Impacts of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures - Essay Example

?Impacts of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures Introduction Indigenous people refer to individuals who are members of indigenous ethnic groups or people with historical ties to a particular place before colonization or before the formation of a nation state. Essentially, indigenous people maintain a greater degree of political and cultural difference from the mainstream political or cultural systems that exist within the national borders. To a great extent they are in the worst position in so far as taking advantage of the opportunities of a globalized economy is concerned and more often than not feel marginalized by the system. Due to globalization however,, this group of people also experience an enhanced ability to communicate globally and adjust their voice after many years of disenfranchisement (Cesarotti (.n.d) p. 3). Globalization, has been defined in many different ways. In its simplest term, globalization is the process of integration among different nations across the globe. The integration in this case takes the form of multinational corporations expanding their influence, trade agreements, communication, and internet, movement of individuals cross borders and the increasing power of multilateral organizations such as International Monetary Fund (IMF). These social, economic and political changes have been brought about by technological advancement, promotion of the neoliberal and the unexploited potential for corporations in foreign markets (Edelman and Haugerud 2005 p.16-22). These forces have had a lot of impacts on the indigenous cultures across the world. The objective of this paper is to explore the impacts that globalization has had on the indigenous cultures across the globe. Globalization has presented itself in different ways, affecting almost everyone on the planet. Its impacts on indigenous cultures more than often are viewed both positively and negatively. This is because growth of globalization has introduced new opportunities to people across the globe while at the same time impeding the indigenous people’s ability to retain their knowledge and cultural practices (Collier and Collier 2005 p.450-460). Globalization has indeed had far reaching effects on the world since it has made the world smaller both virtually and in reality. This has happened as a result of the several developments happening across the globe, especially with the introduction of computers and the internet. Physically, globalization has made traveling easier since it has brought with it modern means of transport and communication including cars, ships and the airplanes. This has helped bring indigenous people into closer contact with other people and parts of the world. Worth noting is that the contacts brought about by globalization have not just been for the benefit of the indigenous people around the world. Instead, indigenous cultures, more than often, have been replaced by superior western views of what the world is all about through increasing access to various modes of communication, such as, the Internet, digital media, television and satellite communication system and increased contact with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds through trade and tourism. The impacts of exploitation of different parts of the globe not initially touched by the global forces and western cultures have indeed resulted in the exploitation of the indigenous people mainly for the benefit of the world entities (Collier and Collier 2005 p.450-460). The International Forum on Globalization (2006) notes that indigenous people are on the verge of crisis with regard to sustainable development. It goes ahead to state that these communities are good examples of sustainable societies, which evolved in diverse ecosystem according to history. Currently the indigenous cultures are facing the challenge of survival, extinction and renewal due to the effects of globalization according to the International Forum on Globalization (2006). Globalization is seen to have impacted negatively on the indigenous cultural than any other since these people have no voice and are easily swept aside global forces. International Forum on Globalization (2006) argues that globalization has not only marginalized the indigenous people but has also inflicted a prolonged attack on the very foundation of their livelihood and existence. A case in point has been witnessed with the indigenous people of Bolivia and Mexico. For example, indigenous people throughout the globe essentially sit on the frontlines of the expansion of globalization, and are perceived to occupy the last untouched places on earth, where resources are still plenty: minerals, forests, genetic diversity and water. Despite these good fortunes, all are ferociously sought by global corporations, attempting to push traditional, indigenous people off their land (Cesarotti (n.d)). The traditional sovereignty of the indigenous people with regard to hunting and gathering rights has been brought into question due to globalization. This is due to the fact that national governments tend to bind them into new global economic treaties. This has seen many indigenous people abandon their cultural practices of hunting and gathering to involve themselves in westernized cultures such like the commercial agriculture, work in industries. This has been the case with the Kung-San indigenous people of Botswana and Angola, who have emulated the western cultures and have started abandoning hunting gathering practices (Edelman and Haugerud 2005 p.23-43). Despite the negative impacts which globalization has had on the indigenous cultures, with the increasing technology-based services and connectivity provided by technologies, currently there are better and more extensive access services and programs that could not have been in existent before due to low populace and isolation (Lewellen 2010 p.44-98). For instance, globalization has opened up the world, which has indeed created employment in areas which were previously economically challenged like those inhabited by the indigenous people. The internet and television, for example, has created a good opportunity for the indigenous people to preserve and share their cultural heritage and traditional languages. For example, the emergence of social networking such as twitter, facebook, television networks and blogs has indeed enabled the indigenous people to communicate easily and share their various cultural heritage and traditions. This is evident in Canada with regard to the Aboriginal People Television Network (APTN) formed in 1999 and run by First Nations people focusing on indigenous artists and content (Edelman and Haugerud 2005 p.16-22). The mandate of the channel is mainly to create cross-cultural bridges between the indigenous, Aboriginal people and members of the society. The programs centers on promoting indigenous identity. The establishment of this channel has given all the indigenous people of Canada a voice through technology. The channel has also helped other indigenous groups beyond Canada to voice out their concerns and promotes their cultural heritage since this channel is now available worldwide. Many of the programming run by the channel carry mainly aboriginal focus drawn from places such as New Zealand and Australia. The internet brought about by globalization for instance, has become part and parcel of human life as it bridges communication between different Aboriginal groups and communities. Moreover, the emergence of these technologies have helped in reestablishment of the community especially is areas where colonization practices and forced reallocation resulted in the establishment of a diasporas or where people have migrated in such of jobs. For instance, immediately after the collapse of Koror-Babeldaob Bridge in Peru in 1996, the subsequent established website for this community area led to the establishment of an e-mail list where expatriate Palauans were reserved up to date and in connection with the community back home(Lewellen 2010 p.44-98). The indigenous, aboriginal communities are more than often marginalized from the rest of the community since they are perceived to be voiceless. This in most cases have rendered this group of people poor and disabled since they can not easily access good medical care, employment among others. Globalization has, therefore, helped this indigenous community undertake certain initiatives aimed at addressing the disadvantages and various forms of atrocities inflicted on them. This is evident with the aboriginal organizations that have begun using the internet as a platform of fighting out the various forms of atrocities. For instance, the Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nation based in Canada, North Ontario initiated a heath program in 1999, airing videoconferencing sessions from psychiatry hospital in Winnipeg. This force of services has witnessed immense growth focusing on mental health and has received a lot of support from the indigenous people. This is evident as most of these indigenous people have today shifted from the use of herbal medicines, which was the only means of curing diseases to hospitals where they seek for specialized treatment. This has indeed helped in uplifting the living health standards of this faction of individuals in the society (Lewellen 2010 p.44-98). Globalization has also brought about change across the global and to the indigenous people, as well. Improved technology for instance has brought the global village notion. Therefore, very few areas nowadays are considered untraversable or inaccessible. This enables people from different cultural background come into close contact easily resulting into increased interaction between western cultures and the indigenous cultures (Edelman and Haugerud 2005 p.16-22). This happens mainly when the westerners visits them as tourists with the aim of exploring the region. The contacts between the indigenous people and the western cultures lead to exchange, both negatively and positively to the indigenous cultures. A case in point to illustrate this has been witnessed with the Masaai people of Africa as a tourist attraction. One positive contribution to globalization brought about by tourism is that it brings with it needed tourist dollars. However, this does not come priceless, since Massai, as indigenous people live mainly in areas rich in wildlife. Therefore, there are several limitations being placed on them by their respective governments with regard to what they can hunt for them to be perceived as wildlife conservatives with regard to policies (Lewellen 2010 p.44-98). This is basically a tool meant to appease the western ideals of wildlife conservation. The government’s desire to appeal to the western people severely impacts on Masaai’s traditional lifestyle. For instance, the establishment of national parks in traditional Masaai grazing land limits their traditional activities of pastoralist and hunting. They are due to the fact that their grazing land and water resources are limited. Moreover, they can no longer hunt as they did before and the worst being they are sometime get evicted from some of their territories. Despite all the negative impact tourism have had on Masaai cultural practices, it has also brought with it good opportune by increasing economic opportunities for the Masaai people. This is because tourism is associated with a number of activities such as tour guides and workers. In fact, the Massai culture in itself in a unique form of tourist attraction. This is due to the fact that some tourists mainly come to Africa basically to explore the Masaai’s cultures and heritage. This indeed brings with it a lot of money. Moreover, local Masaai items such as carvings and other forms of traditional items are also sold to the tourists to take home as a reminder of their African expedition (Lewellen 2010 p.44-98). The indigenous Masaai are also known for cultural; performances for tourists. However, this raises the question of authenticity as many argue that there is a loss of cultural significance especially when rituals are performed for purposes of entertainment. Conclusion Globalization has indeed had a lot of impacts on indigenous cultures across the globe. This has both been positive in some cases and negative in others. This is so because it is evident that globalization has in some cases greatly compromised indigenous people’s cultures and traditional lifestyle as evident among Africa’s Masaai. In other cases, globalization has opened up avenues for the indigenous people to express their cultures and even promote their cultural interests to the world with the possibility of bringing about change. Since globalization affects everyone in the society, it would not be easy for the indigenous people to exist in a vacuum without being affected by globalization (Edelman and Haugerud 2005 p.16-22). Therefore, indigenous culture will have to adapt and evolve to accept the effects of globalization into their personal realities, since globalization is inevitable. The reality also remain that, without taking proper action, some of the indigenous cultures would be wiped out, consuming vast indigenous knowledge, traditions, rich culture and any hope of conserving the natural world, and a more holistic way of life for the world’s future generation. However, it is also worth noting that the indigenous groups that would be able to survive the influence of globalization will with no doubt take ownership of the coming cultural evolution. References Blaser, M., Feit, H. A., & McRae, G. (2004). In the way of development: Indigenous peoples, life projects, and globalization. New York: IDRC. Collier, G., & Collier, J. (2005). The Zapatista rebellion in the context of globalization: Journal of Peasant Studies, 32(3/4), 450-460. Cesarotti, B. (n.d). Globalization’s impact on indigenous peoples in Mexico and Bolivia. Adams Grand Valley State University. pp. 1-23. Edelman, M and Haugerud, A. (2005). The Anthropology of Development and Globalization: from classical Political Economy to Contemporary Neoliberalism. New York: Blackwells pub. Lewellen, T. (2010). The anthropology of globalization: Cultural anthropology enters the 21st century. Westport, CT: ABC-CLIO. International Forum on Globalization (2006). Indigenous peoples and globalization program. Retrieved from: http://www.ifg.org/programs/indig.htm Read More