However, some people criticize that the Internet is a medium of Westernization. According to Kaplan International College (2010, p.26-27), Westernization usually means the cultures are blending by the culture originating in Europe, including the USA and Australia. The idea that the Internet is dominated by the western culture is because 80% of its contents are in English. Thus, people conclude a western culture dominates the Internet because of the English language. (Clark, 1997)
From my point of view, the Internet seems currently in an overpowering English language environment, but it does not mean that it is the medium for one-flow spread of western cultures. Non-westerners receive information from western countries, also they have the equal chance to upload their own cultures. Youtube and Wikipedia are good examples to support the idea, people all over the world express their opinions, exchange their cultural information with anyone who has access to the Internet. Besides, we cannot ignore the fact that people usually chat with friends, download news or entertain in their own language, even though they have moved to other countries. (KIC, 2010) In the past, people in foreign countries only kept in touch with their home country through newspaper or magazines but nowadays they can obtain more information and learn the most updated news from the Internet. Information is no longer limited by the geographical location. Therefore, the Internet becomes a medium to continue home culture for those who do not live in their home country.
The Internet is the most effective way of spreading culture. Another obvious evidence of Westernization is that teenagers all over the world are drinking Coca-Cola, listening to same music, having the same dress sense and buying global branded goods. There are lots of western luxury brands and western restaurants located in Asia. People claim that this phenomenon causes homogenization of cultures in support of the west. (Clark, 1997)
Certainly, I cannot deny the phenomenon above, western culture affects and changes the original way in other cultures. Nevertheless, it is superficial to conclude that cultures are dominated by the west just because of those phenomena. (KIC, 2010) Food, fashion and consumer goods are not profound parts of any culture. Cultures cannot be changed in a deep cultural characteristic like religion, festival, attitudes toward different issues etc. Hong Kong is a place where embraces many different cultures, at the same time, it preserves its own culture. In Hong Kong, we can see people from all nations walking on the street like Filipinos, Japanese, Westerners, Indian and so on. Also, it is easy to find Thai food, Japanese food, French food and Chinese food etc. along the street. People not only celebrate Christmas, but also Mid-Autumn festival, a traditional festival of China. I would say Hong Kong is an example of cultural fusion rather than Westernization. People live in a city that many cultures are combined together.
To sum up, the advanced communications technology has made a dramatic change in the way we live. People can easily connect with someone although they are not in the same country. Ideas and information can spread further and faster than the past. The communications technology has made cultures closer around the world. Moreover, I would not see the Internet as a medium of Westernization because it has created a chance for different countries to interchange their own cultures with the others. Non-western cultures will not be swallowed up by exploring western cultures on the Internet. (799 words)
References:
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Hawaii Geographic Alliance., 1999. Geography & Technology:
Think the World of Your Community. [online] Available at: URL: http://www.hawaii.edu/hga/GAW99/gaw99.html [assessed 26 February 2010]
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Lechner, F., 2000-2001. GLOBALIZATION ISSUES. [online] Available at: URL: http://www.sociology.emory.edu/globalization/issues01.html [assessed 27 February 2010]
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Pakhare, J., 2007. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet. [online] Available at: URL: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-disadvantages-internet.html [assessed 1 March 2010]
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CLARK, I., 1997. Globalization and Fragmentation. United States: Oxford University Press. Pp 24-25.
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Kaplan International College., 2010. Communications technology and culture, SS3 Study Pack. Liverpool: KIC. Pp26-27.