Imperialism Today
Imperialism, especially American Imperialism, can still be seen all over the world today, despite the Age of Imperialism having ended in 1914. Imperialism, in fact, is on the high due to globalisation of different brands and companies which enables them to reach all corners of the world. As can be seen in the NIKE Case Study, this globalisation can result in several types of imperialism. In brands/companies, the most common types of imperialism are cultural and economical imperialism, operating in spheres of influence (namely places like China, India, Pakistan, etc. who usually act as cheap laboured for these large companies.)
The globalisation of brands such as NIKE enables them to spread the culture they represent (eg: Nike - American Culture) into other countries and, subsequently, begin to replace the culture and fashion that is already there. This is usually due to the popularity of the brand and the sponsors they use to broadcast their apparel and merchandise. This can be seen in brands other than NIKE - take, for example, McDonald's, Starbucks, Apple, etc.
The globalisation of brands such as NIKE enables them to spread the culture they represent (eg: Nike - American Culture) into other countries and, subsequently, begin to replace the culture and fashion that is already there. This is usually due to the popularity of the brand and the sponsors they use to broadcast their apparel and merchandise. This can be seen in brands other than NIKE - take, for example, McDonald's, Starbucks, Apple, etc.
All these brands (usually originating from the western side of the planet) begin taking over local businesses and countries, which justifies them as being part of cultural imperialism. They 'inject' the culture they come from into another, and begin to take over.
Countries begin to look more and more alike. Few are the countries that don't have an Apple Store or a Starbucks - they begin to resemble the United States.
Media is often the base for cultural imperialism. Advertisements are broadcasted globally thanks to satellites, and can be found all the globe. American television and shows are distributed far and wide thanks to the fame of Hollywood. The internet also encourages this form imperialism.
According to englishenglish.com, 80% of the internet is in english, forcing non-english speakers to learn the language in order to access the information they need.
Countries begin to look more and more alike. Few are the countries that don't have an Apple Store or a Starbucks - they begin to resemble the United States.
Media is often the base for cultural imperialism. Advertisements are broadcasted globally thanks to satellites, and can be found all the globe. American television and shows are distributed far and wide thanks to the fame of Hollywood. The internet also encourages this form imperialism.
According to englishenglish.com, 80% of the internet is in english, forcing non-english speakers to learn the language in order to access the information they need.
This modern imperialism does have its advantages and disadvantages. Most of its advantages are for the companies being imperialists, of course. Cultural and Economic imperialism can have horrible impacts, due to exploitation - such slave labour and sweatshops that big companies own. Take NIKE and its slave labour, for example. According to personal.umich.edu, Nike can sell merchandise 250 times the wage of the person making it - and that's just one item of clothing. On a global scale of sales, that makes them a fortune, with little in return for the workers. Poor countries rely on these big companies to give their populace jobs - though this results in other companies and businesses being shut down as these companies take over the competition and the market for the goods they are selling. In essence, the rich get richer whilst the poor are rendered poorer.
Although most of the advantages of imperialism remain advantages for the big companies, there are some to be found for the under-developed countries. For one, the globalisation of these companies means more jobs, more economic growth, lower prices for consumers, as well as more competition in some markets. Cultural Imperialism means that there is a wider range of products to be found worldwide and more information shared between countries (especially through media such as the internet.)
Although most of the advantages of imperialism remain advantages for the big companies, there are some to be found for the under-developed countries. For one, the globalisation of these companies means more jobs, more economic growth, lower prices for consumers, as well as more competition in some markets. Cultural Imperialism means that there is a wider range of products to be found worldwide and more information shared between countries (especially through media such as the internet.)
In conclusion, imperialism can be found today. Most of this imperialism is cultural and economical, and are mainly due to globalisation. Though america is not the only modern imperialist, it is one of main imperialists, due to the spread of its companies that in turn spread american culture throughout the globe.