1. Cultural Imperialism and Post
Colonialism
Imperialism: The policy of
extending a nation's
authority by territorial
acquisition or by the
establishment of economic
and political hegemony
over other nations.
Colonialism: The policy and
practice of a power in extending
control over weaker peoples or
areas.

2. Cultural Imperialism
Cultural imperialism is the domination
of one culture over another. Cultural
imperialism can take the form of a
general attitude or an active, formal and
deliberate policy, including (or resulting
from) military action. Economic or
technological factors may also play a
role.
We might say: the cultural products of
the first world "invade" the third-world
and "conquer" local culture.

3. Cultural Imperialism and the Media
Increasingly the major media players
are multinational companies with
interests across the globe.
This has an important implication for
the way Western television and film
companies can have an impact on the
cultures of developing countries.

4. Cultural Imperialism and the Media
An important function of the media is in winning the support of people to
the interests of the dominant classes.
Obama receives a native American
delegation
British photographers in India in
the days of the Raj.
Zuma visit: 'Thanks for the
show, cultural imperialists!'

5. Cultural Imperialism and the Media
The media also constitute a potential tool for control by dominant
Western cultures over those of developing countries. The Western way of
life and its economic and political systems can be imposed on other
societies as its lifestyles are sold through media products such as films and
television – cultural imperialism.

6. Cultural Imperialism and the U.S.
The most dominant culture in this is the US. Hollywood is a good example
of cultural imperialism to the extent that even developed countries like
France and the UK go to great lengths to ensure their own film industries
remain strong.
Cultural imperialism is, in fact, a very old phenomenon. For
centuries, countries imposed their cultural values on other nations.
Today, as a global economic and political power, the United States is
inevitably intruding into the cultures of other countries of the world.
Some believe that the American's spread of culture is beneficial to the
entire planet, while others consider this cultural imperialism a threat.

7. Post colonialism
Post colonialism as the name suggests is a theoretical perspective that
looks at media and cultural studies in terms of the aftermath of
colonialism.
Most European countries have a history of military imperialism and indeed
at one point Great Britain ruled half the world.
The
British
Empire

8. Post colonialism
These countries would conquer less developed countries across the world
and impose their rule on them, usually to ensure a supply of cheap
materials from that country to help support the development of their own
European economies.
Much of the culture of these imperial countries remains today, for
example, look how much French and English are spoken in African
countries.

9. Post colonialism
The postcolonial argument is that
non-Western cultures are represented
through Western eyes largely because
of the impact of cultural imperialism
through the power of Western media.
It can be argued, for example, that
whenever Islam is represented it is
shown through a Western perspective
that usually fails to understand the
nature and complexity of Islamic
belief and culture but instead reduces
it to a few stereotypical
characteristics. In this way the sense
of oppression is just as great as if
colonies still existed.

10. For discussion
• How might the James Bond franchise be said to impose
cultural imperialism?
• Compile a list of other television programmes (especially
dramas) and films which could be said to export the Western
culture.
• How are Western women represented to the world? Is it a
positive representation in your view?