"Under the Sign of Mickey Mouse" (WooHyun Kim)

After reading this article, I made this.

Globalization is Not Americanization

There are two points of view about globalization in terms of culture. Pro-globalizers believe that the age of cultural pluralism has come true as various cultures over the world are freely exchanged beyond national borders. Conversely, cultural pessimists charge that globalization has been imposing Americanized uniformity, which may undermine local cultures and national identities. Each argument has some truth in it, but here I'd like to explore some over-blown fears about Americanization.

First, you can choose to drink Coke and eat at McDonald's without becoming American. One newspaper photo of Taliban fighters in Afghanistan showed them toting Kalashnikovs as well as a sports bag with Nike's trademark. People's culture may scarcely be eroded by mere commercial artifacts.

Second, America transforms foreign cultures into a friendly and commercial culture. Some say that American mass culture has transformed the world into a replica of the United States. Yet the reason for the success of the movie 'Titanic' was not because it celebrated American values but because people all over the world could see some part of their own lives in the story of love and loss. Successful American culture is attributed, to a large extent, to America's dependence on foreign cultures.

Third, Americas culture may not be all that American. American audience is international because of the influx of immigrants and refugees. Its regional, ethnic, religious, and racial diversity have forced America to develop cultural products with a broad multi-cultural appeal. The Hollywood studios and television networks, for instance, have had to learn how to speak to a variety of groups and classes at home. That has given them the techniques to appeal to an equally diverse audience abroad. American culture, in essence, is mixed-up cultures of the world

Fourth, national identity is not disappearing but the bonds of nationality are loosening. Nationality doesn't make an absolute difference in establishing your identity any more. Being Korean or American does not define who you are: It is part of who you are. To loosen nationality is one thing, and to lose national identity is another. As long as you speak Korean, were born and live near each other, face similar problems, and have a common experience, you are still Korean. Your national identity will not disappear.

Based on the above-mentioned exaggerations behind Americanization, it is hard to assert that globalization comes down to Americanization. It is true that American culture goes global, but it doesn't mean to regard global culture and American culture as synonymous.