I have chosen to philosophize about the short part on "Cultural Imperialism" in the course for the simple reason that I found the articles to be very interesting and inspiring. Specifically Phil Taylor's article on the British Council's website has not only helped me better understand the definition of the phenomenon, but has also helped me get a better global view on the different ways that the "-ism" is being exerted.
The first thing I thought while reading the article was that Mr. Taylor was speaking in a very pejorative way about the subject. On one side, this is of course understandable seeing as that most "-ism's" seem to have this negative reputation, but when looking at the big picture, I couldn't help but notice that this phenomenon can be interpreted as very positive: Isn’t enforcing ones culture upon another just a way of wanting the best for them? After all, everyone believes their own culture is the best one, otherwise they wouldn’t agree with it, right? It makes sense to want to convert other people to your culture because you want to convince them that they would be better off with it. As simple as it sounds, this is unfortunately not how cultural imperialism is being exerted. When we look at the various examples in the Cold War, the Vietnam war for example, we can see all the violence that seems to accompany the phenomenon. Ground wars, torture, napalm strikes, .. Are these really the best ways of convincing someone that your culture is superior?
Another thing that intrigues me is the “cocacolonization” phenomenon that is mentioned in the course. When I looked up the definition, I once again read a pejorative one: “an invasion of Western culture that threatens the local culture.” Apparently it became so bad at one point that several French communists had attempted to actually illegalize Coca Cola in their country around 1949. It is very interesting to see how many people are so protective about their own culture and wish to remain in their own sanctuary of beliefs rather than contributing to the global village.
In conclusion I would like to say that, though I don’t agree with the negative way cultural imperialism is being defined, I do not agree with the way it is being applied either. Excuse me when I integrate my own “peace-and-love state of mind” for a moment and say that there is never an excuse for using violence, unless the use of it somehow prevents even more violence (Which I suppose is what the Americans thought they were actually doing in Vietnam). If only people would get over their egos and accept other people’s cultures instead of finding them affronting and threatening to their own. While I go take a walk and ponder about positive ways cultural imperialism is being exerted, I will leave you with a very famous Dalai Lame quote: “If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.”
