Globalization vs. Americanization
In
Andrew Lam’s essay, he refers to globalization as “the psychological
transformation that’s affecting people everywhere”. When we think of
globalization we tend to think in terms of business or profit, so it’s no
wonder we associate the concept with Americanization. Lam’s own friend summed
globalization up by saying that “Everyone will be eating at McDonald’s,
listening to Madonna, and shopping at Mega Malls”. When we look at the
spreading of technology and an open market in that sense, the results do seem
problematic. The systematic spreading of practices raises many questions. Does
everything lose its’ originality when it is picked up by various people from
different backgrounds? Or does it lead to new breakthroughs and adaptations of
cultural aspects, which, in turn, can lead to acceptance of one another? Are we
contributing to the downfall of independent identity, and ultimately cashing in
on it, or are we celebrating the history of all civilizations? I believe that
globalization is not just, as many may think, an American notion. I believe
that globalization refers to the ever-spreading volume of ideas, technology,
practices, and cognitive dispositions that many different countries and regions
distribute to one another.
Lam
briefly discusses his early child hood is Saigon, which is located in East
Asia. The contrasting environment of his native country as opposed to America
is hardly a surprise. He, as well as other members of his family, were no
longer subject to small towns based primarily on agriculture. They have grown
into much more elaborate individuals, incorporating new languages and customs
into their everyday lives. In this respect, globalization has to be
acknowledged as a positive influence. Expanding one’s cultural understanding
teaches tolerance and an appreciation for other countries. In terms of
intellect, it’s undeniable that taking different perspectives into
consideration aids in the gaining of knowledge. Where one geological area may
be weak in education, another may be quite strong. By exhibiting the fluid
interaction we encompass in modern society we very well may be helping one
another.
A large part of globalization in current years is the overwhelming breakthroughs
in technology. As Lam states, “There’s a transnational revolution taking place,
one beneath our very noses”. Cellular phone and internet access link people
despite great distances like never before. No longer is interacting with one
another a question of travel options, rather, it is obtainable by the click of
a button or the selection of an icon. We are quickly becoming a world that
breaks through physical barriers and exchanges thoughts with one another at any
time of the day or night, regardless of location or social status. I believe
that globalization is a necessary and progressive tool. I also believe that the
theory of it should not be confused with the corporate act of expansion that is
Americanization.
