Throughout this essay I believe the author has shown how the rest of the world has influenced and changed America just as much as America has changed the rest of the world through globalization. Some critics believe that the term globalization is actually a mask for the term “Americanization” but this essay proves the opposite. I agree with the author in the sense that the rest of the world has changed America. I take this view because I am obviously an American, and I have seen how globalization has changed the United States. For example, on the way to school today I drove my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jeeps are considered the “American Legend” but this name gives many people of false sense of American pride. The motor of my Jeep is the same motor that is used in cars made by Mercedes Benz which of course is a German car company. In fact, less than 50% of my Jeep is made in the United States. Additionally, on the road I passed numerous foreign cars. Foreign cars are becoming increasingly more popular on the road and even the American cars have the majority of their parts imported. Also, as I am writing this paper I am wearing a shirt that is made in Turkey, shoes from Thailand, and I had Mexican and Chinese for lunch this week. Many people believe that globalization will cause the world to become more like America. In a way I believe this is somewhat true. However, America itself is changing and therefore very hard to copy. America is the most diverse nation in the world. America is the home of almost every race, religion, and every kind of person in the world. America’s diversity and globalization has led its culture to be shaped by the rest of the world. The rest of the world is having an impact on the culture America just as much as America is influencing the culture of foreign lands. I agree with the author’s statement that the world will not become American but America will still be a model for the rest of the world. The rest of the world wants to be as diverse, wealthy, and as successful as our nation. I believe that globalization can cause the entire world to have the same culture someday, but this culture will not be American culture. It will be a culture that is a combination of every culture throughout the world.
February 1, 2008 at 4:21 am
My friend you have a point, and I give my kudos on your post. I agree that America is diffusing itself with other cultures, and prospective business partners, such as Japan, South Korea, and China. For example where are the “Happy Meal” toys created? Who makes the best electronic equipment? Where do we get anything decent these days? Half the time when someone does see the “Made in the USA”, label, they turn right around and buy the same item made in China.
February 1, 2008 at 9:08 am
The negative side which I got against that is that people are not always hip to changes in the communities. For example I feel that there would not always be fighting for territories, or even culture territory over in other country’s if the world was not so heavily divers.
February 3, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Great example with the Jeep and also taking a position on that America is being changed by the world. Very interesting end as well, “globalization can cause the entire world to have the same culture someday, but this culture will not be American culture. It will be a culture that is a combination of every culture throughout the world.” – The question is, is this a good thing or a bad thing? ~ Great job Travis!