Brave New World-Globalization and Terrorism
The article by Appiah reveals a component of globalization that is lost on most of the activists campaigning for conservation of cultures. These activists rarely consult the peoples whose cultures they claim should be conserved. The apparent protectors of cultures claim that globalization and capitalism are diluting the cultural diversity in the world (Appiah, 2006). However, a closer look at how capitalism and media affect various cultures reveals that both are interpreted in the context of the culture of the consumer. If anything, cultures are not getting neglected or changed. They are evolving.
Appiah is convinced that there is no society that has a pure culture in the world. He alludes to the garments worn in his home country, most of which are considered of Ghanaian heritage, not being native to that country. The adoption of the dressing was as a result of trade between native Ghanaians, Europeans and Asians (Appiah, 2006). Globalization is the modern version of commerce and exchange in culture that has been going on for centuries. If anything, globalization should be used to advance the cultures of the different parties involved.
The worldview of Appiah is vastly different from the one taken by Osama bin Laden. In fact, Appiah mocks the position taken by Osama bin Laden against imperialism and capitalism. Osama seeks to protect his homeland from the invasion of foreign western values, which is a similar position taken by the culture conservation activists (Jervis, 2006). My understanding of globalization has changed a little, as I thought it is a recent phenomenon. However, I have come to understand that the intercontinental trade, the discovery of new lands, missionary work, and colonization were all subtle types of globalization that set pace for the one that exists today.
References
Appiah, K. (2006). The Case for Contamination. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/01/magazine/the-case-for-contamination.html
Jervis, R. (2006). The remaking of a unipolar world. The Washington Quarterly, 29(3), 7-19.