Globalization and Foreign Culture
Annyeonghaseyo,
And good day everyone,
Last few months ago, while I was watching my
favourite Korean pop group on my laptop, suddenly my father came to me and
asked,
“What is it that
you see in these guys? You’ve watched them too much”
From that moment I realised, I must have liked them
so much that I have become obsessed in them, and at the same time, annoyed my
dad.
The Korean wave is no longer become something
peculiar or new in Malaysia. From the readings, the wave may have first hit Malaysia’s
shore because of the famous Korean drama (kdrama) screened in national
television, which is Winter Sonata. The drama left such a great impact to the
country that it has eventually lead “everything Korean” into the gates of our
country. The Korean wave hit us so strong that it is not just the drama, music,
and dancing, has caused people to become fanatical, but there is something more
than that. The South Korean culture has developed to be something so
sensational, that it is slowly recognised and accepted in our country. Now from
food, to fashion, hairstyle, and make-up, everybody wishes to experience the Korean
culture. Ever wonder how did all these happen?
With globalisation accelerated rapidly, it has
caused many effects on people, environment, cultures, economic development and
human well-being in the countries around the world. Globalisation, in one way
or another has linked people or cause interconnectedness among societies all
around the world. It is by definition, an “on-going process that is linking
people, neighbourhoods, cities, regions and countries to become much more
closely together than they have ever been before. This has resulted in our
lives being intertwined with people in all parts of the world via the food we
eat, the clothing we wear, the music we listen to, the information we get and
the ideas we hold” (UNESCO, n.d.).
With the advancement of technology, it aids the
process. Technology does play a big part in nourishing the interest and fanaticism
of Malaysians in Korean pop culture. Apart from that, through new media,
everything is almost possible. Fans can literally reach their Korean biases
without much constraint, and learning the language too is no longer a problem. If
we cannot afford to go to any Korean language classes, we can always learn them
online. Interestingly, because of this global phenomenon, some universities in Malaysia,
such as Universiti Malaya (UM), the National University of Malaysia (UKM), Mara
University of Technology (UiTM) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University (UTAR), are
offering Korean language courses in its syllabus. This shows how the Korean wave
phenomenon has actually led Malaysians to have greater interest in Korean’s
culture and society.
Nevertheless, integrating the foreign culture too
much in our country has sparked a lot of debates and outrages. The first controversial
issue that has caused a major criticism was “the hug culture” during a fan
meeting event held by a male pop-group, B1A4. During the event, the singers
invited three of their fans (all female wearing head scarves) onstage to act out
few scenes from a Korean drama. Apparently, during the skits two of the singers
shared hugs with the fans, while another received a kiss on forehead. This
issue went viral and triggered outrage especially among the religious’
conservatives. Another issue that has received a lot of criticism is when there
were Korean female artists who wear skimpy outfit while performing in our
country.
Although bridging two different societies sounded
great politically and economically, but from the socio-cultural point of view, any
foreign culture may bring an unhealthy influence to our country and culture. “Malaysians
should retain their identities and not allow themselves to be too easily
influenced by foreign culture, especially when a culture is not suitable with
ours” (Malaysian Digest, 2015).
So, looking at these issues, it appears that
globalisation has taken a heavy toll on us especially in terms of
socio-culture. What do you think of these effects that globalisation has
brought to our country? Do you think that we should open up more in order to
accept what people think is “globally accepted”? Please share your view on this
matter. Thank you.
p/s: if you have not heard BTS’ A Supplementary
Story: You Never Walk Alone, you can check out the song. But don’t mind the
first two lines lyrics. Have a nice day!
Assalamualaikum and hye to all my friends. Woww so fantastic discussion Nadia Anisa! And look you know more about Korean culture and everything about Korean. Yes, it is not denied that Korean culture have given big impact to the Malaysian culture and other countries through globalization. It is looking more serious when people have very obsessed with the culture such as dancing and language.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, when Korean artist such as Running Man came to Malaysia, it was give big impact to the Malaysian society to join it. For the example, when Lee Kwang Soo, Running Man members came to Malaysia, most of people in Malaysia give support for him. In some article, Malaysian Digest that I have read, it is more surprisingly when supporter of Lee Kwang Soo know all the background of him when this artist ask the question about his personal information. (Malaysia Digest, 2014).
This artist was very shock when know of the most Malaysian people know specific about him. This is shown that Korean artist give big impact to the Malaysia society knowledge.
This phenomenon is happen because existing of new media such and also addition by internet that exist surroundings us. From this advantage then will exist the phenomenon of globalization for all country because not have boundary with each other to limited it from internet advantages.
I think globalization is not giving big problem to us. It is because we as a Malaysia country are interdependent with each other country to collect any outside information to develop economy of our country. But, the thing is how we as a Malaysian people accept this kind of globalization that existing surrounding us. We cannot avoid it anymore because all people need it about the globalization. All people are interdependent of it. It is not easier for us to avoid it. So, to make sure this globalization can give good impact to our society, we must adapt it and at the same time we must control it from any obsesses of negative influence from other country.
So, that’s all from me.
Thank you.
http://www.malaysiandigest.com/hiburan/483531-peminat-malaysia-bikin-si-pengkhianat-runningman-sebak-framerkwangsoo-runningmancast.html
hi everyone and hi nadia anisa. your topic this time is very exciting and i like it much. i like k-pop, i like k-drama, and i like other foreign entertainment too. and i cannot denied that this foreign wave especially korean wave that hit malaysia did not hit me at all. ahahaha (is it proper for me to laugh here btw? hihi).
ReplyDeletei do not think that this globalization issue is not good for us as we can learn about other countries and their culture. we cannot stick to only one particular knowledge as our religious Islam also teaches us that we need to explore about all the things in this world. however, the one thing that we must and must make sure while exploring and discovering other people culture, do not ever forget ours.
"you are so lame for still being malaysian, for dressing like malaysian, for eating what malaysian eat. so low class." there is no such thing. we live in globalization era and we learn about foreign culture, but if we still practice our own culture, does not mean that we are the orthodox. we love our culture and we proud of our culture, yet we still love to learn about other cultures too.
that is just my 20cents of globalization and foreign culture.
oppa saranghae,
hazrenita.
Anyeonhaseyo Nadia Anisa and Hi to everyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interesting topic today especially about Korean which is too popular nowadays.
As we know, Korean or Kpop culture was become model for young generation nowadays such as young adult, teeangers and also children. Wearing cloth like Korean actor, communicate with friends using Korean simple language that we always hear in their drama or movie. Sometimes, it feel weird when we are so interested to communicate and try to copy them while we know that it is hard language to learn since it is using their own alphabet.
However, lot of our people not only in our country but also other country willing to learn about thier language and also thier culture. Not suprisingly when there are more foreign willing to come to South Korea after their succes on media industry.
So, i think that it is good for us to learn other culture for our knowledge and also learn about their language. It is better if we not only focus on Kpop culture but also other country such as Japan, Thailand and etc. So,my overall opinion is i think that we should opne up more on "globally accepted". This is because for me it is not a fault to learn and practice other culture as long as we not be others.
Thats all from me. Kamsahamnida.
Annyeonghaseyo, Nadia Anisa.
ReplyDeleteThis topic is really interesting for me as I am also a fan of Korean Pop Culture. To be honest, I watch Korean dramas and a fan of Korean idols.
Yes, I agree with you that globalisation has taken a heavy toll on us especially in terms of socio-culture. Technology has made it easier for the Korean waves to reach our country. People can watch Korean dramas online and listen to their favourite idols singing using YouTube. Some people even start to sell items that related to Korea online as there are many demand for the items.
To be “globally accepted”, does not mean that we should break our own beliefs. It means that we are adapting to some extends, but not totally change everything. For example, the issues about the girls wearing head scarves being hugged by B1A4. The Korean culture and our culture are different. For B1A4, hugging their fans are usual thing, and not an issue. They do not know our culture. But those girls know and they still do it.
Anyway, the things that have happened cannot be undone. I have seen the video where by Korean idol rejected a handshake from fan who wearing head scarf, and I also have seen the video where by a fan wearing head scarf rejected a hug from a Korean idol.
It all depends on ourselves actually. For me, we can do anything that we like as long as we know our own limits.
So, that is all from me.
Kamsahamnida.
Assalamu'alaikum dan salam sejahtera kepada semua.
ReplyDeleteTerima kasih diucapkan kepada Saudari Nadia Anisa atas perkongsian yangbagi saya amat menarik.
Seperti yang kita sedi maklum, budaya Korea telah tersebar luas dalam kalangan kalangan remaja khususnya. Kita boleh lihat daripada segi pemakaian remaja kini yang lebih banyak meniru gaya pemakaian masyarakat Korea. Dari segi pemakanan juga, banyak juga makanan-makanan Korea yang dijual di negara kita sendiri.
Namun, itu semua bukan menjadi satu permasalahan bagi remaja kita saat ini. Masalah yang timbul apabila remaja semakin obses untuk hidup seperti gaya hidup mereka. Budaya kita dan mereka sangat jauh berbeza. Kita mengamalkan gaya hidup ketimuran yang mengutamakan agama dari segala jenis perkara yang kita lakukan. Begitu juga dengan adat-adat kesopanan dan cara pemakaian yang berlandaskan syariat. Namun, apa yang dapat kita lihat remaja kita sekarang tanpa segan silu berpelukan ibarat apa yang mereka lakukan itu tidak salah langsung. Perkara ini berkaitan isu, remaja perempuan yang berpelukan dengan artis Korea kegemaran mereka beberapa tahun yang lepas.
Saya hormati minat rakan-rakan sekeliling saya yang sangat meminati KOrea dan k-pop, tidak salah sebagai hiburan masing-masing. Saya juga sangat meminati salah satu drama realiti Korean iaitu 'The Return of Superman' yang mana mengisahkan seorang bapa menjaga dan mengasuh anak-anak mereka dalam masa 2 hari tanpa isteri. Saya yang memag sukakan kanak-kanak, bertambah suka dan terhibur melihat telatah bapa dan anak-anak mereka dalam kehidupan seharian.
Konklusinya, bergantung dengan kita sendiri bagaimana untuk menerima sesuatu perbezaan budaya supaya kita tetap meletakkan agama, budaya dan adat kita di atas.
terima kasih nadia anisa.mendengar perkataan globalisasi sahaja sudah menunjukan ianya secara menyeluruh dan besar-besaran.
ReplyDeletesetiap negara membawa identiti negara mereka tersendiri, Disini dapat kita lihat bahawa budaya meminati artis korea (kpop) seperti berlebih-lebihan, dan ia ini pendapat saya.
untuk meminati artis kesukaan mereka, atau untuk menyanyi dan menari bersama ketika lagu dimainkan bagi saya itu bukan suatu kesalahan.
atau untuk menonton drama korea 24 jam, juga bagi saya itu tiada kesalahan. hal ini kerana, fenomena ini sedang berlaku dalam masyarakat. bagi peminat jepun, china dan negara-negara lain, mereka juga akan berkelakuan begitu.
cuma, waktu ini malaysia digemparkan dengan Kpop.
Pada pendapat saya juga bahasa korea merupakan bahasa yang indah, saya juga tidak terlepas memperlajari bahasa ini, dengan menonton cerita-cerita dari negera ini.
cerita-cerita yang penuh dengan pengajaran seperi cerita Miracle in Cell No 7 dan cerita Slient yang menceritakan tentang masyarakat.
Sebagai seorang mahasiswa dan masyarakat, untuk seseorang terlalu obses dengan sesuatu perkara yang tidak banyak memberi manfaat itu perkara yang tidak sepatutnya berlaku.
dan saya yakin, bahawa rakyat malaysia tidak terlalu obses dengan Kpop, mungkin mereka kelihatan "tergila-gila" tetapi jika dibandingan dengan orang dari negara lain, malaysia masih "ok"
Good Day Everyone,
ReplyDeleteThis week posting really excite me with the greetings! Annyeong Nadia and everyone. This posting is full with comprehensive understanding of what globalisation means. I am not going to repeat what have been written, just want to share some of the experience on what we call globalization and foreign culture.
I am one of the Kdrama fans. Bear in mind Kpop and Kdrama is two different things where Kpop is mainly songs, boy band and singer while Kdrama is revolve in the acting industry and I am a hardcore fan of Song Ji Hyo the Korean actress. What makes me really attached with the Korean drama is from the reality show called Running Man. Clearly, in order to watch that reality show, I must go online. The technology provides a platform for me to explore and access other countries entertainment industry.
Wanna know what is the most interesting after effect of watching Running Man? You instantly get hungry and crave for Korean food. Because their shows often incorporate their dish and it is almost like an eating show although the theme is a reality game show. That is why we can see Korean restaurant starts to fill in the tenant in the shop lots in Malaysia which provide the opportunity for us to try out their dish. I’ve tried and I like some of their dish too.
I personally think that this is such a great opportunity for us to experience a global culture through the advancement of technology. We can be open up globally but there are still limitation and we must continue appreciate our own culture. Because every culture is unique, we should not be too obsessed with other culture.
That is all from me, Thank You.
Nurul Atiqah Mohd Azman
Hello everyone.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post Kak Nad. Due to the globalization, we are exposed by many cultures from any countries in the world these days. Like what you said, when Korea culture comes to Malaysia, it raises a conflict whereby the hug culture among different sex is quite an issue here, it is not suitable with the norm and value in Malaysia. From my point of view, what we can do is just respect of whatever culture that we are exposed to, yet do not lose our own culture at the same time. If globalization can promote Korean culture in different part of the world, why we can’t do it the same thing?