The Pitfalls of Globalization

By Deirdre Hall

What to Expect…

An interpretation of the visual image Underlying causes of today’s

globalization The Market Imperative Negative Effects of Globalization Americanization A Positive Spin Resources

Visual Image

Mickey Mouse invades a foreign nation with Coca-Cola cans as ammunition.

A demise of culture.

Underlying causes of today’s globalization Neoliberalism World Wars Consumerism Emerging &

Competing markets

The Market Imperative

“If sovereign power is in decline, and anarchy on the rise, the soft power of the West - its branding and commercial influence - flourishes” (Barber).

“The power of Ronald McDonald has been compared to that of religious leaders…

…some have detected a sinister scheme to install worldwidecapitalism through Mickey Mouse…”(Belk, 26).

Negative Effects

Global inequality Increased

unemployment & Poverty

Homogenization Destabilization of

political regimes Spread of disease Negative effect on

the environment Illegal trade of drugs,

money, people, & arms.

Americanization

The Henley Centre: perceptions of Americanization.

About half the population of Western Europe believes its countries are too Americanized…

Globalization: A Positive Spin

Resources

Belk, Russel W. "Hyperreality and Globalization: Culture in the Age of Ronald McDonald." Global Perspectives in Cross-cultural and Cross-national Consumer Research. Ed. Lalita A. Manrai and Ajay K. Manrai. New York: International Business, 1996. 23-30. Print.

Tomlinson, John. Globalization and Culture. Oxford: Polity, 1999. Print.

Casselle, Tania. ""Americanisation" of Europe a Challenge to Branding." International Market News. HKTDC, 22 Aug. 2002. Web. 24 Sept. 2010. <http://info.hktdc.com/imn/02082204/brand005.htm>.

Barber, Benjamin R. "Consumerism, Globalization and American Emptiness." International Relations and Security Network. World Affairs Journal, 23 June 2008. Web. 24 Sept. 2010. <http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Communities-and-Partners/Partners/Detail/?lng=en&id=88497>.