Category: June 2013 (II JMC)

Read the following passage and answer Question: Critics refer the cultural imperialism as cultural domination. John Tomlinson has emphasized that imperialism group’s specific form of domination. In case of cultural imperialism in the third world, it points out towards the links between present domination and colonial past. The term is ambiguous between a set of economic and political meanings. To maintain specificity one must choose the term cultural imperialism as a pattern of inherited colonial attitudes and practices or as the practices and effects of ongoing system of economic relations within global capitalism. There are other ways of speaking about cultural imperialism as media imperialism as a discourse of global capitalism and as a critique of modernity. With reference to media imperialism, cultural imperialism places media at the centre of things. Many a times writers consider cultural imperialism and media imperialism as synonyms. On one hand mass media are constantly and rapidly expanding in terms of technical power, penetration coverage and representation of both public and private life in the west. Here media is considered as central cultural reference point of modern western capitalism. If so is the case cultural imperialism is a dominance of one’s culture’s media over another or as global spread of “mass mediated culture”. Further cultural imperialism poses a threat to national cultural identity. In dealing with this discourse of national cultures, we must think of the various levels of locality. Cultural imperialism is also considered critique of global capitalism and capitalism is an homogenizing cultural force. The perception here is that everywhere in the world is beginning to look and feel the same. Cities in any part of the world display uniform features. Further the spread of capitalism is the spread of culture of consumerism. The discourse of cultural imperialism which takes capitalism as its target needs to be connected with that which addresses the discontent of modernity itself. Cultural imperialism is not only effecting individuals but the world itself. Modernity refers to main cultural direction of global development. Modernity and development though by no means necessarily linked as concepts, havebecome closely identified. This questionis that what is the way of responding tothe ambiguous cultural conditions of modernity. Q1. What is cultural imperialism? (A) Study of cultures (B) Negatively marked notions of power. (C) Inherited attitudes and practices from past (D) Forced ways of thinking exercised by notions. Correct Ans: (C) Explanation: Cultural imperialism refers to the dominance of one culture over another. It involves inherited attitudes and practices from the colonial past. Critics often view it as a negative force because it shapes societies through foreign influences. This concept links present cultural dominance with historical colonization. Over time, powerful nations continue to impose their values, traditions, and beliefs on weaker societies. As a result, cultural imperialism influences language, media, lifestyle, and social norms. Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Inherited attitudes and practices from the past. Q2. What does media imperialism refer to? (A) Media’s role in reflecting cultures (B) As inseparable concepts (C) Media as a centre of reference point (D) Media and cultural imperialism as two separate aspects Correct Ans: (C) Explanation: Media imperialism places mass media at the center of cultural dominance. It highlights how Western media acts as a cultural reference point for modern capitalism. This means global audiences consume content, values, and ideas shaped by dominant nations. Many scholars believe media imperialism plays a key role in spreading foreign cultural influences. As media expands its reach, it influences both public and private life. Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Media as a center of reference point. Q3. How does cultural imperialism poses a threat to nationality? (A) By invading the foreign cultures. (B) By dominating specific cultures. (C) By being functional in eroding local cultures. (D) All the three mentioned above Correct Ans: (D) Explanation: Cultural imperialism erodes local cultures by imposing foreign beliefs, traditions, and lifestyles. It invades native cultures, making them less visible in their own regions. Moreover, it dominates specific traditions, leading to loss of uniqueness. As a result, many nations struggle to preserve their original cultural identity. Since cultural imperialism affects societies in multiple ways, the correct answer is (D) All the three mentioned above. Q4. How does cultural imperialism act as a critique of global capitalism? (A) Consumer culture is imposed on developing societies. (B) Culture of capitalism is incapable of providing meaningful and satisfying cultural experiences. (C) Process of cultural imperialism, have functional role to play in the spread of capitalism (D) Capitalism implies a cultural totality of economic / social / political and social aspects. Correct Ans: (C) Explanation: Cultural imperialism plays a functional role in spreading global capitalism. It ensures consumer culture reaches developing societies, making them adopt Western ways of life. Additionally, capitalism influences economic, social, and political structures, shaping how societies function. This process highlights how cultural imperialism helps expand capitalist ideologies worldwide. Therefore, the correct answer is (C) The process of cultural imperialism has a functional role in spreading capitalism. Q5. How does modernity refer to the main cultural direction of global development? (A) By projecting ‘particular ways of life’ dominatingly. (B) By homogenization of cultural diversity (C) By relating the idea of modernity to that of capitalist society. (D) By the way of projecting as destination of all cultural development. Correct Ans: (B) Explanation: Modernity acts as the dominant cultural force in global development. It often leads to the homogenization of diverse cultures, making societies look and feel similar. Furthermore, it associates capitalist values with progress, influencing how nations evolve. As a result, modernity projects itself as the ideal path for cultural growth. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) By homogenization of cultural diversity.

Category: June 2013 (II JMC)

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