This article from the BBC is a clear illustration of some of the issues mentioned in class about globlization.
It is rather silly--Iran refusing to allow the importation of Barbie dolls because they destroy traditional values--but it relates directly to theories that globlization can cause cultural defragmentation. The Iranian government refuses to allow the Barbie dolls in because, among other issues, they violate Islamic values such as the conservative dress of women. And, of course, there is also the larger fear of westernization through other mediums, such as books and video games.
Even if the country in question is Iran, this is understandable. It is natural instinct, I think, for countries to protect their way of life and thought. I have my own concerns about cultural assimilation--western culture is fine and good, but there are all sorts of wonderful, beautiful cultures out there that really don't need a huge coca-cola billboard poking out from the middle of them.
But that's just my opinion, and that's the problem. Peoples and governments are always going to have differing views, each arguably valid, and the clashes will likely continue with no concretely "just" winner in the end. This particular situation can be viewed in a variety of ways. First, that the people are being kept from getting what they want by an evil government practicing censorship. But it can also be viewed as the government trying to protect a culture that the people don't care enough to protect. I think that as "westerners," it's difficult for us to judge the effects that westernization is having on the rest of the world. Of course we see the Iranian government as oppressive and corrupted, and of course we think that the people should have free choice in what they choose to buy.
Still, though, what if the Iranian people weren't clambering for "western" products? The mentality of the "civilized" west versus the "barbarians" of the rest of the world is a dangerous way of thinking. I'm not saying that I believe this is a common belief, but there is a tendency, I think, to welcome other nations embracing the "American" way of life and then not being able to even understand when something else is chosen. And when people start to think like that, there's a problem.
1 comment:
I think it is very interesting to put barbie dolls in this perspective. Globalization is an interesting concept because as referenced by the Olympics or Hello Kitty epidemic, it can bring very different cultures together. Here is a clear example of the opposite. Iran, a nation built on highly conservative religious values is opposed to the importation of barbie dolls because it fears that these values will be compromised. Westernization is something that Iran fears. In this example it is clear that globalization can not only positively affect commerce and the global community, but negatively.
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