Blog post #11: Globalization

     Globalization is the process by which cultures are gradually integrated with one an other and regional culture slowly becomes subversive to another. This is evident though many different facets: business, music, food, and film. One could say film is where American cultural imperialism is best illustrated. Cultural imperialism, of course, being the promotion of one culture over another, usually a powerful culture over one with less [power].
     All over the world American films can be seen, almost disproportionally over regional films. When I was staying in Ireland over the summer, I went to the local video store, nearly all films on display were American, the ones people were renting were American, and the ones being promoted were, yes, American. I was also taken to a movie theater. The features: Toy Story 3, Twilight, and assorted other American films. Not a single Irish made film or films featuring Irish actors. This would lead one to believe that Ireland does not produce films or have decent actors, but that's not the case. The country actually has produced many actors and directors who are recognized on an international level. However, despite the regional talent, preference is given to "foreign" films (specifically American film). On the Irish Film and Television Academy website there is even a statement referring to the premier of TRON: Legacy (an American film) in Ireland.
     When there is such an overwhelming presence of American film, it's difficult for other countries to establish and maintain a film industry which produces films relevant to their own regional culture.


Here are recent Irish Box office numbers: notice all the the films are of American origin.