Is Starbucks a Modern form of Imperialism?
In many ways Starbucks has not only globalized but has also shown evidence for being a modern form of Imperialism. Many argue that Globalization is merely the modern form of Imperialism. Though there are many similarities they are different in many ways.
According to Dictionary.com, “Globalization is the act of globalizing, or extending to other or all parts of the world”. While “Imperialism is the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies”.
Starbucks has acquired more customers and supporters over the years. This could be referred to as ‘dependencies’ as mentioned in the definition of Imperialism. Starbucks has been using methods to drive out competition and to later use their locations to their benefit. This is clear evidence for Imperialism as Starbucks has power and uses that to gain more power.
Starbucks has also shown evidence for cultural Imperialism by globalizing. They are increasing their shop numbers worldwide, which is decreasing diversity of coffee shops. This leads to businesses having to close down because large companies like Starbucks stop their competition both intentionally and unintentionally. Also, rather than going to different kinds of coffee shops, people are now starting to always choose the large chains that they are familiar with. This stops the different cultures from showing worldwide because less coffee shops are surviving. Most people will go to the big chains that they are familiar with and they stop exploring new places with quaint coffee shops.
In conclusion, Starbucks is a modern form of Cultural Imperialism. Meaning that Starbucks has expanded and globalized their company and has as a result disrupted cultural diversity all around the world. This is not necessarily a bad thing but it has had several impacts on modern cultures in the world.
According to Dictionary.com, “Globalization is the act of globalizing, or extending to other or all parts of the world”. While “Imperialism is the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies”.
Starbucks has acquired more customers and supporters over the years. This could be referred to as ‘dependencies’ as mentioned in the definition of Imperialism. Starbucks has been using methods to drive out competition and to later use their locations to their benefit. This is clear evidence for Imperialism as Starbucks has power and uses that to gain more power.
Starbucks has also shown evidence for cultural Imperialism by globalizing. They are increasing their shop numbers worldwide, which is decreasing diversity of coffee shops. This leads to businesses having to close down because large companies like Starbucks stop their competition both intentionally and unintentionally. Also, rather than going to different kinds of coffee shops, people are now starting to always choose the large chains that they are familiar with. This stops the different cultures from showing worldwide because less coffee shops are surviving. Most people will go to the big chains that they are familiar with and they stop exploring new places with quaint coffee shops.
In conclusion, Starbucks is a modern form of Cultural Imperialism. Meaning that Starbucks has expanded and globalized their company and has as a result disrupted cultural diversity all around the world. This is not necessarily a bad thing but it has had several impacts on modern cultures in the world.