Culture and Change Issues
Culture and change refers to all aspects of society that influence beliefs, opinions, and choices, such as advertising, media, public relations, economic globalization, religion, and politics. In order to understand the forces that perpetuate systems of destruction and exploitation, it is critical to examine the ways in which culture plays a role. For example, advertising influences our desires for certain products. Our demand for these products then increases. As the company producing the products becomes more financially successful, its lobbyists have greater clout in politics: increasing subsidies, decreasing competition, and gaining other perks, which further boosts sales and influence. Media outlets, beholden to advertising from large companies, may fail to report on problems associated with the company or its products. Yet advertising is simply a manifestation of our freedom of speech – a precious right – complicating our response to the challenges advertising creates for the health and well-being of individuals and society.
Whether the product is fast food, pharmaceuticals, cheap clothes and furniture, electronics, or flowers and chocolates, there is a complex and interwoven web that can have serious repercussions on humans, the environment, and animals. By exploring cultural issues, we are able to unravel this complexity and make wiser decisions that are healthier and more humane for all.
Cultural issues are not solely about products. There are complex issues that face every country regarding education, healthcare, security, government, etc. The ability to explore the cultural influences that impact decisions affecting citizens in any given nation is critical to solving pervasive problems and conflicts.
Find Out More:
- Media & Culture
- Media & Culture - Consumerism
- Media & Culture - Corporations
- Media & Culture - Globalization
- Media & Culture - Media
- Media & Culture - Political Reform, Democracy
- Multi-issue Sites
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del.icio.usWatch and share IHE President, Zoe Weil's TEDx talk -- an inspiring vision of how to create a just, compassionate, healthy world for all through solutionary education.
April 28, 2012 - 8:30 am to April 28, 2012 - 5:00 pm | Location: Nightingale-Bamford School
How can we best prepare our students for the important roles they must play in meeting the challenges of today's world? How can we help youth to become creative and critical thinkers who embody the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and integrity and who focus their grea...
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