Closing
Cultural imperialism is a frequently overlooked topic and often does not receive the recognition it deserves as a world altering form of imperialism. Imagine a world where travel is no longer available to see new cultures but instead travel just leads to more of the same. Hollywood is a prime example of a cause of cultural imperialism. Through showing the rags-to-riches tale that heard work and talent leads to success many viewers of all religions and cultures are drawn in to the American dream. Cultures such as India have adopted American cultural and economic ideas and now have hybrid business models and cultures. This is a form of neo-imperialism because many countries are dependent upon America and its film industry because it helps them survive economically in the modern world. American films are more successful than their foreign counterparts because of the successful business models and corporations are willing to do whatever it takes to make money. As more countries adopt these ways, American films receive more views and alter more cultures. Hollywood is negatively impacting the world through its steady weaving into culture and lifestyles.
Hollywood is a prime factor in the change of attire around the world. More countries are opening up American stores and dressing the "American Way". This is discussed in The United States and Cultural Imperialism as "the steady erosion of local traditions and cultures". This article describes how because of Hollywood and mass media, almost everyone in the world has a sense of what America would be like, even if misguided. Hollywood does a good job of providing these misguided views through the showing of fancy clothes, parties, actors, and drugs. " Stores like American Apparel have locations all the way in Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and Brazil.". People believe that if they dress and act like Americans they can be successful and live the life portrayed in movies. This is a negative effect because if everyone in the world begins looking and acting like Americans there will be no cultural variety or differentiation.
Another extreme effect of the expansion of Hollywood is the change in behavior provoked by it. Movies often promote fighting and violence along with drugs and erotic behavior. Many famous actors become world known role models and when these role models make poor life decisions, children believe these actions to be okay. Actors become world role models and when actors act out this provokes and encourages like behavior. Evidence of this are shown in stars like Chanel West Coast who was recently arrested or strange behavior in a night club. As young viewers see these actions and perceive them as normal they begin to act similarly.
Perhaps the main problem caused by the broadcasting of Hollywood films in foreign countries is discussed in Mahdi Nazemroaya's How Hollywood Hides US War Crimes. This article discusses how through the viewing of American films, people are being influenced to think differently about the US and perceiving it as a superpower. Nazemroaya writes; "In this regard Hollywood vilifies countries like Iran, China, Russia, Cuba, and North Korea while it lionizes the United States. Hollywood also warps historical narratives and reifies revisionist narratives of history. In a far stretch from the historical facts and reality, this is why most US citizens and many Western Europeans believe that the outcome of the Second World War in Europe was decided in the Atlantic by the US and not in Eastern Europe and Central Asia by the Soviet Union.". Through this trickery Hollywood is able to change the views of those around the world and cause them to believe in American ideals and lifestyles as productive and the only way to survive.
Hollywood is changing the way of life around the world and if this problem is not confronted and taken seriously the world effects could be devastating.
Hollywood is a prime factor in the change of attire around the world. More countries are opening up American stores and dressing the "American Way". This is discussed in The United States and Cultural Imperialism as "the steady erosion of local traditions and cultures". This article describes how because of Hollywood and mass media, almost everyone in the world has a sense of what America would be like, even if misguided. Hollywood does a good job of providing these misguided views through the showing of fancy clothes, parties, actors, and drugs. " Stores like American Apparel have locations all the way in Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and Brazil.". People believe that if they dress and act like Americans they can be successful and live the life portrayed in movies. This is a negative effect because if everyone in the world begins looking and acting like Americans there will be no cultural variety or differentiation.
Another extreme effect of the expansion of Hollywood is the change in behavior provoked by it. Movies often promote fighting and violence along with drugs and erotic behavior. Many famous actors become world known role models and when these role models make poor life decisions, children believe these actions to be okay. Actors become world role models and when actors act out this provokes and encourages like behavior. Evidence of this are shown in stars like Chanel West Coast who was recently arrested or strange behavior in a night club. As young viewers see these actions and perceive them as normal they begin to act similarly.
Perhaps the main problem caused by the broadcasting of Hollywood films in foreign countries is discussed in Mahdi Nazemroaya's How Hollywood Hides US War Crimes. This article discusses how through the viewing of American films, people are being influenced to think differently about the US and perceiving it as a superpower. Nazemroaya writes; "In this regard Hollywood vilifies countries like Iran, China, Russia, Cuba, and North Korea while it lionizes the United States. Hollywood also warps historical narratives and reifies revisionist narratives of history. In a far stretch from the historical facts and reality, this is why most US citizens and many Western Europeans believe that the outcome of the Second World War in Europe was decided in the Atlantic by the US and not in Eastern Europe and Central Asia by the Soviet Union.". Through this trickery Hollywood is able to change the views of those around the world and cause them to believe in American ideals and lifestyles as productive and the only way to survive.
Hollywood is changing the way of life around the world and if this problem is not confronted and taken seriously the world effects could be devastating.