19.2.3 Globalisation and national identity If we go back in time before the era of globalisation, it is far easier to isolate unique national identities. Individual countries had distinct national cuisine, music, fashion and other cultural characteristics. Globalisation has blurred the lines between these cultural differences. As people and ideas move more easily around the world, different cultures share and mix their traditions and ways of life. Although many differences still exist, they are far less obvious than they were one hundred years ago. The spread of the English language is one example of this trend. In 1900, English was the third most spoken language in the world, behind Spanish and Chinese/Mandarin. English overtook Spanish in 1912 and, over 100 years later, English eclipsed Chinese/Mandarin as the most spoken language in the world. English is now the official language of 67 countries and is seen as the major language of business, diplomacy and international communication.
Homogenisation
Some people might worry that globalisation leads to cultural homogenisation — where countries start to lose their unique identities. This happens because people in different countries are watching the same shows, buying the same products and sharing the same information. Halloween is a perfect example of cultural homogenisation. Halloween, originating from the Celtic festival Samhain over 2000 years ago, was transformed into its modern form in the United States. Though not traditionally celebrated in Australia, it is now widely observed with house decorations and ‘trick or treating’ becoming common in Australian suburbs.
FIGURE3 Two children dressed up for Halloween ready to trick or treat
The popularity of Halloween has increased in recent times, largely due to the presence of US popular culture in Australia through TV and then social media. Such has been the growth of Halloween celebrations in Australia that supermarkets regularly record 25 per cent increase in pumpkin sales during October. While Halloween is a relatively harmless example of cultural homogenisation, it does prove how quickly this phenomenon can occur. Ceremonies or spectacle Globalisation can lead to cultural tokenism , whereby national identity is reduced to mere gestures. For example, using a poorly produced boomerang in a lesson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture without understanding its context is disrespectful and inaccurate. This can offend those who genuinely follow these customs. A better approach would be to invite local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ representatives to share their history and tools, ensuring a respectful and authentic learning experience. Conclusions on identity Globalisation’s impact on national identity can be both positive and negative. It may dilute unique cultural traits but also promote cultural exchange and understanding. As long as traditional values are respected, globalisation and national identity can coexist. In a pluralist society, active citizenship involves upholding the values of pluralism. Each Australian citizen has rights and responsibilities in this respect. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, these responsibilities protect and enhance pluralism.
566 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator