In this 500-word text I share my opinion on the possibility of having a convergence or divergence for cultures in the future. Each statement is supported by real-life examples.
What is your opinion on the future of cultures: convergence or
divergence ?
Culture is not solely based on the aspect of traditions, language and
values, but also the behaviour of a group of people shaped by its
religious beliefs, art, food and the way it interacts with another group
thus outlining its differences. Time is a relative concept, and so is the
culture of a group when observed under different aspects.
To illustrate the possibility of eventual convergence, we can consider the
English language as an example, as it is a symbol of globalisation and
the universal language in business. Many countries have considered
teaching it from an early age, endorsing its “personal development”
advantages and even financial gains from a professional point of view,
thus becoming the second language for many. For some parts, it’s the
fault of the constant exposure to social media or, in other words, the
constantly evolving technology that surrounds us. Pop culture is heavily
based on western views and it influences what we watch, listen and
decide to take as examples. Of course here we cannot exclude
generational barriers, but we can see that, even compared to 10 years
ago, we have access to any kind of information online and can
experience or immerse ourselves into a different culture without the
trouble of travelling.
Political currents can influence the direction in which a country is
heading. If the governing institution is pleading for a more open
relationship with international communities, then the people are willing to
accept another culture's values and merge them into its own and
therefore going towards convergence. The political principles of
democracy, which represent the ideology of cultural convergence, is an
example of this, since after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 (a
communist-ruled country) its citizens pushed for the establishment of
international relations and intercultural exchanges.
On the other hand, the arguments that support for the existence of
cultural divergences in the future mostly revolve around geographical
reasons and the strong determination of a group to preserve its traditions
and habits, refusing external influences. In my opinion, this is a more
convincing way that things will evolve since even after thousands of
years there are more signs of divergence than convergence.
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