Chapter 10, How can we respond to cultural impacts of globalisation?

Question 1

Ethnic Culture

Answer 1

• Ethnic culture is often understood in terms of the customs and traditions of different ethnic groups.
• It can be commonly reflected in the language, clothing, art and music of the ethnic group.
• Ethnic culture also encompasses the beliefs, values and practices that shape the behaviours, interactions and way of life of members within the ethnic group.
• In this way, a shared identity and cohesion are created among members who share the ethnic culture.
• Here are 2 key characteristics of ethnic culture:
  1. “Pure” culture does not exist. People have travelled and influenced the cultures that they come in contact with. Thus as a result of globalization, different cultures have influenced each other.
  2. Ethnic culture evolves over time. This is due to people’s actions, choices or influences from other cultures. However, these changes may take place gradually. Members may adapt and try to preserve their ethnic culture over generations

Question 2

Popular and consumer culture

Answer 2

• Popular and consumer culture is a relatively recent creation, largely due to globalization, as compared to ethnic culture.
• It influences people’s behaviour and preferences as consumers. As people consume and engage in these activities, they shape their way of viewing the world and change their way of life.
• Popular and consumer culture can include entertainment, food and beverage and fashion.

Question 3

What led to spread of culture?

Answer 3

1. Driving force of digital technology in globalisation
2. Driving force of MNCs

Question 4

Driving forces of digital technology

Answer 4

• With the advancement and prevalent use of digital technology e.g social media like tiktok, smartphones have led to spread of culture easily.
• For example, The Walt Disney Company, Universal Pictures, and Netflix are prime examples of multi-billion-dollar American multinational corporations (MNCs) that not only produce highly popular shows but also distribute them globally. Many embraces American culture due to its relatable and familiar aspects, such as fast food and media.
• American media often influences viewers to adopt the values and beliefs portrayed in shows and movies.
• As American influences grow more pervasive, they integrate into people’s daily routines, shaping their preferences, lifestyles, and identities.

Question 5

Driving force of MNCs

Answer 5

• MNCs have the resources and expertise in many countries and open many branches. Over time, locals may feel attached to the foreign food.
• For example, millions of Japanese families treat themselves to KFC, which is considered a Japanese tradition since their “Kentucky for Christmas” marketing campaign in 1970s to celebrate Christmas.
• Japanese consumers has given KFC a new meaning which differs significantly from its original American context.
• Even as globalization enables consumer behaviours to spread to other countries, locals may absorb some of these foreign influences and transform them to reflect their own local identity.

Question 6

Dilution of culture

Answer 6

• Local cultures may be threatened and can risk being diluted or lose their significance or distinctiveness due to globalization.
• This is due to driving forces of technology and MNCs. MNCs in American and Korea are more technologically advanced, and they could transmit their entertainment products in digital format and share them in digital platforms.
• For example, Xinyao was popular among young Singaporeans in the 1980s. Unfortunately, the rise of international megastars like Andy Lau in the 1990s overshowed Xinyao as Singaporeans and record companies chose to lend their ears to them. Singapore television channels also spread American influence over Singaporean youths with American music video channels, movies and pop culture, which are deemed as cool among teenagers.
• The dilution of local cultures may eventually lead Xinyao being forgotten over time. People may lose the rich meanings and ways of life connected with this local culture.
• As younger generations grow up under the influence of globalization, they may encounter challenges in relating to older generations who are more deeply rooted in local and ethnic cultures. Conversely, older generations may not fully appreciate the popular and consumer culture that resonates with younger generations.

Question 7

Countries accepting cultural globalization

Answer 7

• Countries can choose to embrace aspects of cultural globalisation that are considered valuable.
• In February 2023, a dance cover of an award-winning Indian song, “Naatu Naatu” by South Korean diplomats in India went viral on social media. It was produced to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties between Korea and India.
• The South Korean ambassador to India came up with this idea to rejoice in the success of Indian cinema and music.
• This has garnered a warm response in India.
• It also shows that Koreans also love Indian culture.

Question 8

Countries rejecting cultural globalisation

Answer 8

• Countries can choose to reject cultural globalisation to protect their local culture, values and beliefs.
• In 2019, The IMDA cancelled a scheduled live concert by a Swedish Black Metal Band Watain following an online petition.
• They expressed concerns about how the band’s past performances had promoted violence, hateful, sentiments and religiously offensive content.
• The Minister for Home Affairs and Law stressed that the government has a responsibility not only to the individuals who like the music but also to many Singaporeans, who could be offended.
• Hence the band was banned as they do not represent the culture Singapore wants in youths.

Question 9

Countries limiting influence of cultural globalisation

Answer 9

• Countries can choose to limit the influence of cultural globalisation that are perceived as a threat in local industries.
• In 1993, there was a rule in France that require 40% of TV programmes to be in French.
• In 1994, another rule was introduced that 40% of the songs played over the radio must be in French, which was further reduced to 35%.
• These rules were meant to counter the rising cultural influences from English speaking countries brought about by globalisation and protect the French domestic cultural industry.

Question 10

Individuals accepting cultural globalisation

Answer 10

• Countries can choose to embrace aspects of cultural globalisation that are considered valuable.
• Individuals may choose to actively consume foreign cultural products and embrace the ideas, values and beliefs that they promote.
• For example, The American teen comedy “To all the Boys I’ve loved before” caused a rise in interest in Yakult, a drink from Japan that was featured in the comedy. This helped to influence individual’s choices to foreign products.

Question 11

Individuals rejecting cultural globalisation

Answer 11

• Individuals can choose to resist the influences of cultural globalisation or reject foreign cultural product to protect their local industries and cultural identity.
• For example, the Korean Wave has enjoyed great popularity in Japan. K-pop and K-dramas are frequently broadcast at primetime with high ratings.
• However, Korean pop culture has also received backlash from some locals. There are concerns that Korean influences will threaten or dilute Japanese culture and cultural businesses.
• As a result, Individuals and communities in Japan staged protest Japan’s Fuji TV as early as 2011 for airing Korean entertainment shows and K dramas. Some Japanese also do not buy Korean products because they are made in Korea.

Question 12

Individuals rejecting cultural globalisation

Answer 12

• Individuals can choose to resist the influences of cultural globalisation or reject foreign cultural product to protect their local industries and cultural identity.
• For example, the Korean Wave has enjoyed great popularity in Japan. K-pop and K-dramas are frequently broadcast at primetime with high ratings.
• However, Korean pop culture has also received backlash from some locals. There are concerns that Korean influences will threaten or dilute Japanese culture and cultural businesses.
• As a result, Individuals and communities in Japan staged protest Japan’s Fuji TV as early as 2011 for airing Korean entertainment shows and K dramas. Some Japanese also do not buy Korean products because they are made in Korea.