Lecture Notes: Globalized Culture

Introduction

• Globalization leads to a fusion of world cultures into a "globalized culture."
• Interaction between diverse cultures accelerated by:
  • Internet and new communication technologies
  • Air travel and new transportation technologies
• Predominantly influenced by Western culture, but local cultures remain influential.

Influence on Arts

Music

• Reggae Music: Originated in Jamaica; globally popular through Bob Marley.
  • Bob Marley's music loved worldwide.
• K-pop: Originated in South Korea in the early 2000s.
  • Spread globally through social media, e.g., BTS.

Entertainment

• Rise of a global entertainment culture.
• Dominance of Hollywood (U.S.) in international film production.
  • Top-grossing films contribute to global culture.
  • Critics label this as cultural imperialism due to the Western values portrayed.
• Bollywood:
  • Based in Mumbai, India.
  • Produces more films than Hollywood.
  • Gained popularity in South Asia, the Middle East, and diaspora communities.

Sports

• Globalization of spectator sports.
• Olympics and World Cup:
  • Platforms for nationalism and international competition.
  • Huge global viewership (e.g., 3 billion for Olympics, 1.5 billion for World Cup).

Global Consumer Culture

• Lifestyle focused on spending on mass-produced goods.
• U.S. pivotal post-WWII in shifting production to consumer goods.
  • Advertising industry fueled consumer culture.
• Global Brands:
  • American Brands: e.g., McDonald's, Coca-Cola, KFC.
    • Surprising fact: China has the highest concentration of KFC outlets.
  • International Brands: e.g., Toyota (Japan), Alibaba (China).
  • Online Retailers: eBay and Alibaba facilitate global commerce.

Conclusion

• Global culture influenced by international exchanges in arts, entertainment, sports, and consumer goods.
• American influence significant but not exclusive; other cultures and industries contribute to the global mix.

Additional Resources

• Recommended: AP World Heimler Review Guide for exam preparation.