Blog 2 - Cultural globalization - Tomlinson / Sehyang Kim

 1) Summary

Tomlinson defines globalization as an increase in global interconnectedness and criticizes the view that sees it solely through an economic lens. Culture is not merely a recipient of globalization’s influence; it is also a driving force that shapes globalization through everyday choices, such as individual consumption. He also argues that the theory of cultural imperialism—which posits that globalization will lead to the unification of the world under a single Western culture—is incorrect. The spread of cultural products is distinct from actual cultural practices, and there has always been a tendency—as seen in medieval world maps or in Marx—to mistake one’s own culture for the universal standard. Instead, he focuses on “deterritorialization,” that is, the phenomenon in which the natural connection between culture and place is weakening. In particular, he points out that the “immediacy” created by media technology is even changing our values. Finally, he argues that if we view identity not as an inherited possession but as a modern construct, we can hold multiple identities simultaneously, allowing universal human rights and respect for cultural differences to coexist.


2) New Insights / Interesting Points

What I found most interesting was the argument that globalization does not destroy cultural identity but rather creates and disseminates it. People typically think that globalization causes unique identities to disappear, but Tomlinson views the very act of officially distinguishing and managing identities—such as gender, nationality, and religion—as a modern phenomenon, and sees globalization as having spread this approach worldwide. The perspective of viewing identity as a “construct” rather than an “inherited treasure” was new to me.

I was also impressed by the examples he gave while explaining deterritorialization. Buying imported foods at the supermarket, watching foreign TV shows, and using Google instead of the library have become so commonplace that I used to take them for granted; however, it really struck me that these small, everyday actions are altering the boundaries between “home and abroad” and even our sense of identity.


3) Issues / Discussion Topics

First, Tomlinson is optimistic that deterritorialization can foster cultural openness and a sense of global responsibility. However, this article was written before the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media. Nowadays, because algorithms show us only what we want to see, the more connected we become to the world, the more our perspectives narrow, and phenomena such as hatred and polarization actually intensify. Furthermore, since people operate online behind the mask of anonymity, it is questionable whether a sense of global responsibility can truly be fostered.


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