Cultural imperialism

Dependence on cultural imperialism
Cultural domination
Conceptual imperialism
Denial of cultural self-determination

Nature

One culture can dominate others by its commerce; by its superior products and technologies which create a demand; by its cultural achievements whether they are scientific, literary, artistic, intellectual or social; and negatively, by intimidation of size and nearness, and by forced political and military agreements. When cultural dominance is perpetuated without sensitivity to, and respect for, indigenous ways of life, it is imperialistic and expansionist, feeding on its own success. Where a population is susceptible it may experience cultural invasion from more than one source. For example, it may adopt as an additional language one that is foreign; it may follow consumer patterns from another model; and it may accept ideologies from still a third source. Populations may become culturally dependent on foreign importations, stifling their own development in literature, science, education, mass media, behaviour and language, and in economic growth.

Background

Cultural imperialism emerged as a recognized global concern in the mid-20th century, particularly with the spread of Western media, language, and consumer culture during decolonization and the Cold War. Scholars and activists began documenting its effects on local identities and traditions, noting the dominance of powerful nations in shaping cultural norms worldwide. The problem gained further prominence with globalization, as debates intensified over cultural homogenization and the marginalization of indigenous and minority cultures.

Incidence

Independent India still retains the foreign thinking of colonialism, which values that which comes from outside and produces such paradoxes as American-educated scientists versed in technologies aimed at reducing the role of human beings in production, although labour is India's greatest asset; or graduates of foreign business schools who know how to administer complicated corporations with billion-dollar assets – the sort of corporations which will put out of business the small labour-intensive and unsophisticated industries that India is officially committed to encouraging.

Claim

The western way of life is encouraging thinking and policies which increase poverty and instability in the less prosperous parts of the world. Cultural imperialism, which formerly occurred in the sense of colonization and political domination, now it is less overt but nonetheless widespread via the mass media and the new information and communications technology. It occurs in international trade and in excessive and uncontrolled foreign investment overseas by powerful countries and transnational corporations. The economic invasion is attended by cultural invasion and with political influence. Consumerism is its main vehicle.

Counter-claim

Cultural imperialism is vastly overstated as a problem. In today’s interconnected world, cultures constantly exchange ideas, enriching rather than erasing each other. People freely adopt global trends while preserving their unique identities. Claiming cultural imperialism is a major threat ignores the agency of individuals and communities. Instead of fearing cultural exchange, we should celebrate the diversity and innovation it brings. The supposed dangers of cultural imperialism are simply not a pressing concern.