Some people have argued that nowadays individuals are losing interest in preserving traditional cultural practices, while others still value the old-fashioned way of life. Both views hold some truth; however, I lean towards the latter.
On the one hand, globalisation has prompted younger generations to see themselves as better suited to represent and engage with diverse cultures. As they tend to adopt mixed cultural identities and utilise international slang and trends to fit in, for instance, worldwide artists like Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé are often perceived as more fashionable than local musicians, and thus older jazz or reggae artists are becoming less respected. Similarly, many distinctive cuisines have been regarded as less appealing by some, with foreign restaurants becoming ubiquitous. It is evident that certain individuals prioritise expressing a global lifestyle over preserving traditions.
Nevertheless, this does not imply that the majority of us have overlooked traditional ways of life. Especially the older generations, who still prefer establishing old practices when encountering newer techniques. For example, the larger parts of royal families from various nations, most notably the British Royal Family, command attention and respect from the public. Moreover, it is clear that global artists (Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé) embrace a range of cultural music genres throughout most of their discography, with folk music and busking promoted by the former and country music popularised by the latter. This further proves that traditional practices are still being kept up and don’t seem to change.
In conclusion, both opinions are observable in discussions surrounding globalisation. However, I contend that most of us still favour maintaining and preserving traditional beliefs, myself included.
