Without a doubt globalization is one of the hottest topics in today?s political scene. However, is globalization nothing more than another term for Americanization? While there are a variety of perspectives, each bearing a fair level of legitimacy, I believe the most powerful argument is that globalization is just another word for Americanization. One of the most powerful influences in the Americanization of the world is the media. The actions and reports of the media have implications far beyond providing issue perspectives and entertainment after a long day on the job. Rooted in the most powerful political and economic force in the world, the American media is visible worldwide. Through the examination of the media and its international impact, we can see more clearly how globalization is simply another term for Americanization.

The media is clearly the people?s window to the world. It is a common occurrence in the United States and the rest of the industrialized world to wake up and turn on the television before work to catch up on the latest local and global news. Whether we?re in the car listening to the radio, or at work catching up on the latest stock repo

The American influence in globalization is dominant for a number of reasons. First, the political and economic dominance of the United States as a hegemon makes the United States the most widely and closely watched country in the world. As the world?s premier economic power, we exert an influence on other countries that can be easily seen in the vast amount of goods we export. American based transnational corporations dominate a number of countries as if they were based in that country. McDonald?s is a prime example of an American corporation that is popular worldwide. Not only is McDonald?s an American corporation, but it is also a source of American culture. The popularity of McDonald?s in America is astounding. Yet, McDonalds is constantly expanding into other countries and is nearly equally popular worldwide. While many would disregard the notion that such expansion could cause any cultural conflict, many states with differing cultures are deeply concerned about such western entities expanding into their countries. Some would find the expansion of McDonalds an intrusion on their belief system from popular culture. Pico Iyer warns of such cultural infringement in his article on Bali and the Phillipines, stating of Filipinos, ?You know one reason why the Filipinos love ?We are the World? so much? Because it gives one member of the group the chance to do Michael Jackson, and another Cyndi Lauper and a third Bruce Springsteen. Some guy even gets to do Ray Charles.? The rapid advances in technology fuels the growth of such corporations as the Internet and satellite cable makes local corporations much more visible on the international level. There is a great feeling throughout the world that through American economic and technological dominance and expansion, American culture is displacing other cultures.

Clearly, as the world?s dominant power, the United States has a much larger role than any previous hegemon has ever had. Increased visibly due to the media has created economic and political implications that require the United States to take an increasingly active role in the international community, much to some American?s dismay. The active role the United States takes in the international community in promoting democracy and opening up market leaves new routes for both American goods and culture to flow. The effects of such Americanization are dominant in describing the international trend, globalization. Borders are diminishing, and while cultures are clashing, they are also in many ways assimilating into the American culture that is dominating th

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