The advancement of the tourism and economy industries has undeniably brought numerous benefits to our daily lives, especially in traveling and international cultural connection. There are several reasons for this phenomenon, and I believe that it could bring adverse effects more than its benefits.
First of all, similarities in cities around the world can appear in various facets of human existence, such as architecture, foods, and culture because of the following reasons. Firstly, the rise of global trade and communication leads to cultural exchange and shared consumer habits. For instance, there are news records that the architecture of The Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam, has inspired many tourist attractions in nations such as Thailand and China to construct. They adopt similar architectural styles and urban designs to attract both domestic and foreign visitors. Moreover, the rapid evolution of technology spreads lifestyles, foods, and products rapidly across borders. Despite its cuisine’s richness, Vietnam has imported various types of food such as Thai traditional dishes or fast food like KFC, Burger King, etc. Consequently, this not only brings comfortability for tourists but also easier access to diverse cultures for that country.
Despite this trend’s advantages, I believe that the adverse effects outweigh the benefits. This cultural exchange may diminish local traditions, which leads to a homogenized global culture. In many tourist destinations, local markets and traditional restaurants are being replaced by international fast-food chains. This shift reduces the distinct cultural flavors that once attracted visitors. Besides, globalization can benefit larger corporations while seizing local businesses and economies. For example, local craftspeople might find it difficult to sell their handmade goods in cities where global brands proliferate, thus leading to job losses and a decline in traditional craftsmanship.
In conclusion, globalization and technology development have brought cultural influence to many countries, which makes their cities similar. This trend not only stifles local business development but also causes a homogenized global culture, which I fully concur outweighs its benefits.