Globalization

Globalization is the process in which interconnectedness among nations, cultures, and people increase.  Technology and media play a role in globalization by accelerating digital convergence.  Examples of this can be seen in the usage of internet and cell phones throughout the world.  One concern of globalization can be found in cultural imperialism.

Cultural Imperialism represents a flow that reflects imbalance in global power structure.  This means that certain nations may be represented more than others throughout the world.  While globalization increases the interconnectedness between nations, it seems that cultural imperialism directly contradicts it because interconnectedness would mean an equal flow of information.  Unfortunately, equal flow of media and culture is not the case.

Today, the US is a major contributor to cultural imperialism.  In many countries, local or national cultures have diminished, while the US' influence has increased. Take for example the McDonald's ad below, shown in Japan.  Not only does McDonald's represent the very idea of cultural imperialism, the ad shows a model who seems to be embodying Michael Jackson.  Michael Jackson's international fame was made possible as a result of cultural imperialism, but while many American stars become world-know, the US rarely finds stars from countries abroad.  Furthermore, it is important to note that the McDonald's slogan is said by the narrator in English despite the commercial being shown in Japan, a non English speaking nation.