Cultural Differences in a Globalized World
Key Factors Shaping Cultural Interactions
In his works, Huntington highlights several key reasons for cultural differences. Firstly, fundamental differences in individual history, language, culture, tradition, and most importantly, religion shape law, ethics, values, liberty, authority, equality, and hierarchy. Secondly, globalization and interactions increase awareness of differences and similarities among people from diverse regions and backgrounds. Thirdly, economic modernization and social change can weaken national or state identity. Fourthly, non-Western cultures often move away from Western influence, striving to preserve their cultural roots and customs. Fifthly, the West, with its modernized character, confronts non-Western regions and promotes its modern ways, shaping the world in non-Western ways. For instance, an increasing number of non-Western countries adopt Western practices like fast food, clothing, and technology, while simultaneously experiencing a strong desire to revive local culture, traditions, and identity. Sixthly, unlike economic and political differences, which can be resolved through comparing and contrasting production or market development methods, cultural differences are harder to reconcile because culture dictates its own ways of change, and no other country can enforce those changes. Lastly, Huntington discusses an increase in regionalism in economic terms based on cultural identity, underlining the importance of successful economic regionalism that can reinforce civilization-consciousness. This success is evident only if it is originally rooted in the society.
The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
The most convincing points are the effects of globalization and interactions, which allow people to learn more about other cultures. These interactions provide an opportunity to understand other nations, their views of us, and their perspectives on our own culture. Another significant point is the West’s confrontation with other cultures through its modern character, perhaps unintentionally enforcing the adoption of Western characteristics, such as Hollywood or McDonald’s. We unintentionally become part of the West by contributing to Western standards. However, when the West merges with other cultures, people become more aware of their own nature, customs, and traditions, and the aim to revive and resist Western standards also increases.
Reflections on Huntington’s Arguments
Looking at these elements, one can agree that all the facts Huntington specifies carry a legitimate claim. As we look back, recall experiences from our own lives, or follow the media, we can relate to all of Huntington’s claims, be it regionalization in economic terms, the weakening of state identity due to economic modernization from the West, or even the decision to move away from our native roots and voluntarily become part of Western standards. All these elements are part of the ordinary life we inhabit. Nothing will ever change unless all cultures decide to stop the cyclical globalization and become more independently active in modernizing their lives without the enforced influences of the West.