St.

Mary’s High School: Social Studies 10-1

Issue 1 notes

What is globalization? (see textbook: p.1-2)

- “Globe” as imaged by the U.S. Geological Survey (Land Cover Insitute)

Potential definitions:

A process of increasing international division of labor and the accompanying integration

of national economies through trade in goods and services, cross
border corporate investments and financial flows. This integration is boosted by
technological progress, in particular in transport and communications.
– Horst Köhler, managing director, International Monetary Fund

Globalization is the process that is making the world increasingly interdependent

economically, socially, and politically. Inter-dependent means that individuals,
communities, and nations rely more and more on one another to meet their
needs and wants. In short, everyone and everything is somehow connected.

 Politically – spread of ideas and philosophies around the world;

Western values and ideas such as liberty and democracy have spread
globally

 Economically –increasing trade of goods and services across borders

and around the world; you can buy anything from anywhere with an
internet connection

 Socially – continued movement of people from place to place, typically

through immigration and tourism; there is no homogenous culture
anymore, every country is multicultural

Why is globalization taking place?

In many ways, advancements in technology, communication, and transportation

have allowed the world to become a smaller place. In a sense, the world is
shrinking because distances are becoming irrelevant.

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Issue 1 notes

Is globalization a positive or negative development?

It depends on whom you ask. Globalization is controversial and

there are multiple perspectives on the issue.

Your textbook is
divided into 4
issues
-“Nigerian Surgery Table” by - “19th Century Operating Table - “Operating table system…” by
surrounding the 2Bdea, as found on Wikipedia (Britain)” by Jenny O’Donnell, as Jehona2308, as found on Wikipedia
central question (2008) found on Wikipedia (2010) (2012)
“to what
extent should we embrace globalization?” (see textbook: p. 3-9)

To what extent should

To what extent should contemporary society
globalization shape respond to the legacies of
identity? historical globalization?
To what extent
should we embrace
globalization?
To what extent does To what extent should I,
globalization contribute as a citizen, respond to
to sustainable prosperity globalization?
for all people?

How Am I Connected?

How are you, as a Canadian, connected to people and places around the world?

For example, eating a banana with your morning cereal connects you with any
number of countries associated with bananas. Perhaps it’s a picker in Costa
Rica, or a processing plant worker in Ecuador. Or even yet, maybe it’s the
captain of the shipping vessel from the United States, or the produce clerk in
Canada who emigrated from the Philippines.
For example:
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 St. Mary’s High School: Social Studies 10-1
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What is it? Place of Origin How did it get to you?

Cup of Coffee

Apple iPod

BMW

Music

Reality Television

Civic Engagement / Global Citizenship

THIN
Small Scale

Slactivism Voting

SYMBOLIC IMPACTFUL
Protest Volunteerism

Large Scale
THICK
Now Assignment: Civic Engagement Assignment (See Content)

Globalization and Identity: A Village of 100 People

Identity is something that shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us.
It also helps us to form our individualism and determines our connection to
others.

- The scenario is as follows -

In the world today, more than 6 billion people live.

If this world were shrunk to the size of a village of 100 people, what would it
look like?
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- Mr. Fish’s “Non-Conformist,” as seen on Truthdig (2009).

Ethnic background?
Gender?
Age?
Sexual orientation?
Religious beliefs?
Language?
Access to food, education, health,
resources, and security?

Shift Happens / Did You Know?

Videos

Since 2006, videos that use statistics to highlight demographic and sociological changes
have been created and uploaded. These videos help to start conversations about where the
world is heading, and what knowledge, skills, and attitudes are necessary to be successful
in today’s (and tomorrow’s) society.

- Screenshot taken from the video “Did

You Know 4.0” (2009)

&
(2012) (2013)

Individual and Collective Identity

(see textbook: p. 23-31)

The main objective of this unit is to explore the

concept of identity and how this is being affected by globalization. To understand
this you need to look at two aspects of identity.

Individualism is fostering your own independence and a sense of self. This

includes promoting self-expression, individual thinking, and personal choice.
This is non-conformist.

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Collectivism is fostering interdependence and a sense of community. This

includes promoting adherence to norms, respect for authority, and group
consensus. This is conformist.

Individual identity is based on how you see yourself and how others see you.

Your Identity: traits that make up your sense of individuality or sets you apart
from others. This can include where you’re from, what you do and say, and what
you believe.

The following questions can help to define a person’s identity.

Where you’re from…
1. What is your ethnic
background?
2. Where were your
parents born?
3. Where were you born?
4. Where do you wish
you lived?
5. How Canadian do you
feel?
What you do and say…
1. What is a cultural
tradition that your
family practices?
2. What languages do
you speak?
3. How would you
describe the way you
dress?
4. What type of music
best represents how
you see yourself?
5. What sports, hobbies,
and/or activities do
you participate in?
What you believe…
1. What do you believe
in?
2. How would you
describe Canada?
3. How would you
describe Canadians?
4. Describe what you
think is a perfect
society.
5. Who is your role
model and why?

(See textbook: p. 36-38)

-

From left-to-right: Coltan miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Associated Free Press); Coltan
Miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo (as photographed by Finbar O’Reilly for Reuters) in 2009;
Coltan, as photographed by Rob Lavinsky (2010); and the iPhone 5s (as displayed by Apple.com)

Collective identity is based on the groups that you belong to such as your
family, community, school, work, and other groups where you share a common
identity.

Now Assignment: Identity assignment (Visual) Based on what we’ve discussed, make a
visual representation of yourself, based on your influences (family background, fashion,
style, media – movies, music, television, attitude – what would you tattoo across your
back, lingo, etc.)

Generational Divide (a quick summary of the most recent generations)

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How does your generation stack up? Define your “generation” in terms of its
characteristics: look, culture, slang, icons, etc. What from your last 5-years will
still be remembered in 20 years? Think of lingo (words), technology, past-times,
music, videos, clothing (fashion).

- Under Michael Eisner (1984-2005) and continued under Bob

Iger (2005-present), the Walt Disney Company has become
America’s largest (in terms of $) media conglomerates.
- As created by
Drumond Park (2009)

Often times, technology is considered to be at the forefront for these

changes that occur to a generation (and generally, the culture). As
people increasingly live in similar areas (urbanization), and like,
listen, eat, wear, and do the same things (homogenization), society is
increasingly seen as a monoculture.

Universalization of Pop Culture (or Americanization)

Consider how many of the most popular companies, films, TV shows,

and recording artists come from America (or become famous after
becoming popular there). These entities make up
what is known as popular culture. Economically,
media conglomerates and multinational
corporations are seen as the vehicles for this
change.

Compare how current event are reported across

media around the world

- “Visualizing Friendships” by David Buttler (2010)

- New York Times (August 7th, Page 6 of 12
1945) as displayed on Wikipedia.
 St. Mary’s High School: Social Studies 10-1
Issue 1 notes

The world through an

American Lens
(See textbook: p. 82)

There is the fear of the

- One ofAmericanization of
Coca-Cola’s brand’s “Sprite” (2014)
popular culture. - Marketing Magazine’s Target ad and CTV’s coverage of Target opening in Milton, Ontario
Americanization is when (2013).
American culture becomes the dominant culture around the world, and in many
cases, replaces local culture. - Mickey Mouse, as imaged
by Disney UK (2014)
Examples of Americanization include: - McDonald’s logo
(2014)

McDonaldization of food – The Big Mac is known around the world

and is available in 119 countries in one of the 31 000 McDonald’s
- BrandZ’s top 100 report (2014)
restaurants that operate on 6 continents.
Coca-colonization of drink – 1 billion
Cokes are sold every two days, and 66% of
the company’s sales are outside of North
America.

Disneyfication of entertainment – Mickey

Mouse and company can now be found at
Disneyland Paris (France), Tokyo Disney Resort (Japan), and Hong
Kong’s Magic Kingdom (China)
In addition to these, think of the influence of American culture on:
 music (hip-hop)
In other words, as American culture increases through
 movies (Hollywood)
popular culture, this raises the questions of how other
 television (American
cultures can compete and, in many cases, survive.
Idol)
 internet (Google) Ask yourself: Who is watching Canadian movies,
 stores (Wal-Mart) listening to Canadian music, or visiting Canadian web
 clothes (blue jeans) sites? If this is happening less frequently, then what
 language (slang) will happen to this aspect of Canadian culture and
identity?
What are the issues?

Thinking About Consumer Culture

Consumerism is the fixation of society with the
acquisition of material goods. Many of these
goods are American-made and further encourage
the universalization of popular culture.

Look at the following cartoons and determine

what message the cartoonists are trying to convey
to the viewer about consumerism.

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Opportunities to Identify

With a smaller world, there are many opportunities to expand our identity.

The following are examples of what may happen when cultures come into contact
with one another:

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Acculturation – A change as a result of contact

with other cultural groups that allows for different
cultures to adapt to one another. (e.g. – immigrants to
Canada starting to wear jeans, hoodies, and sneakers)

(see textbook: p. 58)

- A young Maasai in Kenya carries a box of
Coca-Cola to a graduation ceremony (becoming a
man), as photographed by Radu Sigheti (2003)

- Photographs of the East Village (taken by Darren Makowichuk), as taken for the Calgary Sun (2013)

Cultural Revitalization - A process through which unique cultures regain a

sense of identity, such as promoting heritage languages or reviving traditions and
customs. (e.g. – young Aboriginals learning native languages in school)

- Mr. Gillespie, some of St. Mary’s Italian club, and Mr. Juneau (as seen on Facebook, 2013-2014)

Affirmation of Identity – Re-establishing a cultural identity. (e.g. – Alberta

Francophone students being taught in French)

(see textbook: p. 63)

The Globe and Mail (2010) did a small, 6-part mini-series, entitled
“Multiculturalism: Mosaic or Mistake?” that functioned as a debate. Among the
topics discussed were the ideas of are Canadians “too tolerant” and “has
multiculturalism served Canada?” Essentially, they discuss the concept of
whether or not multiculturalism has led to positive developments within society.

Hybridization (see textbook: p. 83)

With media being controlled by so few people, there have been other alternatives
to expressing culture and identity. One growing method of expression has been
hybridization. Hybridization can be seen as an alternative to universalization.

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Hybridization is the mixing of traditional culture

with popular culture in new ways, essentially
creating something new by combining elements
of the old and new.

The most common method is to take the existing

popular culture and change it to suit local
- Dora the Explorer, as seen onJr.com
Nickelodeon
(2014)
Jr.com (2014) perspectives. The- best
TNW’sexample
Josh Horwitz’sof this
blog hasMcDonald’s
featuring been in Singapore
(2013)
the American television show, Sesame Street,
which is recreated in 20 different countries.

The goal of Sesame Street is to educate and entertain children. The success of the
show internationally has been its ability to adapt to local culture and the issues
related to the culture.

Challenges to Identity

The movement of people from country to country, and within

the same country, can lead to many different challenges.

The following are examples of what may happen when

cultures come into contact with one another.

Accommodation – An approach that allows ethnic groups

to maintain their distinctive cultures in mainstream society.
(e.g. – Muslim women wearing hijabs (head scarves) in Canada)

Integration – The merging of diverse minority groups into mainstream society.

(e.g. – the Canadian policy of multiculturalism in which all cultures are equal under the law)

Assimilation – The absorption of a

minority group by a dominant group. The
minority group is expected to take on the
values and traditions of the dominant group
until their own identity disappears. (e.g. –
immigrants to Canada learning to speak either
English or French)

Marginalization - The pushing of a group

to the “margins” of society, where they hold little social, political, or economic
power.

(e.g. – indigenous Canadians forced onto reservations where they have little contact with others)

Opportunities for acculturation, integration, and diversification exist

through multiculturalism

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Government Regulation in Media: The overwhelming influence of

American media in Canada has led to some government-led protection of
Canadian culture. The Canadian Radio and Television Commission
(CRTC) helps to regulate and promote Canadian culture in media. The CRTC has
a policy of Canadian Content (CanCon) which sets up specific guidelines for radio
and television broadcasts. They include:

Radio stations: ≤35% Canadian content (music, news, talk radio, etc). For music, the
songs played must either have been written by or performed by a Canadian to qualify.

Television stations: ≤50% Canadian content between 6:00 am and midnight (andand Television
- Canadian Radio
Commission (CRTC)
60% throughout the year). Most of this consists of news broadcasts and talk shows that
are of Canadian origin.

Supporters of the CRTC argue that it helps to nurture

Canadian
- Fox’s artists
Firefly presumes that and
by
2517 only English and Chinese are
gives them additional coverage in the
media.
spoken languages for humanity.

Critics of the CRTC argue that this prevents consumer

choice and creates a culture of mediocrity from Canadian
artists.

The Fate of the World’s Languages:

There are between 6000-7000 languages spoken in the world.

Of these languages, 96% are spoken by only 4% of the world’s
population.
The three most widely spoken languages are (based on native
speakers):
Mandarin Chinese (955 million)
English (360 million)
Spanish (266 million)
Note –other Chinese languages are spoken by another 350
million people

Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, India, Indonesia, Mexico,

Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea account for more than
half of all languages in the world.

English as a first language is expected to decline from 9% today to about 5% in 2050.

90% of the content of the internet is only available in 21 of the 6000 languages.

Individuals who work in international air travel or shipping must have a working
knowledge of the English language to ensure clear communication around the world.
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Challenges and Opportunities to Identity

Globalization can have a positive and negative impact on the way we see
ourselves and others. As time goes on, society will have to address, and continue
to deal with, several issues:

1. Is the spread of technology helping to maintain cultural diversity on a

global scale?

2. Is Canada and the world becoming too Americanized?

3. Is consumer culture becoming too important in society?

4. Should the government protect Canadian culture?

5. Should immigrants be expected to change their way of life to fit in with

Canadian society?

6. Will Native Americans and other Indigenous communities be able to hold

onto their cultural identity?

The Maple Leaf and Collective Identity

According to the Government of Canada

website, “Flags are symbols that identify people
belonging to a group.”

The current Canadian flag became the official

on February 15, 1965.

At the raising of the flag in Ottawa, the Honourable Maurice Bourget, Speaker of
the Senate, said, “The flag is the symbol of the nation’s unity, for it, beyond any
doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language,
belief, or opinion.”

Red and white are the official colours of Canada, as given by King George V in
1921.

The inclusion of the maple leaf in the new Canadian flag in 1965 was official
recognition of its prominent usage on badges for the Canadian Forces, other
unofficial emblems, and its contribution to the Canadian economy through the
maple sugar industry, wood products, and beautification of the Canadian
landscape.

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