Concepts of Global Culture and Humanity - Essay Example

Global Culture The sociology of culture has boomed over the last few decades along with other cultural studiesthat are in line with social sciences. From a sociological perspective, culture is perceived as the overall way of life. This thus takes into consideration language, beliefs, people’s customs and generally the use of material things. Arguably, therefore, since the start of civilization, individuals have blended ideas and their manner of doing things from what close cultures do, incorporating such into their own cultures. Though believed to have been a thing of the past, the same still take place to date. This has been fuelled by the many technological advances witnessed lately. As such, it is arguable that technology has brought into action the possibility and increased chances of a global culture that every individual can be part of (Brym and John 56). As predicted by some sociologists that the present world in drawing nearer to a global culture negated of cultural diversity, this paper brings to light the concept of global culture, shedding more light on the involvement and/or participation of individuals in the same concept. The concept of popular culture, commonly defined as cultural elements reflecting the background of a common group as well as its changing interest is common. In it, music, sports, movies, leisure activities, fashions, eating habits, and other such activities are included (Boli 217). Being global, popular culture, brings together features that are found in different areas. It is mostly brought forth by the recent advances in technology like television, but mass media plays the most powerful role in this. For instance, a research carried out in the United states and Western Europe indicate that approximately 98% of households have at least a television set (Back 110). The daily broadcast and the many documentations in televisions provide a window to the world hence cultural sharing. As stated earlier, the idea of cultural blending is brought about by the greater access to the thoughts and traditions of different cultures (Harindranath 92). The movement of cultural ideas of people from one culture to another confirms that some beliefs and behaviours have a bigger effect as compared to others. In the late 20th century, for instance, it came clear that ideas from the west dominated globally and played a critical role in shaping the culture of many regions. Through this domination, a legacy was left behind as to the way customs and ideas reflected those from the west (Smith 6). At the same also, one thing became very evident. The idea of language. Worldwide, the languages spoken were those from the west. Some sociologist believes that this was as a result of the fact that many Americans, Asian and African countries were colonized by Europe (Brym and John 178). This notwithstanding, English has come out as the premier international language over the last several decades. This confirms the idea of global culture. The manner of clothing still confirms the essence of a global culture (Reid 45). For instance, a recent research affirms that many youths in the world prefer putting on blue jeans. Although jeans are manufactured in varied colours, it comes out that blue colour is the choice for many. This shows that fashion is a copied behaviour that can be easily transferred from one culture to another. For the many who prefer official dressing, western business suits is the choice for many globally (Mathews 106). In addition, many people have been influenced in the way they think. Materialism, a mindset from the west that leaves many ranking material possession high in their lives has been adopted. Non-western cultures also influence people living in Europe. This includes art, religious and ethical systems as well as architecture. This has seen the adoption of Non-western art in Europe (Shaules 69). Sharing ideas that involve art as well as sharing the real works of art has been made possible by the advancement in transportation sector and the new technology that has opened new and better communication methods. On this note, art shows and museums globally present art that carry different styles and originating from different locations. The fact that these artworks are acknowledged in other places other than their places of origin confirms the fact that culture as a global idea (John, Laura, Ming-cheng 73). This opens the doors to have a view of art from a different culture that was not available to the public before. Literature has also been appreciated from an international outlook. This has been possible through the translation of work by renowned writers into different languages from other culture hence making the audience internationally. Humanity as a race is an ecosystem that requires the full capacity to work best. Cultural diversity has thus been part of our daily life as globalization thrives in the society. Human beings have sought ways of earning a living henceforth go ahead and travel across the globe to fulfil their dream business ideas. However, what they fail to understand is the fact that they tend to adopt other cultures which creates differentialism. A new understanding of a different culture may result to conflicts or disruption across boundaries. As an individual is influenced by another culture, their original perception of their own culture becomes dysfunctional, thus leading to distortion of the culture (Ritzer 105). Cultural globalization is perceived to be a serious threat to the indigenous cultures that are intertwined by the global market. Scholarly research depicts western culture as a river that tends to flood other cultures with their products such as movies, music, and their television programs (Crane et.al, 256). This therefore results to cultural imperialism, which thrives to eliminate cultural diversity while on the other hand creating a homogenous society. Since the main aspect revolves around global capitalism, it does not matter to anyone if distortion of culture takes place or not. Media is depicted as one of the most effective ways in which individuals participate in cultural globalization since it is an efficient tool for advertisement of services and products (Mathews, 21). People tend to get attracted to the clothes, social lifestyles, and even the kind of foods other cultures posses. This creates a local conception within them that leads to dilution of the native culture. Cultural hybridization is another way in which the society sinks into global culture. An example is given of dance music with traditional rhythms and western electric beats from guitars, and pianos. Also evidenced in films, this creates a sense of confusion in determining the real understanding of the culture. Culture has its role in the society and requires appreciation. Rock music, popular in the society, has found its way in different cultures. In a case whereby a certain culture is heard playing rock music, it becomes both peculiar and familiar at the same time (Crane et.al, 107). Social networking has resulted from an increased technological change, thus bring together different cultures at one platter. Social networking tools create a place where people from different cultures exchange their feeling, experiences, and ideas with one another. This influences the different cultural perceptions of the individuals concerned hence leading to a homogenous society with people having the same perception of the world. Scientific knowledge and education has paved way into the lives of people in this 21st century, creating a pathway in which indigenous culture is slowly fading away (Nederveen, 15). People travel across boundaries to seek for education and treatment, which could otherwise be provided locally. This is brought about by the idea that a certain culture has the best to offer than another. In recapitulation and conclusion, sociologist perceives with alarm the development of global culture. The fear that the original and unique identity will be lost is on the increase. However, global culture has brought nations together through sharing of economic, political and environmental affairs (Ritzer 125). On a lighter note also, there is a growing recognition of nations’ dependent on each other, with countries activities largely affected by those of other countries far away. It is through these diverse cultural influences that people have endeavoured to find survive and live better lives despite the many challenges. Lastly, as many dimensions of culture have become globalized, the original cultures and local societies have remained firm, been avowed with enthusiasm in several instances. Work Cited Back, Les. Cultural Sociology: An Introduction. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. Print. Boli, John, and Frank Lechner. World Culture: Origins and Consequences. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons, 2007. Internet resource. Brym, Robert J, and John Lie. Sociology: Pop Culture to Social Structure. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2013. Print. Crane, Diana et.al. Global Culture: Media, Arts, Policy, and Globalization, 2002. Print. Harindranath, Ramaswami. Perspectives on Global Cultures. Maidenhead, Berkshire, England: Open University Press, 2006. Internet resource. John R. Hall, Laura Grindstaff, Ming-cheng Lo. Handbook of Cultural Sociology. London: Routledge, 2010. Print. Mathews Gordon. Global Culture/Individual Identity: Searching for Home in the Cultural Supermarket. Milton park: Routledge, 2002. Print. Nederveen, Pieterse J. Globalization and Culture: Global Mélange. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009. Print. Reid, Jennifer. Religion and Global Culture: New Terrain in the Study of Religion and the Work of Charles H. Long. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2003. Print. Ritzer George. Introduction to Sociology. New York: SAGE Publications, 2014 Shaules, Joseph. Deep Culture: The Hidden Challenges of Global Living. Clevedon: Multilingual matters, 2007. Print. Smith, Philip. Cultural Theory: An Introduction. Blackwell Publisher, 2000. Web. http://english.illinoisstate.edu/strickland/rsvtxt/smith1.pdf Read More