Cultural assimilation is one of the most conspicuous trends in the 21st century, at a time when global brands are dominating international markets. As a result of this, people across the globe are exposed to the same media content, are following the same fashion fad and even having dinner at different branches of the same restaurant. I tend to consider it a negative development overall as it comes at a significant cost of local cultures and global diversity.

Erosion of cultural differences and monotony are the direct drawbacks of this. When people across the globe show similar tastes for the products, food and media content they consume, they are likely to adopt attitudes, ways of life and perspectives different to their own. This puts time-honored traditions and cultural heritage of various nations at risk of extinction. The prevalence of fast food culture is a particularly good example of this, with many, especially youth, choosing internationally renowned fast food chains over their local cuisine.

Homogenization of cultures also brings excessive uniformity to the world, with populations in different parts of the world leading similar lifestyles, celebrating the same holidays and enjoying food and music that are essentially the same. Cultural exploration and travel will lose their appeal as a result, as unique cultural features fade and one encounters the same practices being applied everywhere. A European tourist willing to experience unique customs, wearing styles and exotic food of Eastern countries, for example, can hardly satisfy their curiosity as differences in the ways of life between these two parts of the world have become increasingly vague.

In conclusion, I believe the overall impact of global preference for similar products, media contents, fashion and food items are mostly negative. Due to the loss of cultural diversity and monotony it causes, the drawbacks resulting from the increased uniformity in people’s lives far outweigh any benefits it provides.