Globalization

In the world today, the connections between people, nations, and cultures are steadily increasing. This process is known as globalization. It is marked by several technological developments, such as digital convergence, mobile phone infrastructure expanding, and Internet infrastructure. There are increased opportunities for communication, exchange of material and symbolic goods, and migration of people across national borders.

Globalization and cultural imperialism are greatly related to each other. Cultural Imperialism describes how Western culture is making more and more people become consumers, and all cultures are becoming homogeneous, like mirror images of Western culture and ideology. It also focuses on the spread of ideas, and, eventually, the loss of local, indigenous, and national culture and ideas becomes less apparent.

McDonald's is a huge example of American globalization and cultural imperialism. Originally having been in only America, McDonald's restaurants now exist all over the world. The spreading of this phenomenon shows the fear that American culture is taking over other countries and causing them to lose their cultural identity. However, McDonald's still makes its menu items relate to countries. But, just doing this doesn't take away the effects of American globalization in other countries.