Hybrid Cultures Essay

The ease of travel and some universal access to the information superhighway facilitates the massive cultural exchange that goes on in the institution today. In 2005, Kwai-Cheung Lo had written extensively on the exportation of Hong Kong popular culture and its strange relationship to China. Hong Kong could be considered one of the best modern examples of a hybrid culture. Settled by the British for 150 geezerhood before its transfer back to China in 1997, Hong Kong bears much similarity to the West in hurt of economic development and commerce.Its culture, however, is quite different from the mainland and reconciling the two by expanding the definition of what it means to be Chinese is necessary as HK becomes less an independent entity and more of a Chinese protectorate. Today, the vast warehousing of popular culture proves that the sharp lines between different nations are thinning with martial arts films, anime, and panda bear bears occupy the same space as Western action mov ies, McDonalds, and pop music. Massive immigration from third base world countries to the West, coupled with Western business people consulting with Asian companies contributes to the growing cultural exchange.The Disney phenomenon is a good enough example of this. Starting as a small theme park in Anaheim, CA, the company had developed parks in Florida, Paris, and Japan. Yet, the Japanese are determined to retain elements of their native culture even as they embrace an American business concept. When sociologists compared the American Disneyland with the Japanese version, they found many similarities and differences. For example, hobo camp Cruise is arguably the most American. It is a traditional Disney ride that has changed little over the years.TDL (Tokyo Disneyland) has kept the design and narrative of Jungle Cruise while modifying its spiel. Cinderellas Castle Mystery Tour in contrast is unique to TDL. It is a story of Disney heroes and villains written for and told by the J apanese(p. 32).References Luo, K. C. (2005). Chinese Face/Off The Transnational Popular enculturation of Hong Kong. University of Illinois Press Raz, A. E. (1999). Riding the Black Ship Japan and Tokyo Disneyland. Cambridge, MA Harvard University Asia Center