Globalization is the term given to the increased interconnectedness of the world. The internet has allowed persons from far reaching corners of the world to interact with one another. Globalization has affected the Caribbean in both positive and negative ways. This essay shall discuss globalization’s effect on the Caribbean.
The Caribbean’s economy has strengthened as a result of globalization. Due to persons now finding out about the hidden gem that is the Caribbean, the region has seen increased foreign direct investment. With a population of 50 million English-speaking residents, the Caribbean is a valuable resource to be tapped. Multinational corporations like KFC and McDonald’s are now found on many Caribbean islands, and these countries do boast of robust earnings from fast food sales. This increase in income means more monies allocated to educating the youth, feeding the hungry and keeping Caribbean citizens safe. Globalization has positively affected the Caribbean by way of encouraging multinational corporations to invest in the area and reaping the financial rewards of MNC’s presence.
The Caribbean’s identity has been negatively affected as a result of globalization. The North American influence is seen heavily in the Caribbean in many ways. Young Caribbean children speak with an American accent. They reference American politics when speaking with their peers. They prefer foreign music genres over their own. This is due to the popularity of American television stations, radio stations and American culture around the world. Young persons in the Caribbean place a higher emphasis on outside cultures over their own cultures. This has led to an erasure of what it means to be Caribbean, and a neglect of Caribbean values in young persons. This could eventually lead to local music genres dying out as Caribbean persons may choose to patronize foreign genres over their own. Globalization has also negatively affected the Caribbean by way of erasure of the region’s identity.
One way to combat globalization’s negative effects on the Caribbean is to have campaigns that promote nationalism. The affected populations can be sensitized on the great talents that are found on their shores, to bolster regional pride. In this way, Caribbean persons can still indulge in other countries’ art and still appreciate their own.
Globalization has affected the Caribbean in both positive and negative ways. Increased knowledge of the territory has invited foreign investors that boost the countries GDPs. These increased earnings are spent in ways to benefit Caribbean citizens. One downside to globalization is the erasure of Caribbean identity. This could lead to national customs dying out in favor of international cultures. One way to combat globalization’s negative effects on the Caribbean is to sensitize citizens on the greatness of their own cultures, so that Caribbean pride isn’t erased in favor of international values.
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