Blog 2: Cultural Globalization — TIANYU CHEN

 

Blog 2: Cultural Globalization — Can Globalization Help Preserve Traditional Culture?

TIANYU CHEN

1. Summary

In Cultural Globalization, John Tomlinson discusses the relationship between globalization and culture. He explains that globalization is not only about the economy or international business. It also includes politics, technology, communication, and culture. These different parts are connected to each other.

One important point is that culture is not only influenced by globalization. Culture can also influence globalization. People's choices, values, and daily activities can affect the global market and society.

Tomlinson also discusses whether globalization will create one global culture. Some people worry that Western culture and international brands will replace local cultures. However, he explains that buying the same products does not mean people share the same cultural values. Culture is not just about products. It is also about the meanings people give to them.

Another important idea is deterritorialization. This means that culture is becoming less connected to one specific place. Because of globalization and communication technology, people can experience different cultures without visiting those countries.

However, Tomlinson does not say that local cultures will simply disappear. He also discusses cultural identity and how globalization can create new ways for people to understand their own culture and other cultures.

2. Interesting Points

The most interesting point for me is the difference between enjoying a culture and really understanding it.

I am Chinese, but I also like traditional Korean clothing, called hanbok, and Japanese kimono. I think they are beautiful, and I like their colors and designs. However, I usually do not think deeply about their history. I do not know much about how hanbok and kimono changed during different historical periods.

This made me think about traditional Chinese clothing.

Today, many people like hanfu because it looks beautiful. They may see photos or videos on social media and want to try wearing it. But traditional Chinese clothing has a long and complicated history.

For example, clothing during the Han Dynasty was different from clothing during the Tang and Song dynasties. The Tang Dynasty had many different clothing styles, while some Song Dynasty styles were more simple and elegant. During the Yuan Dynasty, different ethnic clothing traditions influenced each other. The Ming Dynasty had clothing such as the mamian skirt. During the Qing Dynasty, Manchu clothing traditions also had an important influence.

These examples show that traditional Chinese clothing was not always the same. It changed with history, society, and culture. Some traditional clothing was also connected to social customs and etiquette.

I think many people, including myself, sometimes only notice how beautiful traditional clothing looks. We may not think about the deeper cultural meaning.

This connects to Tomlinson's discussion about cultural products and cultural meaning. Seeing or buying something from another culture does not automatically mean that we understand that culture.

However, I do not think this is necessarily a bad thing. Someone may first become interested in hanfu because it is beautiful. Later, that person might want to learn more about Chinese history and traditions.

I think globalization gives people more chances to discover cultures that they did not know before. The important question is what happens after that first interest.

3. Questions or Concerns

After reading this article, I started thinking about whether globalization can really help preserve traditional culture.

On one hand, globalization is helpful. Social media allows traditional clothing, music, and crafts to reach more people. It can also create new opportunities for people who make or teach traditional cultural products.

On the other hand, I worry that traditional culture may become only a popular fashion or business product. If people only care about beautiful pictures or buying products, they may forget the history and meaning behind them.

But I also think traditional culture does not have to stay exactly the same forever. Chinese clothing has already changed many times throughout history. Change is also part of culture.

My question is: How can we make traditional culture more popular without losing its important cultural meanings?

I think globalization can help preserve traditional culture, but popularity alone is not enough. People should also have opportunities to learn about its history, customs, and meaning. For me, enjoying the beauty of another culture can be a good beginning, but understanding and respecting it are also important.