Daily Life in the Age of Globalization——WANG SISI

 How Globalization Is Quietly Changing Our Lives

1. Reading Summary:

I believe globalization is a process that brings people around the world increasingly closer together. It encompasses not only business transactions and trade between nations, but also the exchange of culture, technology, and ideas. Thanks to the development of the internet, air travel, and international trade, we can now easily purchase foreign goods, watch films from other countries, and make friends with people from different places. The world seems to be getting smaller, and the distance between people appears to be shrinking.


Globalization enables people from different countries to share their cultures. For instance, in China today, we can enjoy Japanese sushi, Korean barbecue, and Italian pizza—all examples of cultural globalization. Simultaneously, globalization accelerates the spread of technology and knowledge. During the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists worldwide shared knowledge and techniques for vaccine development.


2. New Discoveries:

For me, the most rewarding new insight is that globalization isn't merely about “Orientalization” or “Westernization.” I used to think globalization meant everyone eating McDonald's or watching Hollywood movies, but now I understand it's actually a process of mutual influence.


For instance, Korean pop music (K-POP) has taken the world by storm, with groups like BTS and BLACKPINK achieving massive popularity in Europe and America. Their music not only dominates Billboard charts but also propels the spread of Korean language and culture globally. Many international fans begin learning Korean and exploring Korean culture because of their love for K-POP—a motivation that initially drew me to study in Korea.


Consider cuisine: fried chicken originated in the West, but after arriving in Korea, Koreans invented diverse sauce flavors like sweet and spicy sauce chicken and soy sauce chicken, transforming it into a distinctly Korean dish. Now, it's even gaining popularity worldwide.


Take the Chinese mobile game Genshin Impact, for instance. Its global popularity stems from incorporating elements appealing to international players. TikTok follows a similar model: developed by a Chinese company, this short-video platform tailors content recommendations to each country's user habits and preferences—a prime example of “global localization.” These cases demonstrate that globalization isn't about one entity replacing another, but rather mutual influence and collective advancement.


Another example is China's mobile payment systems. Alipay and WeChat Pay are not only popular domestically but are now expanding into other countries. These payment methods can be found in duty-free shops in Japan and South Korea, night markets in Thailand, and even some shopping malls in Europe. This demonstrates how Chinese technology is also reaching the world through globalization.


3. Question:

While globalization facilitates communication, not everyone seems to participate equally. For instance, online, those proficient in English can access global news and connect with people worldwide. Those less fluent may remain confined to their domestic digital sphere. People in developed nations often enjoy globalization's benefits more readily—traveling, experiencing cultures, and learning—while those in developing countries may lack such opportunities. Consider people in impoverished regions of Africa who may not even afford smartphones, let alone access the conveniences globalization offers.


So my question is: Does globalization actually widen the gap between people? Could it lead to the disappearance of niche cultures and languages? If everyone uses English, watches the same movies, and listens to the same music, might lesser-known local cultures and languages gradually fade into obscurity? Take some Chinese dialects, for instance—younger generations speak them less and less.


Moreover, while globalization facilitates the flow of goods, does it also globalize certain problems? During financial crises, issues in one country can rapidly impact others. Environmental pollution similarly affects neighboring nations. As an ordinary person, I wonder how we can make globalization fairer. How can we preserve unique local cultures while embracing globalization?

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