Globalization has propagated economic opportunity, elevated human rights and improved access to information, technology and goods for people all over the world. Critics argue that these benefits have come at a steep price: the sacrificing of regional cultural identity for Western ideals.
Curiosity contributor Bambi Turner looked at globalization and found disagreement about its benefits and drawbacks.
Globalization can affect culture in a few basic ways. One interpretation suggests that globalization disperses any and every culture throughout the world, making the planet more heterogeneous, forging deeper connections between different groups. For example, teens in the United States gain an understanding of Japanese culture through animation, comic books and video games, while teens throughout Asia learn about the American way of life by watching U.S. TV shows and movies.
Others argue that globalization makes culture more homogenous, leading to a unified world culture that consists of watered-down versions of regional cultural trends. Japanese sushi can be consumed in virtually any country in the world, and favorites from French pastries to "American" fried chicken can be found from Florida to Hong Kong. Proponents argue that this only affects things like consumer goods and the media, while critics worry that it weakens traditional culture.