What is the relation between culture and globalization —Liu Xinrui

1. Summarizing the Relationship Between Culture and Globalization

Culture and globalization are like two dancers in the same performance—each affects the other’s movements. Globalization connects people, countries, and economies across borders, while culture represents the shared beliefs, values, and lifestyles that shape who we are. When these two forces meet, they create both harmony and friction.

Globalization speeds up the exchange of ideas and traditions. Food, music, and language that were once local can now be found almost anywhere. For example, K-pop from South Korea is listened to in Brazil, while American fast food chains have reached small towns in Africa. This cultural flow shows that globalization can make the world feel smaller and more connected.

However, this connection isn’t always equal. Some cultures have more power to influence others—often through media, economics, or politics. English, for instance, has become the “default” global language, giving English-speaking countries a kind of cultural advantage. As a result, globalization can sometimes seem like a double-edged sword: it spreads diversity but can also lead to cultural dominance or loss.

Another key point is that globalization changes how culture is experienced. The internet and social media make cultural participation faster and more interactive. People don’t just consume culture; they remix it. A teenager in India might create TikToks inspired by both Bollywood and Hollywood. This blending creates “hybrid cultures” that no longer fit neatly into one national identity.

2. New and Interesting Insights

One fascinating thing I learned is how globalization reshapes identity. It’s not just about what we consume but how we define ourselves in a global context. I used to think identity was mostly tied to nationality or ethnicity, but globalization adds another layer. People can now identify as “global citizens” while still valuing their local roots. This dual sense of belonging feels both empowering and confusing.

Another interesting insight is the idea of “glocalization”—a mix of “global” and “local.” It means that global trends are adapted to fit local cultures. For example, McDonald’s in Japan sells Teriyaki Burgers, while in India it offers vegetarian options. This shows that globalization doesn’t always erase differences—it can also inspire creative cultural blending.

Technology plays a huge role too. Streaming platforms like Netflix or Spotify allow anyone to access cultural products from around the world. But they also shape what becomes popular. Their algorithms promote certain types of content over others, which means that even though we have access to global diversity, we often end up consuming the same limited set of cultural products. That realization surprised me—it’s like globalization gives us a huge buffet, but we all end up eating the same few dishes.

Lastly, I found it thought-provoking that globalization can make culture feel both more accessible and more fragile. Small or indigenous cultures may struggle to survive when faced with global media powerhouses. However, some communities are using globalization as a tool to preserve and promote their traditions online. For example, indigenous TikTok creators share their languages, clothing, and dances with millions of viewers, showing that globalization doesn’t have to mean cultural loss—it can also mean cultural revival.

3. Questions, Concerns, and Discussion Points

One big question I still have is: Can globalization ever be truly equal? It seems that economic and political power always influence which cultures get more visibility. If globalization is supposed to connect us, why do we still see such uneven representation in global media? For example, Western movies dominate international screens, while films from Africa or Southeast Asia rarely get the same exposure.

Another concern is about authenticity. When local traditions are commercialized for global audiences, do they lose their meaning? Festivals, clothing, and even spiritual practices can become tourist attractions, stripped of their deeper cultural context. I sometimes wonder whether globalization turns culture into a product rather than a way of life.

In the end, the relationship between culture and globalization is not simply good or bad—it’s complicated, evolving, and deeply human. It challenges us to think about who we are in a world where borders matter less, but power still matters a lot. Globalization invites us to connect, but it also asks us to care about how we connect.