The case for Contamination by Kwame Anthony Aphiah published on January 1st 2006 was a very detailed, in depth explanation about the cultural diversity in the world. The text also focuses deeply on the difference between cosmopolitans and neofundamentalists. At the beginning of the text, the author described a Wednesday festival day in Kumasi, Ghana, the town where the author grew up. The description of the place that he was at for the festival was nothing like anything that I know, it was so different and surprisingly modernized and old-fashion simultaneously, I would experience a culture shock if I were to live in that moment at that place.
After reading the entire twelve pages of the document, it took me a while before I could sink everything
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Just because they are exposed to new products through globalization does not necessarily mean that they will abandon their own culture for it nor will they be deeply influenced by it. I believe that people can judge whether a product is right for them and according to their beliefs and values, they will make their own decision about it. Whether they approve it or not, it is their own judgement that matters because at the of the day their values and traditions stay with them since they are innate. I am very convinced that cultural consumers all over the world are not just marionette to be played by the advertisements and products. They are most importantly human beings with the capacity to make decisions that are good for them. In this argument, I agree that the cultural diversity of the world is not threatened just because people from different cultures are exposed to different traditions which are not their own. Let’s face it, we cannot stop people from interacting nor can we stop the grow of globalization of the world. For instance, students from KwaZulu-Natal were asked about American Soap Opera and what lessons did they get from it. One of the student, Sipho responded that in soap opera “Days of our lives”, he drawn the lesson that a man can tell a woman that he loves her. I feel like Sipho took a lesson from the soap opera only because he wanted to and especially because it was correct according to his values and beliefs. What Sipho watched did not completely change his mind about what he already knew but it only opens his mind to a new way to see the same things that he already knew. This proves that the products from a culture do not necessarily affect people from other cultures because they already have their own beliefs and foundations. Thus, I strongly believe that globalization is not at all a treat to the cultural diversity of the
Think of the term ‘globalization’. Your first thought may be of people from all corners of the Earth exchanging ideas, views, products, and so much more. Appiah introduces his article by describing a scene of a traditional Wednesday festival in the town of Kumasi. He allows the reader to visualize the traditions held by those in attendance, but begins his case by providing details of men on their cellphones and holding conversations on contemporary topics such as H.I.V/AIDS. When Appiah speaks of “contamination,” he highlights the way one culture is influenced by another accepting an exchange of ideas. In his article he asks, “why do people in these places sometimes feel that their identities are threatened?” (Appiah). This question raises a topic that is central to the unification of peoples’ ideals and cultures...
Appiah’s analysis of the impact of globalization on cultural homogeneity around the world is thought provoking to say the least. Being from a city in Ghana, he has first handedly witnessed the impact of globalization on his own culture and emphasises the important role of religion
Globalization is the process of people of different cultures or countries integrating through interacting through trade or the use of social media. In “Point: Globalization Provides a Better Life for All” By Jennifer Graham, she provides a valid point of view of how globalization has benefited society. “Globalization enriches the human experience through increased cultural and economic integration, which promotes diversity by opening society to new technology, communication and ideas...Moreover, globalization helps to break down discrimination against people on the basis of religious beliefs or race” (Para, 11,13). Globalization has an impact on my lifestyle because I am currently surrounded by technology and different cultural food. With globalization I have access to different foods that i would normally never get to try, also technology has allowed me to gain knowledge about different culture I would normally not know, this results in me being more informed and benefited because of globalization bringing the different culture of the world so much closer
Kwame Anthony Appiah is a contemporary philosopher born in London. Although raised in the “Western” world, he comes from Ghanaian descent, making his life rich in culture. He presents a compelling argument in his piece “The Case for Contamination”. Appiah argues that we are living in a globalized world, and that while characteristics and ideas in society are changing, it does not necessarily mean that there is a loss of culture. His “case for contamination” preaches the notion that sometimes change is good, and that in order for us to thrive as a society, change is need and should be welcomed with grateful attitude.
This process is catalysed by technological, economic and political trends operative in the contemporary world. (Gikonyo Wokabi and Omondi Owino, 2016) Since Western society is becoming more knowledgeable of the issues taking place for other ethnic backgrounds, where its people may suffer greater economically, there’s more opportunity for others to endeavour to assist and improve standards of living. Another positive factor of globalisation is the increase in media coverage drawing attention of the world to human rights violations. (Sites.google.com, 2016)This can further better a certain culture on their views such as violence against women, encouraging proper formation of identity and creating a better experience of belonging. The benefits of globalisation may not be universal. “Globalisation, exposes firms to a wide range of cultures simultaneously.” (Slater, Paliwoda and Slater, 2007) Countries such as Japan has shown to be historically averse to globalisation, and have only slowly changed and evolved to accept and adapt to a more American style approach to business. (Slater, Paliwoda and Slater, 2007) This emphasis the impact of globalisation on ethnicity today as cultures must begin to develop a different attitude towards globalisation in order to change for the better. This change may result in individuals feeling a loss of their own cultural norms and values
Globalization is the process of people of different cultures or countries integrating through interacting through trade or the use of social media. In “Point: Globalization Provides a Better Life for All” By Jennifer Graham, she provides a valid point of view of how globalization has benefited society. “Globalization enriches the human experience through increased cultural and economic integration, which promotes diversity by opening society to new technology, communication and ideas...Moreover, globalization helps to break down discrimination against people on the basis of religious beliefs or race” (Para, 11,13). Globalization has an impact on my lifestyle because I am currently surrounded by technology and different cultural food. With globalization I have access to different foods that I would normally never get to try, also technology has allowed me to gain knowledge about different culture I would normally not know. This results in me being more informed and benefited about the world as a whole because of globalization bringing the different culture of the world so much closer
...’s depictions of both traditional and modern beliefs in varying degrees illustrate the importance of both in contemporary Nigerian culture, as well as the greater Africa as a whole, and how both are intertwined and cannot exist without the other. In effect, she skillfully subverts stereotypes or single perceptions of Africa as backward and traditional, proving instead, the multifaceted culture of Africa. She further illustrates that neither traditional African nor western culture is necessarily detrimental. It is the stark contrast of the fundamental cultures that inevitably leads to clashes and disagreements. In the end, what holds African countries such as Nigeria together is their shared pride. Modern, western influences can bring positive changes to society, but new cultures cannot completely eradicate the foundational cultures to which a society is founded on.
Toyin, Falola. “The Power of African Cultures.” Woodbridge, Suffolk, United Kingdom: University of Rochester Press, 2003. Print
Globalization has it's obvious ups and downs. In Kwame Appiah's article "the case for contamination" he makes it clear that he favors globalization but doesn't ignore the contradictions and set backs that globalization brings. Globalization offers other countries different perspectives on life and cultural ideas. Kwame Appiah uses a story about visiting his home land to show how two cultures can merge successfully without one over imposing its views on the other. While waiting for the king to arrive, a very cultural and traditional ceremony, many people stood in business suits with phones in hand. Yet these modern westernized products did not change the overall customs and cultural beliefs of these people. They are not being over run with technology or westernized ideas. They have simply adapted them into their own culture. Appiah is very opinionated and uses his own religion as well as other religions as an example to get his point across but he never pushes or tries to influence the reader by these religions. He has travelled and had close relationships with people of different cultures, customs and places. This makes him appear knowledgeable in the field of cultural globalization and ethics in world affairs. Appiah illustrates his view on the difference of isolating a culture to preserve it and letting it choose its own path to evolve with the times. He uses this same idea in the way he writes ultimately letting the reader choose their own stance on the topic. Without any hesitation I agree with the authors point of view that giving a person the individual opportunity to chose what to adapt or exclude in there life is the most fair and beneficial situation.
Globalization is a term which became popular after the 3th quarter of the 20th century. It is used to describe the movement of people, information, commodities and financial tools across national borders which increase the interconnection between countries economically, politically, socially and culturally. The effects of globalisation on different fields are one of the main discussion topics of these days. One can easily find thousands of articles on the impacts of globalisation on economy, agriculture, politics, democracy, science and even on climate. However, globalisation and its effects on culture is an unheeded area. The defenders of globalisation consciously avoid discussing culture, because they all know that globalisation is the main source of cultural genocide.
My dad owned a tire and auto repair shop which was right next door to the McDonald’s. We went to Catholic Church and a Catholic school. My only exposures to International issues or peoples were in the stories of the saints. When I moved to go to college in Oregon there was some international exposure but very limited. The main exposure to other cultures were through films, some content was true to the culture while others were following the American stereotypes, such as making Russians evil or all Asians know Kung Fu. It wasn’t until the past 10 years that I began to work with people from many different countries and became interested in their cultures, business practices, history and cities. In my own life, globalization has allowed me to see past the unfair stereotypes and misinformation to see people of different cultures with understanding and respect. It’s been a welcomed
The world is always moving and changing and humans have learned to adapt and embrace these changes. The increase in technology, and new concepts around transporting and globalizing the world there will always be a changes within a culture, food, music, politics or even transforming the whole culture into something that is modernized. The world is becoming more diverse in sharing our different customs, and there is an increase in productivity and creating connections around the world that within the last century would not have been imagine. The spread of globalization has contributed out positive effects, and should be encouraged in many places around the world, with the encouragement of globalization issues can be minimize by the spread of
In the last two decades, the influence of globalization has been rapidly growing through the use of technology, media, communications, transnational corporations, and advances in social relations. With the increase in social relations and advances in technology, this allows citizens across the world to connect and interact, allowing barriers to break down and slowly emerge. The source we are currently met with and are analyzing, proposes that globalization has a negative impact on identities of human beings. Regarding media, culture, beliefs, systems, judgements, and social interactions, globalization can be seen from both lights, positive and negative since it can help spread innovative ideas but also contribute to the process
Globalization refers to the absence of barriers that every country had. Yes, it has helped to demolish the walls that separated us .Globalization, which is the process of growing interdependence among every country in this planet, can be seen as a sign of hopeful and better future by some, but for others it represents a huge disaster for the whole world. That’s why we are going to see the negative effect that globalization has on culture then focus on the ethical disadvantage it brought, to finally talk about the damage it did to skilled workers.
Globalization is becoming one of the most controversial topics in today’s world. We see people arguing over the loss of a nation’s cultural identity, the terror of westernization, and the reign of cultural imperialism. Through topics such as these we explore the possibilities or the existence of hybridization of cultures and values, and what some feel is the exploitation of their heritage. One important aspect that is not explored is that such influences can also be more than just a burden and an overstepping of bounds. These factors can create an educational environment as well as a reaffirmation of one’s own culture.