The evolution of globalization has
generated a massive velocity of new information all around the world.
Globalization did not start from the digital age. It has been an on going
process that determined the survival of the stronger nations eg; the Spanish
and the Incas. A more accurate
description of this phenomenon that has basically become a fluid
effect-constantly molding and shaping into the demands of its society-can be
described as ‘the intensification of worldwide social
relations, which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings
are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa’ (Rantanen 2005,
p6).
My dad has continuously been involved in overseas projects that
help with the development of third world countries. He rarely accepts jobs in
countries that are economically stable. I asked him for his thoughts on the
notion of cultural globalization in China, which is where we spent 7 years of
our lives. Srivastava mentions that cultural flows of globalization ‘refer to
the objects, skills, beliefs and practices that travel around the world’ (2010,
p4). My father’s description of Shanghai when he first went there was being an
undeveloped and struggling nation that lacked proper infrastructure for
sustainable living in some parts. However, his work entailed him to revisit the city 15 years
later. He was astounded by the extent of economic growth that had infiltrated
the city. The International impact had transformed the city into a metropolis,
filled with different cultures and ambitions. The ambition of the country, and the ideas from the western world had transformed the city.
Courtesy of Google Images
Courtesy of Google Images
My father recognized that the impact of cultural globalization
had changed the way in which the organization he worked for operates. He described how one Chinese company he
previously worked for had adopted many western values in terms of health and
safety and strategic management in order to be recognised in the global market.
He states that no wonder China is one of the leading capitalist nations that
are achieving grand economic success. However he strongly believes that
cultural globalization has not always had positive effects. He believes that
due to the US escalating economic power, which resulted in political and
cultural strength, has infiltrated many societies and influenced their culture into
being consumerists, obsessed with having designer brands, top end technology,
and neglecting the more traditional ways of receiving information, such as
reading books which he strongly suggests I never neglect.
Rantanan, T 2005, ‘Theorizing media and globolisation’, Media
and globolisation 2005, SAGE Publications, London, pp. 6
Srivastava, S 2010, 'Globolisation and the Media study guide',
Deakin University, Geelong VIC, pp.4
