Cultural Imperialism

Cultural Imperialism (enforced or pressured change in culture) is the practice of promoting the culture, values, or language of one nation in another, less powerful one. 

Occurrence of the Cultural Imperialism means that the cultural dilution will exist. Cultural dilution can be defined as the local cultures becoming less pronounced as they are influenced by outside (foreign) cultures. 

This sociocultural integration occurred through the language, tourism, global brands, the media and democracy. 

In old days, the cultural imperialism has been associated with colonialism. (UK invasion) Nowadays, US has been able to export its control and influence through the commodities of its TNCs that includes McDonald's, Google, Coca-Cola, Walmart and etc. Cultural imperialism had been introduced as Westernization or even Americanization. It does not only take places in the brands but also in the mass media corporations. 

TNCs, transnational corporation, either intentionally or unintentionally spread consumerism through the concept of cultural imperialism. Behind the growth in the influence of TNCs is the rise of global consumer culture built around world brands. 

In old days, the cultural imperialism has been associated with colonialism. (UK invasion) Nowadays, US has been able to export its control and influence through the commodities of its TNCs that includes McDonald's, Google, Coca-Cola, Walmart and etc. Cultural imperialism had been introduced as Westernization or even Americanization. It does not only take places in the brands but also in the mass media corporations. 

PROS	CONS
variety of commodities are more available introduction of new technologies increased language skills Economic development (international trades)	Homogenized (the same) cultures or places around the world lost or diluted Local cultures (language, dress, food, music, etc.) Negative impact to Local businesses (failure from competition with TNCs)  Economic and political exploitation ( Stripped resources)

Check this video: 

McDonald's Francise Openings 

http://vimeo.com/10275493

McDonald's, for example, operates over 26000 outlets in 119 countries. In 1997 it opened one outlet every four hours. Coca-Cola is sold in nearly every country. It is a transcultural item, yet it is very much linked with US culture. In addition, national media systems are being superseded by global media complexes. Around 20 to 30 large TNCs dominate the global entertainment and media industry, all of which are from the West, and most of the which are from USA as well. These include giants such as Time-Warner, Disney, News Corporation, Universal and the BBC.  

References: 

http://www.geographypods.com/5-socio-cultural-exchanges.html