Globalization and Translation: A Tool for Extending the American Ideological Empire?

The world is shrinking and it’s got nothing to do with global warming. Globalization has extended its reach to every country on the earth and its effects reach well beyond the obviously economic. Globalization is a transcendent phenomenon, though certainly not a modern one as commonly thought, that reaches significantly into the daily life of virtually every individual on the planet. Its effects can be felt in everything from marketing and advertising to political and social institutions. Its reach has even wormed its way into the very values and mores of people. Many theories abound, often conflicting, over whether the ultimate impact of globalization will be positive or negative for the majority of the population. Among the many concerns over globalization is the effect it is having upon indigenous culture and identity. Some argue that casting the world in the image of the dominant culture cannot fail to end badly. Will the shrinking of the world cause permanent damage to national identities and cultures? History says yes.