[Blog Assignment 2] Cultural Globalization: Losing Ourselves or Becoming More? (2024013836 hong soojung)

1. Summary: Does Globalization Simply Change Culture?

In Cultural Globalization, John Tomlinson explains that globalization is not just about the economy or technology. Culture is also an important part of this process. What I found interesting is that culture is not simply changed by globalization. It can also influence how globalization develops. Tomlinson also explains that globalization does not mean everyone will end up having the same culture. For example, people in different countries might follow the same fashion trends, but they can still have their own ways of wearing and expressing them. I think this shows that people do not just copy everything they see from other cultures.

Another important idea is deterritorialization. As I understand it, this means that we no longer have to be in a certain country to experience its culture. For example, I can watch Japanese movies or listen to American music while staying in Korea. These experiences can become part of my everyday life and influence my interests.

Tomlinson also discusses cosmopolitanism, which I understood as recognizing that we are connected to people beyond our own country and have responsibilities toward them, even if we come from different cultural backgrounds.

2. New and Interesting: Can Changing Our Identity Mean Growing?

In my previous blog post about Robertson and White, I discussed how globalization can make people more aware of their differences. I used fashion as an example because I enjoy expressing my own style. When I see similar outfits trending on social media, I usually want to change something rather than copy them exactly. I might add different accessories or mix in a vintage piece. At the time, I thought global trends could actually encourage people to express their individuality.

But after reading Tomlinson, I started asking myself a different question: Was my personal style ever something fixed? When I think about how I dressed a few years ago, I realize how much my tastes have changed. Some styles I used to dislike now seem interesting, while clothes I once loved no longer feel like me. For example, I used to think I should only wear cool-toned colors because of my personal color type. But after seeing different fashion styles from other countries, I started to think that wearing what I actually like matters more than following those rules. Now, if I like a warm-toned outfit, I don't mind trying it.

I also found it interesting that even my desire to look different is influenced by global trends. I may think I am creating my own style, but many of my ideas come from things I see online. This connects to Tomlinson's discussion of deterritorialization, because my everyday choices are influenced by cultures beyond where I live. I don't think that makes my style any less personal. What matters to me is how I choose to use those influences rather than simply following them.

I think something similar happens when I meet new people or discover new hobbies. Sometimes, I find interests or perspectives I never expected to have. Instead of thinking that I have changed into a completely different person, I feel like my world has become a little bigger.

Of course, a person's identity and an entire culture are not exactly the same. Still, this made me wonder why we often talk about cultural change as if it means losing something. Maybe change can also be a way of discovering new possibilities.

3. Questions and Discussion: What Does It Really Mean to Preserve Culture?

After reflecting on how my own identity changes through new experiences, I started wondering what it really means to preserve a culture. Does protecting a culture mean keeping its traditions exactly the same? Personally, I believe that accepting new influences does not necessarily mean losing cultural identity.

However, I also wonder whether every change can be considered growth. Even our personal choices are influenced by global brands and social media, and not every culture has the same influence in shaping global trends. This makes me question how much freedom people really have in shaping cultural change.

This leaves me with a question: If cultural identity can change and grow through globalization, how can we distinguish cultural growth from cultural loss? I think preserving culture and embracing change can coexist, but I am curious how others see this, especially when outside influences become difficult to separate from our own choices.