Sight Unseen Cultural Anthropology

The growth in globalization has given us the ability to experience and learn about other cultures through intermingling and the exchange of information that has been made possible by the advancements in technology. From a business point of view, globalization has made it possible for consumers to have more choices in where to purchase their products while manufacturers can maximize their earnings by moving production to countries that offer better financial incentives. Even with all the possibilities that globalizations represents, there is rising concern that the unique cultural diversity we have will eventually fade into one culture. This paper will analyze the effects of globalization through the film “Sight Unseen” and how the effects of intermingling in cultures through tourism has affected the natives on the island of Bali.

Globalization’s Effect on Local Cultures

Over the years, the advancement in technology has not only made it possible to learn about other cultures through information exchange but it has also given us the ability to travel to these various cultures to experience firsthand the diversity. “For the first time in the history of the world, a patchwork of technology and organization has made possible simultaneous interpersonal and intercultural communication” (Adler, 1977). With all the possibilities made available by globalization it should come as no surprise that its growth has been substantial in the last few decades and even though there is great potential in the intermingling of cultures, there is concern that outside influences have caused locals to experience a loss of cultural identity. “Modernization, the rapid technology-driven change that impacts each culture, also makes cross-cultural connection possible and even inescapable” but the question is how do we move forward without losing the very essence that makes us unique (Module 2: What is Culture?, 2014)?

In the documentary film by Nicholas Kurzon...