Blog 2: What is the relation between culture and globalization?-ZHANG QI

 Hello professor, this is the content I wrote based on the questions I answered in class:

The relationship between culture and globalization is indeed interdependent and mutually influential. Globalization has not only brought about rapid exchange of economy, technology, and information, but also made the contact, dissemination, and integration of cultures among countries unprecedentedly close. The process of globalization has accelerated the exchange and collision between different cultures, and cultures have been widely disseminated and diversified through globalization channels, resulting in unique fusion phenomena and sometimes even leading to a trend of cultural convergence. At the same time, the impact of globalization on culture is not unidirectional. Culture also has its initiative and creativity in the process of globalization, which can influence, transform, and even shape the form and content of globalization itself.

Firstly, from the perspective of cultural dissemination brought about by globalization, the development of modern technology and transportation has made the world "smaller", and the barriers to cultural exchange have gradually decreased. Especially through the Internet, social media, international film and television works and other media, different cultural products in the world are rapidly spread to other regions. For example, cultural products such as pop music, Hollywood movies, Japanese and Korean TV dramas, and animations are loved by young people around the world and have become typical manifestations of cultural globalization. This cultural dissemination has to some extent brought about a convergence phenomenon, making cultural habits and lifestyles in different regions of the world increasingly similar, such as people wearing similar clothing, listening to similar music, and even influencing their dietary habits.

However, culture is not completely passive in accepting external influences in the process of globalization. In fact, globalization has also promoted cultural integration, giving rise to new forms of culture. The fusion of different cultures has formed the so-called "cultural hybridization" phenomenon, for example, the popular fashion style in Korean dramas gradually integrates Western aesthetics, forming a unique Korean Wave style. Some countries and regions, while accepting foreign cultures, also integrate local elements into them to protect and inherit their own culture. This process has created a diverse cultural ecosystem, making globalization not only a process of homogenization, but also bringing about rich heterogeneity.

As a college student, especially an international student, the impact of globalization on culture is not just an abstract theory for me, but a tangible experience. Studying abroad is not only an opportunity to acquire knowledge, but also a profound cultural experience. International students inevitably come into contact with the cultures, lifestyles, and values of different countries during their study and life abroad, and personally experience the bits and pieces of cross-cultural communication. In the classroom, communicating and discussing with students and teachers from all over the world not only broadens academic horizons, but also enhances understanding of other cultures. Through these exchanges, I have discovered that culture is not a singular existence, but constantly evolving and changing through mutual influence and integration. Whether it's the lifestyle habits brought by friends from different cultural backgrounds or the new concepts integrated into learning, these experiences have helped me better understand the impact of globalization on culture.

In addition, studying abroad has also given me a deeper understanding of 'cultural identity'. In the context of globalization, as international students, we need to adapt to the local culture while maintaining our own cultural characteristics. The formation of this dual cultural identity has made me cherish my own culture even more and gradually learn to tolerate and understand the culture of others. Especially in some multicultural university environments, cultural diversity is often seen as a valuable resource, encouraging students to maintain an open mindset and appreciate and respect different cultures. This atmosphere allows international students to adapt to new cultures while also bringing their own culture abroad and sharing it with others, forming a virtuous cycle of cross-cultural communication.

At the same time, the globalization of culture has also posed challenges to us. The wave of globalization has brought rich cultural experiences, but it also poses a threat to local culture. Many times, some traditional cultures are gradually marginalized under the impact of dominant foreign cultures, especially some languages, customs, and traditional skills face the risk of extinction. Therefore, as a member of the globalization process, we should not only experience and accept multiculturalism, but also actively maintain and inherit our unique culture. While learning and adapting to foreign cultures, finding ways to protect and promote local culture is the only way to truly achieve a balance of cultural globalization.

Overall, the relationship between culture and globalization is both interdependent and mutually shaping. Globalization has accelerated the dissemination and interaction of cultures, providing opportunities for collision and integration of cultures from different regions. As an international student, experiencing and witnessing the process of cultural globalization firsthand has allowed me to better understand the dynamic relationships between different cultures in the context of globalization. I believe that studying abroad is not only a process of acquiring knowledge, but also a journey of cultural cognition and personal growth. Globalization allows us to enjoy the convenience and richness brought by multiculturalism, while also reminding us to respect and protect diversity, making the process of cultural globalization more balanced and inclusive.