In many ways, the lifestyles of people around the world are becoming more alike. The word for this trend is convergence. At the same time, many people are resisting a global culture and clinging to traditional beliefs. The word for differing from a norm is divergence. Here are some examples of convergence and divergence:

Convergence:

• Imperialism and competition between superpowers spread Western civilization.
• Modern transportation and communication, especially television, increases the spread of Western civilization and exposes people in less developed countries to Western culture.
• Students from around the world study in Western countries and Russia. They take new attitudes, ideas and beliefs back to their homelands.
• The Western culture spread around the world.
• During the 1960s and 1970s, the Beatles and their music helped people share a culture.
• The United Nations makes industrialized countries aware of the needs of less developed countries.
• Environmental groups such as Greenpeace promote equal distribution of resources
• The UN provides a meeting place for nations discuss their differences.
• Expanding businesses create a complex web of interrelationships across the globe.
• Expanding Internet communications and business links create interrelationships across the globe.
• Technology such as teleconferencing allows for face to face contact which increases cultural contact
• The introduction of the Euro and the blending of many European currencies into one allows for easier trade - and less competition

 

• Regional local differences continue. Students who return to their homelands after living in Western country or Russia often face value conflicts.
• Leaders of developing nations face the task of modernizing without destroying traditions.
• Muslims and West Asians use their traditional lunar calendars as well as the Western calendar.
• While people in India or Africa often use Western dress forbusiness, they frequently change to traditional clothing at home and for social events.
• Many cultures reject the American emphasis on individual rights. In these cultures, the family or group is often moreimportant than the individual.
• The United Nations has only a mixed record as a peacekeeping force.
• The Iranian people rejected Western culture when they overthrew the shah and set up an Islamic republic.
• Asians and Africans do not want to imitate Westerners.
• Developing non-Western countries often reject both US and Russian models.
• Minorities in Quebec, Canada, and in the Basque region of Spain, along with the Croatians, Serbs and Bosnians in the Balkans, want independent countries.
• Ethnic (tribal) differences in Africa have led to conflicts.
• Religious differences are still strong
• Powerful weapons keep the powerful in control of the countries and creates an environment where those who want change resort to terrorism

  webmaster Killeen Harker Heights Connections