Reading 2: What is the relation between culture and globalization? Jirky Samyn

Summary

In the first part of the article, Tomlinson gives us a broad definition of globalization. He writes that it is a multidimensional process of global connectivity. Multidimensional means globalization is happening simultaneously in different aspects of society, such as economy, politics, culture, etc. Global connectivity means that globalization is a way places around the world can be connected to each other. Globalization is a newer, still developing, and increasing concept.

In the second part, he tries to give us a better understanding of culture. He believes culture is a phenomenon through which people try to find the meaning of life. Culture makes people take certain actions or make certain decisions. It is important to know that culture is just a small fraction of globalization. It is one of the dimensions on which globalization has an effect. But culture also generates and shapes globalization.

In the following part of the article, Tomlinson writes about global culture. He states that globalization will not lead to one unified culture. Looking at the differences between the developed world and the ‘Third World’ shows that globalization is an uneven process and therefore not completely global. Contrary to his beliefs, there are still critics who do believe in a unified global culture. This phenomenon brings fear for the spread of western culture and the disappearance of others. Tomlinson writes that using products produced by big western brands does not take away from your own (not-western) culture. He firmly states that globalization is just bringing different cultures in contact with each other, but not at all forcing western culture as the global culture. After giving a few historical examples of groups and their worldview, he comes to the conclusion, that the biggest challenge of globalization is to make a unified culture without forcing one particular culture.

Tomlinson says deterritorialization is an effect of cultural globalization. It is the weakening between local culture and territory. Deterritorialization makes us realize that our own local culture is not the only option in our day-to-day lives and it broadens our horizons. The writer tries to make us aware of how telemediatization is influencing our everyday lives and to not take it for granted. He warns us about the long-term effects of the increasing immediacy in our modern culture.

In the last part of the article, Tomlinson raises two problems that are in some way connected to each other. The dilemma of Universal human rights vs cultural differences and the formation of cultural identity.

New, interesting, or unusual items learned

While reading the article I came across various words that I had not yet learned or heard about. Some of these were cosmopolitanism, The Mappa Mundi, deterritorialization, etc. It was also interesting to read Tomlinson’s belief that western culture is not going to become the global culture or is not taking away other cultures, because I’ve only heard people say that ‘the west is taking over.' I don’t know if I agree with his viewpoint, but it is definitely a topic to look into further.

One question, concern, or discussion

Tomlinson states that one unified global culture will mostly likely never come to be. If that is the case, where is globalization moving towards, and is there ever an end?