This
issue is devoted to some commentaries on the nature of culture in this
newly emerging global world. The comments are concerned with what is
happening to cultural diversity: can the varieties of native cultures,
with their individual languages and lifestyles, maintain an important
and unique presence in the face of the "McDonaldization" of the world?
The first two articles, one a satirical piece, the other an advertisement,
assert the dangers of the economic globalization process, which they
belie will stifle diversity and create a single (mono) culture largely
controlled by the United States.
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"The true contribution
of a culture consists, not in the list of inventions which it has
personally produced, but in its difference form others. The sense
of gratitude and respect which each single member of a given culture
can and should feel towards all others can only be based on the conviction
that the other cultures differ from his own in countless ways, even
if the ultimate essence of these differences eludes him or if, in
spite of his best efforts, he can reach no more than an imperfect
understanding of them...
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A few decades ago, it was still possible to leave home and go some
where else: the architecture was different, the landscape was different,
the language, lifestyle, dress, and values were different. That was
a time when we could speak of cultural diversity. But with economic
globalization, diversity is fast disappearing. The goal of the global
economy is that all countries should be homogenized. When global hotel
chains advertise to tourists that all their rooms in every city of
the world are identical, they don't mention that the cities are becoming
identical too: cars, noise, smog, corporate high-rises, violence,
fast food, McDonald's, Nike, Levis, Barbie Dolls, American TV and
film. What's the point of leaving home....
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The overriding
fear of a monoculture occurring as a result of the global economic
forces is not a view shared by all. Other globalists perceive a cultural
impact of a different order. While they may agree that English may
well be the dominant language factor in the globalization process
today, they do not necessarily believe that Americanization is the
globe's future. Indeed, some o them believe that globalization will
result in even greater cultural diversity because of increased contact
that the Internet, for example, will bring...
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