Unit 3 - Section A: Globalisation - Cultural Homogenisation IS occurring

Question 1

Friedman

Answer 1

Friedman (American face) - suggests that ‘globalisation has an American face’, this refers to the spread of American brands across the globe, such as Disney, Coca Cola, Apple.

Question 2

Ghonim

Answer 2

(Western ideals of democracy - Supported by Areeba Areeba website) - Western ideals of democracy are spreading on a global scale - examined protests in Egypt where social media websites were used as a forum for the public to question and criticise the government and also shape public opinions about issues like repression. People in the Middle East use social media to stage political revolutions because it gives people a voice where they can fight for freedom + democracy. Key website ‘Areeba Areeba’ (Closer Closer) to help unite people in protests and also helped to bring the rest of the world closer to the Middle East and the issues they were facing.

Question 3

Fairweather and Rogerson

Answer 3

Contemporary technological advancements take into account Western ways of thinking - argue that cultural homogenisation is occurring due to: Computer software - not being localised therefore (e.g. Microsoft) reflects Western ways of thinking. Advertising - by the West is broadcast on a global scale therefore presents ideas on what is ‘desirable’ (ideal). Anti-social behaviour - on the internet can reflect Western ideas about morality and deviance, (e.g. accessing private information, racism, sexism, other forms of harassment. Digital communication does not give rules or police morality and ethics - that occur in local cultures (e.g. Western views regarding liberalism… Egypt protests.)