In what ways has globalization impacted culture? How are the kinds of cultural challenges commonly associated with globalization played out in everyday life? What are the implications of cultural globalization for international or intra-societal relations?
I. Cultural Perception and Misperception:
Consider the people from different cultural backgrounds with whom you interact on a daily basis (for example: neighbors, local shop assistants, newspaper stand owners, taxi drivers, coworkers, classmates, gas station attendants, family, friends, etc.) Can you think of an instance that left you confused, puzzled, or even just thoughtful?
1. What was the behavior that you reacted to?
2. In what way does their behavior go against or coincide with your own implicit cultural norms and values?
3. Describe the implicit cultural norms and values (from their culture) that their behavior could be based on.
II. Globalization and Culture:
Choose someone who comes from a different culture than you do as an interview subject.
1. Ask your interviewee to describe the things that make their culture distinctive.
2. Ask your interviewee to describe two instances when being from their culture made them fee singled out.
3. What misunderstandings have arisen between your subject and people who share cultural backgrounds with you?
4. To what extent does your interview subject think these instances are related to social and cultural changes associated with globalization?
III. The Clash of Civilizations?
Consider your own intercultural experiences and those of your interview subject in light of class readings, presentations, and discussions. On the level of a typical American student everyday life, has globalization engendered clash of civilization
Your response should include specific reference to Huntington classic piece, yet respond to it on the basis of what actual people in your broader social circle have and are experiencing.
