Chpt 13, 14, and 57

Chpt 13: In the McDonald's chapter, I learned that when businesses spread internationally, it's important for them to recognize and adapt to their local customs. The author explains how globalization is incorporated within large companies and food chains. It’s interesting seeing the differences in American culture versus Chinese culture. I noticed that citizens of Hong Kong primarily use McDonald's as a social space to sit and catch up, while here in the US, we use it as a fast food restaurant. This made me realize that it’s the local cultures that represent global influence in globalization. 

Chpt 14: Chapter 14 introduces readers to how globalization affects the everyday lives of immigrants. When immigrants leave their country, they still carry a piece of the culture with them through their language and traditions. This made me realize that someone can belong to multiple places at the same time, instead of having to choose one identity. Immigrants maintain different traditions, social interactions, food customs, and beliefs. As they travel, they must adapt to their new environments’ cultures to be welcomed in the community. In this chapter, I learned how identity is shaped through cultural exchange and the movement of people throughout the world. 

Chpt 57: The author in Chapter 57 explains that culture and religious practices are reshaped as they spread globally. Meditation was often removed from many original cultures to be reshaped for new audiences. In my opinion, I see both positives and negatives with this. This allows practices to become more accessible to people, so it’s easier to engage with. On the other hand, it has the potential to weaken deep cultural significances. The chapter has made me reflect on how globalization can make complex traditions simpler as they expand worldwide.