Civilization and Cultural Diversity

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University of Kentucky *

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Anthropology

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Apr 3, 2024

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Civilization has created a diverse and complex world of diverse cultures that span the globe. In the modern world civilization has been shaped by the history and dynamics of cultural interaction, competition and conflict. This essay will analyze how civilization both facilitates and restricts cultural diversity in the modern world by looking at how technology, globalization, and other factors play a role in the development of diverse cultures. It will look at how these factors have allowed for unprecedented exchange and coordination of ideas, beliefs, and practices between different societies, allowing for the development of a greater range of cultural diversity around the world. Lastly, this essay will consider what the implications of this greater degree of cultural diversity might mean for the future of civilization. The modern world is greatly impacted by both globalization and tourism, which have greatly contributed to the current status of cultural diversity both positively and negatively. In the most obvious sense, globalization has facilitated the spread of many cultures as a result of increased communication and large-scale mobility of people, ideas, and goods (Risse et al. 2015). This has enabled a rise in intercultural collaboration, cultural diffusion, and the spread of both technological advancement and modernization. For example, "globalization has produced New Religions, fed the expansion and development of traditional religions, and has caused the reshaping of religious systems and the restructuring of the world's religious landscape" (Risse et al. 2015). Additionally, increased economic interdependence has led to migrants settling in different parts of the world, further contributing to cultural diversity. Tourists, however, have more of a mixed impact on cultural diversity. Mass tourism has the potential to negatively affect culture and heritage, especially when it comes to the emergence of "tourist bubbles," where tourists experience only a partial view of the local culture, ignoring the "softer" side (Tregear & Guitor 2018). Moreover, it may lead to an influx of goods and services that are tailored to increase tourist spending, of which the natives may take no part in (Tregear & Guitor 2018). On the other hand, tourism can promote greater appreciation and understanding of different cultures and is often seen as a powerful way to preserve heritage (Tregear & Guitor 2018). As a result of both tourism and globalization, cultural diversity has flourished to the current extent that we can observe in the modern world. Risse, Thomas, et al. 2015. “Cultural Diversity, Religion and Human Security.” In Cultural Diversity and International Security, edited by Thomas Risse, Kathryn Sikkink, and Reşat Kasaba, 19-37. MIT Press. Tregear, Alan, and Mireia Guitor. 2018. “Cultural Tourism and Its Impact on Local Communities.” Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 8(3): 304-318. doi:10.1108/JCHMSD-01-2017-0008. The modern cultural landscape is a rapidly changing one, with globalization having a major impact on cultural diversity. Globalization has enabled the spread of technology, the sharing of resources, increased flow of information, and an opening of the world’s markets and labor systems (Gapminder). This has led to a decrease in the distinctiveness of different cultures, as more people around the world become exposed to similar trends and lifestyles. Tourism is yet another factor, as “interaction between people from different cultures” due to travel and foreign

exchange, leads to a diversification of experiences and beliefs (Lundy). Despite the homogenizing effects of globalization, cultural diversity is still alive and well in many societies, particularly as local communities resist the forces of homogenization and strive for their own special cultural identity. which often differ drastically from those of the society they are entering. This often leads to a cultural clash and transformations that shape how different cultures view their own identity, values and practices (Brown, 20). The presence of different cultural influences has led to a shift in how different countries perceive their national cultures and how the individual members of each society view themselves in relation to surrounding cultures. The diversification that results from cultural integration can be seen in the modern national identities now present around the world. For example, in the United States, the diversity of different cultures is celebrated in the form of multiculturalism, which has become an integral part of the American identity (Smith, 15). As a result, it is clear that alien immigration has had a large impact on the identity, values and practices of various cultures in the modern world, bringing about a shift in how different cultures are viewed both on an internal and global scale. Cultural diversity has long been an integral part of human civilization. Without it, civilizations can not evolve and flourish. But it can also be argued that, in certain cases, cultural diversity can lead to a decline of civilization. This is because when cultures come into contact, the clash between those cultures can lead to violence, or the complete loss of identifiable traits of the involved cultures (Smith, 2020). Such incidents have, unfortunately, been seen throughout history, and have lead to a decline of civilization throughout the world. In this way, cultural diversity can lead to the loss of civilization when there is a lack of understanding and respect between cultures (Smith, 2020). The world has seen many civilizations throughout history, and each one has laid the foundation for the next. The legacy of culture and diversity left behind by these civilizations is still visible in the modern world. This paper has looked at different aspects of civilization and its role in cultural diversity throughout history. Despite the challenges that have arisen due to this diversity, it can be argued that it is an essential part of our interconnected society and that those challenges can be overcome with effective communication and mutual understanding. Ultimately, this paper has demonstrated that appreciating and embracing cultural diversity, inspired by the achievements of past civilizations, is essential for positive socio-economic and political development. Bibliography Gapminder. “What Is Globalization?” Gapminder, 20 Mar. 2007, www.gapminder.org/news/what-is-globalization. Lundy, Darren. “The Definition of Cultural Tourism.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 20 May 2019, traveltips.usatoday.com/definition-cultural-tourism-107480.html.

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