Binary opposition and globalization in Appadurai

Appadurai’s writing is a labyrinth of complicated ideas; after reading and re-reading, I finally think I have some grasp of the magnitude of the concepts that Appadurai describes. One such particularly interesting idea is mestizaje, a concept which transcends the either/or binary oppositions which we discussed in class (we particularly discussed the divergence between modernism and postmodernism) (Appadurai 508). Mestizaje involves the hybridity of race, ethnicities, sexualities, and forms of culture, with many identities which intersect and sometimes conflict.

Just as this concept is not cut and dry, and therefore is not limited to simple binary oppositions, globalization is a multidimensional process, which encompasses many social, political, and cultural arenas. According to Appadurai, globalization is a fluid and dynamic phenomenon that is tied to worldwide migrations and dissemination of images and texts via electronic media (Appadurai 507). This fluidity reflects the transcendence of binary opposition, as there are no two clear black-and-white sides.

Appadurai describes in detail both sides of the argument over globalization; it can be seen as eroding local cultures and traditions by "accelerating the domination of the entire world by a patriarchal capitalism" which promotes consumerism, increasing the hegemony of the “haves” and the “have nots” (Appadurai 507). There is also the fear of homogenization, which would erase distinct cultures and their traditions, making everyone the same. States feel the pressure of homogenization "by the forces of media, technology, and travel that have fueled consumerism throughout the world and have increased the craving, even in the non-Western world, for new commodities and spectacles" (Appadurai 518). This leads to further globalization and cultural homogenization.

However, through a different lens, globalization can be viewed as a positive continuation of modernization and a force of progress, increased wealth, freedom, democracy, and happiness. Globalization can also bring people together from around the world to listen to the same music, watch the same film, and laugh at the same viral videos; no matter the consequence, this is an indisputably amazing phenomenon. Only within the past few years has it been possible for people to interact so quickly and efficiently from opposite ends of the earth to consume and discuss the same media. It can be argued that these sustained cultural forces have, as we discussed in class, made the world flat because we have become so well connected. However, those who are not connected (which is a great number of people, whether we who are connected realize it or not) are becoming less and less connected to the rest of us as our culture becomes more and more globalized. While it took me a while to fully comprehend what Appadurai was saying in his writing, I know better the concept of binary opposition and how it relates to globalization.