The influence of international media such as movies, television, magazines, etc., on local culture is too significant to be denied. While I do acknowledge and approve of the positive impacts of this, one cannot overlook that exposure to foreign media comes with a set of negative side-effects as well.
Foreign media provides people with a window to observe different cultures. This generates a sense of mutual understanding and bridges the gap between peoples of two different cultures and lifestyles. Access to international news further provides local audiences with the knowledge of what is happening around the globe. It also serves as a medium for people to impart their own knowledge to a global community consisting of people who are all interested in learning more about the same thing. As someone who enjoys watching informative lectures and documentaries on YouTube, I have seen people from different countries and cultures learn from and enjoy the content made by the creator. It perpetuates the exchange of ideas and innovations and allows for collaboration between people from different backgrounds.
Despite these very lucrative advantages, one cannot overlook the disadvantages. Exposure to foreign media has led to a loss of local culture. Since most media depicts, and is based around Caucasians, the term ‘white-washing’ is used to describe this culture dilution. People tend to forsake their own heritage and pursue the idea of adapting to the globally accepted notion of culture. At times, media may also inadvertently stereotype a whole set of people.
People must be mindful about the degree of impact they allow foreign media to have on their culture. I do believe that the advantages are far too great, but we also need to make sure that we safeguard and promote local culture as well so that it may be passed down to future generations instead of condemning it to obscurity.