One of the primary themes in Jeffrey Wasserstrom‘s essay “A Mickey Mouse Approach to Globalization” is consumerism, as he argues that we consume products differently depending on cultural context and local meaning.
For this blog response, I would like you to consider the role that consumerism plays in globalization and cultural identity. Please respond to the 2 questions below:
- Leonard’s essay “Death by Monoculture” also deals significantly with the theme of consumerism. In what ways do Leonard and Wasserstrom assert similar vs. contrasting views (or agree vs. disagree) on the relationship between consumerism, globalization, and cultural identity? Place these two authors “in conversation” about these issues.
- In previous blog post responses, many of you have argued that the characters Ashoke & Ashima (from The Namesake) are demonstrating that they are absorbing American culture rather than resisting or “fighting back” (to use Gleiser’s terms), and you have based your point of view on the American cultural products that they are consuming, whether those products are food, clothing, or holiday items. Considering Wasserstrom’s argument about the “divergent local meanings of globally familiar icons” (22), do you think he would agree or disagree that the consumption of American products signals that a person (e.g., Ashima or Ashoke) is establishing an American cultural identity? Explain.
Post your response before class time on Tuesday, 4/2. Review the “Blog Response Evaluation Criteria” on BB > Assignments > Globalization HW Assignments to be sure that you are meeting the expectations of the assignment.
WR112: The Global University 