Throughout the world, Western culture has become dominant in all areas of life. Coming from European or American roots, societies are adopting Westernized lifestyles, and while this cultural exchange can bring in new innovations and connections, it often comes with an expense. From traditional to cultural customs, Westernization emphasizes aspects of cultural erasure in many parts of the world.
Social media plays a big role in spreading Western ideas across the globe. According to Fair Gaze, social media apps have made it possible for influencers to gain worldwide exposure and impact global behaviors.
Companies such as Netflix and Instagram are prime examples of causing individuals from other countries to view their culture as less valuable. Social media often promotes Euro-American ideas, emphasizing Western stereotypes of appearances and lifestyles, including holding standards of lighter skin, certain fashion trends and overall appearance, which undermines the diversity of global identities.
Additionally, English has become the default language on various platforms. According to the Student Center for Diversity, Advocacy and Inclusion, the prominence of English around the world is due to colonization. Many people tend to forgo their own language due to the overpowering domination of English from the occidental world.
Younger generations are now more familiar with communicating in English rather than in their native language. In the long run, the use of local languages will diminish, forcing people to lose parts of their heritage and culture as language is a crucial component of culture.
Apart from language domination, Western clothing has been favored over traditional or local attire. Fashion has always been influenced by culture and traditions, and famous brands like H&M and Nike have imposed Western fashion as more “modern.”
According to Medium, American and European clothing is perceived as more contemporary when compared to clothing in places like Asia, the Mediterranean or the Middle East. Garments from Western cultures are also seen as secular, not tied to a specific tradition or religion. Thus, many communities now use Western attire for everyday wear while traditional outfits are saved for special occasions.
Ultimately, globalization has brought the modernization and Westernization of clothing, diminishing if not replacing countries’ cultural diversity and significance. In regions where local and ethnic clothing were once common, they have now been replaced with major brands of occidental clothing.
Other than media and clothing, Western eating habits have created a strong influence on the rest of the world. The Yale Globalist reported that fast food chains such as Kentucky Fried Chicken have expanded from Europe all the way to East Asia. Fast food chains took less than 30 years to claim a powerful position in the global food market, exemplifying the significance of Western food on other countries.
Acknowledging the benefits of cultural exchange through Westernization, however, is important. While a clear risk of cultural erasure stands out, occidental influences have introduced various technological and political ideas to the rest of the world. For example, the spread of English has allowed for others to communicate and participate in worldwide discussions.
With that said, there must be a balance between embracing global influences and preserving one’s heritage. The world needs to learn how to integrate the ways of the West while including and acknowledging various cultures.
As individuals and as a society, we need to celebrate and amplify our own cultures through speaking our native language, wearing traditional garments and embracing local foods. By doing so, we can ensure that our cultures continue to thrive without losing any significance.