Globalization And Canadian Identity

Advances in technology have created a digital age where people across the globe can connect and interact with each other as easily as if they lived in the same community. Globalization has driven the worldwide spread of technology, creating far-reaching connections and what has come to be commonly known as a “global village”. This term, coined by Canadian professor and philosopher Marshall McLuhan, is a metaphor used to describe the shrinking of the world into a closely connected village, free of physical and cultural borders, through the use of electronic media. The source states that this new global identity threatens to replace national and individual identities. In this quote, the author criticizes social and economic globalization, representing

Canada is a strong example of multiculturalism and has been described as a cultural mosaic, an elaborate body of unique and individual pieces that come together to create a remarkably diverse and beautiful country. Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau once said, “There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an ‘all Canadian’ boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate.” Media has undoubtedly shaped this mosaic, but it has not turned it into a singular Canadian identity. In Canada, various populations come together to appreciate different cultures and the food, dress, and customs associated with them in annual Mosaic Festivals. This tradition of celebrating individual and cultural identity has not been threatened by the increase in digital media, or by the “global village” ideology, it has been

Some transnational corporations have accommodated the needs of unique individuals and cultures rather than adopting the concept of a global identity. This has been demonstrated by the popular American fast food chain McDonald’s, and their response to local cultures. In India, lamb or vegetarian burgers are served in response to Muslim and Hindu dietary restrictions. Not only do they separate the food preparation so the meat never makes contact with the vegetarian food, they also separate the menus, so vegetarians don’t even have to read about meat dishes. This illustrates how seemingly ruthless companies value the individual consumer and the different lifestyles found worldwide. Successful transnational corporations have embraced hybridization by expanding their companies to other countries and blending elements of the country’s specific culture into their business plan. By doing this, corporations are promoting individuality and as such helping to shape a national identity rather than simply accepting the concept of a westernized global