Select a brand that has spread globally, such as Starbucks, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, or another similar company. Define cultural imperialism and Americanization, and use your chosen brand to discuss these processes. What are some ways that local cultures push back against the globalization of U.S. brands?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Varies, but should include the selection of a brand and define cultural imperialism as the imposition of one dominant culture on other cultures, and Americanization as the particular imposition of U.S. culture on other cultures. In using an example, main points are that cultural imperialism destroys local cultures, but also that local cultures can be quite resistant to these pressures. This might be expressed by an anti-American sentiment, or simply a preference for the long, ancient history of its own culture, which has resisted changes for centuries. Local cultures can also modify impositions from other cultures to create cultural hybrids. Examples might be when a local McDonald's does not serve foods with ingredients that a local culture rejects, or adds items to the menu that are popular in that culture.