The Globalization of Culture

Another area of concern involves clashes of culture and the spread of materialistic values.   The interchange of ideas is an important feature of globalization, and nothing symbolizes this phenomenon more than the Internet. Unfortunately, the Internet is not merely used to spread beneficial information, culture and commerce.  Some Web sites promote pornography, racism, or gambling.  A few give specific instructions  on how to make homemade bombs. As Thomas L. Friedman points out, "on the Internet, trouble is just a few mouse clicks away. You can wander into a neo-Nazi beer hall or pornographer's library, . . .and not one is there to stop or direct you."  

(Note: I have not wandered into them because all  I have seen so far at times may be pop ups, but you don't need to click them. I don't get those anymore. So, a person does not want to go there, you can avoid it if you have any computer sense. A lot of computer security will block those pop ups.  You have to be really careful. If you are  into God as I am, he will protect you from all that garbage.) 

Television and films also have an enormous influence on how people think. (That is because they allow it to think for them instead of using their own brain; that is the problem now days. They want someone to make the decisions for them.)  The messages on the world's screens often come out of  Hollywood, the world's principal factory of make-believe.  The values that this vast entertainment industry reflects  often promote  materialism, violence, or immorality.  They may be totally alien to the local culture of many countries of the world. Nevertheless, governments, educators, and parents invariably find it impossible to hold back the tide. 

We love U.S. culture" explained a resident of Havana Cuba, to a North American visitor.  "[We] know all your Hollywood stars." Western culture also promotes fast food and soft drinks.  A Malaysian businessman observed:  "Anything Western, especially American, people here love. . . .They want to eat it and be it."  The rector of a Havana College sadly acknowledged:  "Cuba is no longer an island.  There are no island anymore.  There is only one world."  

Invasive Western culture affects people's hopes and desires.  " 'Keeping up with the Joness' has shifted from striving to match the consumption  of a next-door neighbor  to pursuing the life styles of the rich and famous depicted  in movies and television shows," noted the Human Development Report 1998.  Obviously, the vast majority of mankind will never attain such a lifestyle. 

(Note: So take off those rose colored glasses and get realistic. Everyone cannot be rich and even if you could you would not be happy.  All this garbage is not healthy and it will not get you into God's Kingdom.) 

Next time: Is Globalization a Solution?  

From the Awake! magazine, 2002