Europe and Asia, or if scientific ideas and breakthrough was shared among different scientist of different countries, then it means the major components of what we now call globalization had a long history. Interaction and interdependence has always been necessity. The difference is in the speed and institutionalization of the form in which such components are now being exchanged. Information is disseminated all over the world in a matter of seconds, trade has never been easier and faster, yet travel and cultural interaction has become a common practice. It is this trend that we are calling globalization.

Over the years our life and its various aspect has proliferated in unprecedented rapidity. Thus sustaining this has demanded an ever increasing interaction amongst individuals and nations. It can also be taken that the reason for the proliferation of these aspects of our life is the opportunities and threats the very same process of globalization has caused. By the same assertion it is very hard to dismiss globalization as totally good or bad. Just like anything else it has advantages and opportunities it creates and disadvantages and threats it poses. That is why engaging in it requires an understanding of these facts. However, whether one like it or not everyone is engaged in it as it is a force no one can escape.

This issue is so important that there has been a lot of discourse over it and many things has been said concerning it. The economic consequence of the phenomenon, or the political debate it seems to have created, and the social dilemma it has brought about are at the top list of topics that are debated upon. However, nothing seems to bring a lot of controversy like the issue of culture when we address the impact of globalization on our youth. Changes in areas of politics and economy can fairly be accommodated with relative ease when we talk about a particular society. But when it is the issue of culture that is on stake it is bound to provoke and generate more controversy. That’s why the issue of globalization and culture has remained highly contentious matter.

Each culture has its own personality. Culture is a continuous process of change but in spite of the change, culture continues giving a community a sense of identity, dignity, continuity, security and binds society together. The fact that we are all humans does not mean that we are all the same and ignoring this can be fatal. The effect globalization has had on culture is immense and diverse. It has affected people’s cultural behaviors in different ways. People have had to change their living ways.

Nearly everyone agrees on this point, that the process and speed of globalization could not be reversed. And the most important element of the information and culture industry is growing at an incredibly quick speed. Nowadays, at the center of the debate on globalization lies the assumption that globalization leads to the homogeneity and identity of nations and cultures that are increasingly ruined. And the various protests in various countries indicate that the identity of the issue of globalization and culture must be taken much more seriously.

Therefore, protection of local identity is necessary during the process of globalization. The general feeling is that, while countries that have control of the global economy do not share the same concerns as those of less fortunate countries, the destruction of local cultures in developing countries will continue.

Therefore it is up to us to combat the threat while at the same time benefiting from the unprecedented opportunity globalization has forwarded. The youth, as the first benefactor and victim of globalization, should be conscious

on the dealing of the matter. One of the most outspoken critics of globalization is the fear that such a process would undermine the national cultures and individual identities. The mass consumption of standardized goods brought by international in the cultural sectors and others can be regarded as something negative. A person famously explained this by saying “The loud echoing advertisement rhythms of the famous Coca- Cola drinks can be heard across boundaries in towns, cities and townships and even in remote rural areas of Africa where drinking water is a problem to get.” This was to signify that some of the traits of globalization don’t fit the socio- economic and cultural realities of every country.

The dark side of globalization is the gradual elimination of any local interest, indigenous cultures or tradition. This, therefore should be where our careful focus be and interest in preserving our identity should be given due attention in dealing with it. It is indeed a gigantic struggle, an effort in which organization and coordination are essential.

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