Are we losing our own uniqueness as a culture, as a nation? Are jeans and Ts expressions of the common standards we have placed ourselves in?
Even our dogs are socialised into this global culture, fast making us all look the same. But is this really the unity we desire? Do we really want to see everyone homogenised into a consistent blob?
Is it homogeneity now? Homogeneity seems to result from all the international connectedness and travel taking place. We see the tuktuk drivers now moving from wearing long sleeve shirts and pants to shorts and t-shirts following the tourists they drive around. But, is this an external expression of the growing globalisation of culture or simply imitation of perceived wealth?
Does homogeneity in culture worry you?
Is this really a thing to worry about? As we lose unique languages and cultures each year and what remains drifts to commonality, should we be concerned as inside of all these people following the global cultural norms there still exists the traditional cultural practices and beliefs. Cambodia just celebrated Khmer New Year and both young and old danced their traditional sways as they sang their traditional songs. They come to the temple in their traditional outfits and as they pray, and thou can you see how unique they are from you and I. Has our unique culture more staying power? Even the so-called internationalists who are at home in many cultures still define themselves with their own unique cultural identity and often, find themselves comfortable in the company of compatriots where they can share jokes and comments and smirks and know that they are understood. ​Maybe among those who set the ways in a country, often those who are well travelled and well connected, internationality is a reality but for most locals, life has not changed much. Television brings in the new fashion which gives the illusion of change. Maybe the trappings become more common, but the root culture seems to have more staying power. Comments are closed.
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October 2021
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