Blog 2 (Cultural Globalization)- Nahee Kim

1) Summarize the material 

It is often assumed that globalization destroys local cultures or Westernizes them through economic forces. However, the paper argues that culture is not merely a passive recipient of global changes. While culture is influenced by globalization, it also exerts its own influence on global processes—for instance, as young consumers express preferences for specific products, markets adapt to produce items tailored to those cultural tastes. Furthermore, globalization does not render all cultures identical. Instead, it connects people from diverse backgrounds, introducing distinct cultures to one another and ultimately fostering cultural diversity.

2) Interesting or unusual items learned

What I found most interesting from the reading—and saw reflected in my own experience—is the idea that culture is an active, bi-directional force within globalization rather than a static element that simply gets consumed or replaced. A prime example of this dynamic is the Japanese manga Chiikawa. While it originates from Japan, its immense popularity in China and Korea has led to character plushies collaborating with traditional Chinese food/clothing and even wearing Korea’s traditional Hanbok. The real-world example of Chiikawa plushies perfectly illustrates this process: rather than Japanese culture simply "overwriting" Chinese or Korean culture, local cultures actively interacted with the character, creating localized versions (like Hanbok or traditional Chinese clothes collaborations) that celebrate both the original character and local identity simultaneously. This shows that as one culture reaches other nations, it does not erase local traditions; rather, various cultures coexist and enrich one another. Therefore, globalization promotes cultural diversity rather than creating a homogenized monoculture, suggesting that embracing diverse cultures while respecting our own is key to building true cultural diversity.

(Source:X)(Source:instagram)

3) Questions and discussion angle

This reading material criticizes the view that globalization homogenizes cultures—such as through Westernization or cultural imperialism. My example of Chiikawa collaborating with traditional Korean and Chinese attire also illustrates the positive aspect of globalization fostering cultural diversity. However, what I question is whether the commercial fusion of diverse cultures truly leads to the preservation of genuine cultural diversity. As noted in the paper, globalization does not affect all countries or cultures equally, meaning some nations face barriers to global communication. While these less-connected nations may retain a firm sense of their own traditions, it seems increasingly difficult for minority or peripheral cultures to firmly assert their identity in a globally interconnected world. To summarize my question: Does commercial collaboration between cultures genuinely promote authentic cultural diversity? Furthermore, how can minority cultures preserve their unique identity amidst these forces of globalization?