The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity | Katherine Ocher | TEDxLisi Lake Youth

Good morning everyone. Today I want to talk to you about a topic that affects all of us in the ways we might not even realize. Globalization. It is a word we hear often and a process we live through daily. Globalization in essence means the increase of interdependence of the world's economies, societies and

cultures. It is driven by the removal of protectionist policies and the pro promotion of free trade along with the rise of multinational corporations. While globalization has so many benefits and if I start listing them I might not be able to stop. It does have a critical aspect that often goes unnoticed. The erosion of cultural

identity. Let's begin with a simple yet a powerful example. Imagine stepping out of an airport in Thailand. For instance, a land that is known for its rich traditions and its unique identity. What do you see across the street? A McDonald's or perhaps a Starbucks. These symbols of Western consumerism highlight an uncomfortable reality. Globalization

is shaping the reality, the world into a single marketplace, but it's doing so at the expense of local traditions and customs. To us, the younger generation, it might not appear as an issue as social media, Hollywood movies, and influencers have normalized the global appeal of Western goods and lifestyles. They've created a high demand for

products and practices that are reshaping societies. The allure of western goods has grown so powerful that it's comes at the cost and overshadows our local traditions and customs. To us, this isn't an issue. But to the older generation that was grown and raised on traditions and cultural customs, it does appear as more than just economic