Western imperialism refers to the spread of Western influences, including political, economic and cultural ones to other parts of the world with different cultural backgrounds. The impact of this imperialism on the culture of colonies cannot be overstated. Western imperialism had a remarkable influence on the culture and traditions of colonized countries as it attempted to impose its own values, beliefs and way of life onto others.
From exploration, colonialization, religious missionary work to colonization projects in Africa throughout the eighteenth through nineteenth century from European nations such as Germany, France, Britain among others. These imperialists brought more than their guns to African territories— they came with language systems that put local dialects at a disadvantage while doing everything possible to undermine or erase them— imposing authoritative western languages such as French or English as official communication languages across territories where these foreign tongues were unheard-of.
One significant culture that was significantly affected by Western imperialism is language in which native cultures had thrived for all time long—an instrument used for communication; however under Western influence it became an institution upon which foreign ideologies relied heavily . Underestimating other cultures’ historical importance fosters unhealthy conversations about globalization due largely from either lack knowledge about how much fortune (socially speaking) people stand having healthy relationships based off respect.
Religion is another example where western influences have deeply impacted former colonies especially within Latin America—a region which was subject towards Spanish colonization tendencies during early modernity. Christianity was one unknown phenomenon Latinos never imagined ever seeing- but here it arrived courtesy Catholicism! The faith-based mostly upon bible teachings eluded many who did not know what prayers were entirely due mainly because they didn’t understand or speak Latin!
The colonisation process has been particularly shattering previously-established customs/norms/rituals/metaphoric/lifestyle regimes/new rule structures- colonialists always seeking means controlling wealth/gaining dominance over specific groups providing them authority power representative status). In terms of dress codes too westernization has had quite a significant impact- more so towards female apparel. Colonisers imposed modern fashion attire on women instead of acknowledging locally-established cultural clothing styles; consequently, in many African territories, traditional wear began perceived as “uncivilized” further promoting westernisation efforts.
Additionally, values such as masculinity or femininity only assigned meaning by Imperialist powers subsequently altering preciously held social norms that previously existed in different societies before colonization. Consequently, local inhabitants became accustomed to these new ways of life rapidly forgetting everything concerning cultures previous existence— differences thus emerged due mostly out uncertainty surrounding the future social structures/socioeconomic organization systems and other issues such as existing identity statues.
The influence of Western imperialism also had its effect
on arts and literature in the colonies too! This is because colonialism generally replaced aesthetic styles unique onto particular regions forcing replacement with European art forms almost every time. Furthermore overwhelming today’s use English words phrases native languages could be translated rendering them obsolete often migrating towards less expressive constructs (grammatically speaking) further suppressing indigenous speech patterns thus solidifying an identity conducive optimal European ideologies.
In addition to language domination art during western imperialism periods heavily influenced aesthetics within formerly colonised states where traditional paintings/drawings were seized and kept by imperialists when they departed from relinquished areas leaving behind remnants any savages drawn still available in archive system throughout developed countries nowadays. Inequality posing largest threat whereby archaic styles preferred over “modern” painting techniques among others highlighting importance conserving culture through normalizing preservation efforts whenever necessary government level since impoverished areas rarely able doing much without external support services being set up for them first.
There was also impact on music traditions within former colonies especially those dependent upon oral transmissions passed downwards several generations changing tunes meanings entirely creating new structures adapted suit required purposes over lengthy period precisely among nomadic peoples that followed herds mixed urban dwellers – meaning music played integral role societal customs well entertainment industry before exposed colonialist subjects easily modifying them suit their also representational requirements acquiring trending themes rhythms further integrating colonial-friendly ideologies – inadvertently wiping out originality in process as western themes present alongside those expressing intelligence ancestral beliefs.
Moreover, the education system was a particular area where the values and beliefs of Western imperialism heavily influenced throughout former colonies. School curriculums mostly taught European history yet so little regarding local existences deprived students from studying own culture properly potentially leaving learners feeling estranged from ancestors realising nothing akin appreciated within current society- accelerated decline seen traditional social explorations opening up because mass withdrawal anywhere indigenous groups engaging authentic teachings lifestyle developments free control external elements guaranteeing self-sustainability based around communal arrangements emphasizing collaboration every stage life.
Western imperialism has thus had a significant impact on the culture of former colonies. It has brought with it language systems that put native dialects at a disadvantage while establishing new rules structures that disregard previously established customs/norms/rituals/metaphoric/lifestyle regimes/new structures believed restricting growth towards communal relationships centred around sharing resources beneficially thereby creating room for cultural preservation practices without interference foreign powers.