Globalization and Culture

Local culture being overshadowed by western popular culture is one of the effects of globalization. Pop culture is manifested around the world through movies, music, television shows, newspapers, satellite broadcasts, fast food and clothing, among other entertainment and consumer goods. Popular culture or famously known as pop culture is entirety of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, and other phenomena that are within the mainstream of a given culture. Heavily influenced by mass media, this collection of ideas permeates the everyday lives of the society. Take movies or television shows as an example. In the article the Muslim society and the challenges of globalization, Uthman (2003) writes that most popular film shown by the broadcaster are mainly produce in the Hollywood (western countries) and the concerns are that the values of this program are different from eastern values which are rooted in Malaysian communities, which may or may not effect the changing of Malaysian culture. All this may lead to the lost of identity or culture. In terms of music, local citizen idolized foreign artist and singer. They follow the way their idol dress and talk which sometimes aren’t actually a good example to be followed because they may come in contact with negative values.

Technology has now created the possibility and even the likelihood of a global culture. The Internet, fax machines, satellites, and cable TV are sweeping away cultural boundaries. Global entertainment companies shape the perceptions and dreams of ordinary citizens, wherever they live. This spread of values, norms, and culture tends to promote Western ideals of capitalism. Will local cultures inevitably fall victim to this global "consumer" culture? Will English eradicate all other languages? Will consumer values overwhelm peoples' sense of community and social solidarity? Or, on the contrary, will a common culture lead the way to greater shared values and political unity? This section looks at these and