Cultural Imperialism was
around long before the United States became a world power. In its
broadest strokes, imperialism describes the ways that one nation asserts
its power over another. Just as imperial Britain economically ruled the
American colonists, so did Britain strongly influence the culture of
the colonies. The culture was still a mix of nationalities—many Dutch
and Germans settled as well—but the ruling majority of ex-Britons led
British culture to generally take over.
Today,
cultural imperialism tends to describe the United States’ role as a
cultural superpower throughout the world. American movie studios are
generally much more successful than their foreign counterparts not only
because of their business models but also because the concept of
Hollywood has become one of the modern worldwide movie business’s
defining traits. Multinational, nongovernmental corporations can now
drive global culture. This is neither entirely good nor entirely bad. On
one hand, foreign cultural institutions can adopt successful American
business models, and corporations are largely willing to do whatever
makes them the most money in a particular market—whether that means
giving local people a shot at making movies, or making multicultural
films such as 2008’s Slumdog Millionaire.
However, cultural imperialism has potential negative effects as well.
From a spread of Western ideals of beauty to the possible decline of
local cultures around the world, cultural imperialism can have a quick
and devastating effect.
By Ben.
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