Cultural Imperialism in Colombia

"Cultural imperialism manipulates and westernises the psychology of people in Third World countries, aligning them with US imperialist interests. It is incredibly effective because it dominates people from the inside, disguised as their own free will."

Cultural imperialism has a vast hold of Colombian society. Many who are unaware of its negative effects. The Western society has been so heavily promoted that it artificially injected their culture of society into that of Colombia. With cultural imperialism, its powerful influence is economically driven to invade and set to conquer/dominate a third world countries culture. Particularly aimed towards up and coming generations. The general attitude of Colombia's youth is to rebel via drugs, alcohol, parties, and consumerism.

"...the old customs and ancient wisdom of his ancestors has reached its final generation and will soon be lost."

It is devastating to see a society loose its indigenous culture. In addition, it deeply saddens me to see that when a person continues to practice their native traditions, it is seen as "old fashioned." It speaks volumes to have a culture depleted. A culture should never 'go out of style.' It is a part of history and should continue to be taught and passed down generation to generation. Mass media is a seductive tool where countries, like Colombia, are mesmerized and see media outlets (TV for example) for them to escape from reality, when it reality, it is false hope.

http://www.colombiasolidarity.org.uk/content/view/197/54/

Globalization

For example, Coca-Cola is being sued for alleged involvement in the deaths of eight labor leaders

"Colombia, a mostly poor and struggling oligarchy afflicted with serious civil violence for the past 57 years, possesses valuable mineral resources and oil, coal and gas deposits. U.S. and multinational corporations — taking advantage of the weakness, lawlessness and desperation of the country — have been maneuvering themselves into powerful positions in the Colombian economy."

As a third world country Colombia lives with poverty stricken communities and continual violence. This has allowed the powerful U.S. to take advantage of the countries precious resources. The United States has put "Plan Colombia" into place since 1999, to help aid the country by providing a considerable military to fight guerrillas and terrorists and for eradicating illegal drug crops. In addition, it substantially funds the paramilitaries and security forces that protect corporate interests and infrastructure.

"Three million people have been forcibly displaced in Colombia since 1985. As corporations - with the complicity of crooked officials - enlarge mines, build pipelines, divert water and log forests, their paramilitaries and mercenaries threaten, torture, kill and abduct the local inhabitants as needed to clear an area. Similarly, paramilitaries often intimidate or murder journalists, clergymen and women, union organizers, judges and any other activists who attempt to resist or point out the abuses being perpetrated."

Colombians have been forced out of their homes and even killed, all in the interests of the U.S. companies. This is allowing multinationals to absolutely loot the resources and wealth of Colombia Furthermore, there is little anyone can do to stop this. If one were to seek resistance to this movement they to are in danger

"...Our actions in Colombia are in service to corporate globalization, a phenomenon that is increasingly being revealed as a multipronged assault on the environment, labor, diverse cultures, indigenous peoples, democracy, and the very notions of justice, equality and healthy living."

http://www.killercoke.org/salem0510.htm