What is cultural imperialism? Give examples. Discuss some of the ...

[Tirant22]

What is cultural imperialism? Give examples. Discuss some of the concerns about cultural imperialism, as well as the alternative view. How does this illustrate the both/and perspective?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Your textbook authors assert, if you were to tell me your educational background, class, race, and gender, I would probably be able to predict who you are going to vote for with considerable accuracy.
 
  Justify this statement by discussing how party affiliation or voting are related to these characteristics, using examples from American politics.
  What will be an ideal response?

[amcvicar]

Answer to Question 1

Cultural imperialism is cultural domination of one country by another, including media such as mart, music, television, and film. The majority of movies shown in European theaters and television are American, and most music in the global marketplace is sung in English, usually by Americans. The cultural imperialism thesis holds that this kind of Western media dominance, driven by desire for profits, will shape world cultures and ensure their Westernization. Playing everywhere and blocking out opportunities for local productions, this media dominance will substitute American values like individualism and consumerism for the local values of countries where media products are sold. Eventually, cultural distinctiveness will be eroded, threatening national and cultural identity. Other nations will be so thoroughly indoctrinated with U.S. cultural, political, and economic images and ideals that they will forget who they are. However, media are still locally produced, audiences interpret foreign media differently, and countries have created localized versions of western media (for example the Arabic version of The Simpsons). Both Western media AND local media are apparent.

Answer to Question 2

Class  Poor, working-class, lower-middle- class, and blue-collar trade unionists tend to be Democrats, while wealthy, upper-middle-class, white-collar individuals tend to be Republicans. In the 2008 election, Republican McCain beat Obama in high-earning households, though he did lose to Obama in the highest-earning households. Education  Generally, the higher educational levels go Democratic, and the lower Republican. However, in the 2008 election, Obama beat McCain at every education level, especially the highest and lowest. Race  most racial and ethnic minorities have been Democratic since the 30s, although the percent was declining as more minorities became affluent and professional. However, in the 2008 election, minorities overwhelmingly voted for Obama. Whites were the only group voting for McCain over Obama. Gender  Women are more likely than men to vote Democratic, but again the percentages have been declining. Women were more likely to vote for Obama than McCain, with women of color overwhelmingly supporting Obama. Age  Younger voters tend to vote democratic rather than republican. In 2008, only older voters over 65 preferred McCain; all other age groups were more likely to vote for Obama.

[Tirant22]

Gracias!

[JaynaD87]

Excellent