Cultural Imperialism

Figure 1: A variety of  choice burgers in Australian McDonalds

        According to Geography and Diversity(Source 2), Cultural Imperialism is the promotion of one culture over another.  A prime example of cultural imperialism is the age of European Colonialism.  Europeans colonized a majority of the world.  The saying was "the sun never sets on the British Empire."  This colonization caused the culture of Europeans to take over the native culture of the colony.  Cultural Imperialism was highly prevalent in areas such as South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and South and Southwest Asia during the big age of Imperialism. The European Empires mandated new languages, governments, and education systems.  In present day, the United States is the biggest offender of cultural imperialism.  Almost all countries around the world have been effected by American culture.  McDonald's and American television stations are accessible around the world.  Eighty percent of global box office revenue in 2003 was produced by American films.  According to an article in alphalink(Source 1) , Australia was extremely effected by cultural imperialism because it was colonized by Britain in 1788.  Australia gained its independence in 1901; however, it is still very much a reflection of British thoughts and ideals.  Australia’s government, education system, and language are all British based.  The Aboriginals’ language and customs have been lost to the strength of cultural imperialism by the British.  British culture may be the most prevalent in Australia, but the Irish also had a cultural effect on folk lore, music, ballet, and the poor people.  Just because the Europeans have left the colonies they had in the 19^th century does not mean that those colonies have regained their own culture.  Many ancient traditions have been lost to the stronger cultures around the world.

By: Gabrielle Ramsay, Christie Johnson, and Tori Sanders

Work Cited:
(Figure 1) https://www.google.com/search?q=McDonalds+in+australia&espv=2&biw

(Source 1) http://home.alphalink.com.au/~radnat/

(Source 2) Geography and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World Textbook 4th Edition