Globalization and Caribbean Culture

Culture can be defined as the way of life of a particular people or society.It fosters a
sense of identification and belonging among those who hold similar beliefs and values.
Culture is never stagnant, overtime one’s beliefs, norms and values change. Globalization is
a driving factor to the alteration of the Caribbean culture. The term globalization refers to the
growing interconnectedness and interdependence of global economies and cultures. Since
the majority of the world is in a technological era, it is easier for countries to share
information around with one another; through globalization the world is said to have become
smaller. Overtime, globalization has impacted the dances, food and festivals among other
aspects of culture.
Firstly, globalization has definitely impacted the Caribbean dances as overtime, the
Caribbean people are moving away from the more traditional dances such as Dansas de
salon, Junkonnu and Limbo which are indigenous to the Caribbean islands. These dances
were widely influenced by colonialism and slavery. However, in this modern world, the new
generation has altered the Caribbean’s culture overtime. Today, we are more readily
accepting the dances related to the western society associated with pop culture. Hip Hop is
a popular western dance and music style that has made its way into many dancehall and
soca music videos, for example the club and party scenes. Platforms such as tiktok and
Youtube are also agents responsible for exposing the Caribbean to different forms of dance
around the world.
Secondly, the Caribbean’s cuisine has also been deeply impacted by Globalization.
Majority of the Caribbean have been introduced to fast food in the 20th century. Most
Caribbean countries have a KFC, Dominoes, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut or Burger King. The
Caribbean has been known for embracing foods from all over and adding our ingredients to
make it our own. Over the years Caribbean people are now straying from the traditional
home cooked meals such as saltfish mackerel run down. Alot of Caribbean people have
developed this habit of eating take out from fast food joints on a Friday. The lines at fast food
places on a weekend have also become increasingly longer over the years.
Lastly, due to globalization, Caribbean festivals such as the Trinidad and St. Lucia
carnival are also celebrated in the United States of America and United Kingdom. Caribbean
people who have migrated to other countries can still feel connected to their culture as these
festivals are normally broad casted for the whole world to see. Globalization also gives more
recognition to the various Caribbean cultures as these festivals sparks interests in tourists,
thus boosting support.
In conclusion, globalization does indeed influence the Cultures within the Caribbean.
Culture cannot be constant and as such it can be changed or altered based on factors in
society. Such a factor that impacts Caribbean culture is globalization. Globalization refers to
the influences that take place across the world allowing countries and cultures to connect as
a result of technological developments. Globalization has impacted the Caribbean’s dance,
cuisine and Festivals. Gobalization may not only negatively impact culture, but it also has
some of its perks.