Transnational companies operates in different countries, which can then influence the people living in those countries. Transnational companies either have intentionally or unintentionally spread consumerism through many ways, such as fashion trends, gadgets, different types of food/beverages, etc...
When it comes to fashion trends there are many advertisements that show clothes that people wear around the world, and how stylish they look. Or, the transnational companies bring in stores where you can buy those certain fashionable clothes. Which then makes people from the country want to buy it. For example, many companies have setup stores in places around Asia, and as time goes by people from the country where the store has been placed can buy the clothes, and wear it. Another example is blue jeans, blue jeans started in america and has spread all over the world and now people from different countries wear it. Even people from very deep into the countryside even wear it. As well as gadgets for example many countries are starting to put in stores that sell gadgets, which then convinces people to buy their product to be more 'in the 21st century' and keep up to date with what all the other countries have, which may ruin cultural values.
Though, when it comes to different types of food the many companies such as McDonalds have come and set up restaurants for people to buy. for example, in the Philippines the people have become so indulged in the fast food business which has then led to people creating similar companies such as Jolibee, Brothers Burgers, etc... Many people are starting to eat more McDonalds instead of eating the food from their country.
These companies can adapt to what the consumer wants, to try and make them feel as though this food is specifically for their country.
MUCH INSIGHTFUL!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou said that introducing gadgets into rural areas in order to modernise their lifestyle may ruin cultural values, however, don't you think that it is probably a positive thing? And that the right amount of "integration" can actually benefit a culture or a community? Because as the rest of the urban world develops, they are not being left behind, especially with things such as emergency broadcast systems and important news updates.
Additionally, do you think this is a form of cultural diffusion or cultural imperialism?
Dani, you are such an anti-malthus!!! I'm convinced. You like to play devil's advocate about how technology can make our lives better. What do you think? Am I right?
DeleteHey Margret, I like your example of blue jeans. Blue jeans are probably available in every country in the world. I think that technology, gadgets, and food are the biggest transnational corporations that spread the idea of consumerism and cultural diffusion. This is because everyone wants to have the latest gadget and with food, people are always attracted to food. I like how you compared McDonald's to other local fast food chains in the Philippines such as Jolibee. I didn't really think of that myself.
ReplyDeleteMargret, I'm interested to know more about what you think with regards to fashion and the diffusion of culture through fashion. You mention the example about blue jeans but that was MY example! Can you think of one or many of your own? Where have you noticed this on a personal level? Once you've got that, you should then answer why you think it occurs that way? Attempt to explain why it happened to be like that.
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