Title: Pop Culture | Globalization101
Headings: 
Pop Culture
The Spread of American Popular Culture
Television
Pop Culture Values
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Content: Pop Culture | Globalization101





Pop Culture
Globalization101 > Issues in Depth > Culture > Pop Culture



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Pop Culture
Among the three effects of globalization on culture, the growth of global “pop culture” tends to get the most attention, and to strike people on a visceral level. Many complain that this form of globalization is actually Americanization, because the United States is by far the biggest producer of popular culture goods. Pop culture is manifested around the world through movies, music, television shows, newspapers, satellite broadcasts, fast food and clothing, among other entertainment and consumer goods. Former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell observed that “images of America are so pervasive in this global village that it is almost as if instead of the world immigrating to America, America has emigrated to the world, allowing people to aspire to be Americans even in distant countries.” ( Barthin, 1998)
For the United States, the entertainment industry is one of the most important spheres of economic activity. In fact, the U.S. entertainment industry generates more revenue from overseas sales than any other industry other than the commercial aerospace industry. Many would say that this new juggernaut of American industry has propelled the American pop culture around the world at a frenetic pace. Reality television is a popular medium for the broadcast of American culture. One of the most prominent examples is Keeping up with the Kardashians which follows the family life of the Kardashian family. The show has developed a dedicated following internationally and has contributed to an idea of a glamorous American lifestyle that is practiced by the family.