Glossary
Abstract Expressionism
A post-World War II art movement, primarily American, characterized by large-scale, non-representational paintings that emphasized spontaneous, emotional expression through color and form.
Example:
Jackson Pollock's 'drip paintings,' where he poured and splattered paint onto canvases, are iconic works of Abstract Expressionism, conveying raw energy and emotion.
Bollywood
The informal name for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India, known for its elaborate musical numbers, vibrant storytelling, and global reach.
Example:
Many Indian diaspora communities around the world connect with their heritage through Bollywood films, which are also gaining increasing viewership in non-Indian markets.
British Invasion
A cultural phenomenon in the 1960s where British rock and pop music, led by bands like The Beatles, became immensely popular in the United States and globally.
Example:
The widespread popularity of The Beatles' music in the U.S. during the British Invasion demonstrated how easily cultural trends could transcend national borders.
Consumer Culture
A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services, often driven by advertising and global trade, shaping lifestyles and desires.
Example:
After World War II, the rise of suburban living and readily available household appliances fueled a booming consumer culture in many Western nations.
Cubism
An influential early 20th-century art movement, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, that revolutionized painting and sculpture by depicting subjects from multiple viewpoints simultaneously.
Example:
Picasso's 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' is a seminal work of Cubism, breaking down traditional forms and challenging conventional perspectives of the human figure.
Dadaism
An avant-garde art movement that emerged during World War I, characterized by its rejection of logic, reason, and traditional aesthetics, often embracing absurdity and anti-art.
Example:
Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain,' a porcelain urinal signed 'R. Mutt,' is a famous example of Dadaism that provocatively questioned the very definition of art.
Global Brands
Companies or products that are recognized and sold worldwide, often becoming household names across different cultures and continents.
Example:
Coca-Cola is a prime example of a global brand, with its distinctive red logo and sugary beverage recognized and consumed in nearly every country.
Global Music
Musical genres and artists from various nations that gain international popularity, demonstrating a reciprocal cultural exchange beyond dominant Western forms.
Example:
The K-Pop phenomenon, with groups like BTS achieving massive international success, is a contemporary example of global music transcending language barriers.
Global Trade
The exchange of goods and services across international borders, leading to economic interdependence among nations.
Example:
The ability to buy coffee from Brazil, electronics from South Korea, and clothing from Vietnam all in one store is a direct result of extensive global trade networks.
Hare Krishna Movement
A branch of Hinduism, formally known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), that gained significant global traction in the mid-20th century, particularly in Western countries.
Example:
George Harrison's public embrace of the Hare Krishna Movement helped introduce its philosophy and practices to a wider Western audience, contributing to its spread beyond India.
International Broadcasting
The transmission of television and radio programs across national borders, enabling global audiences to access news, entertainment, and sports from different countries.
Example:
The widespread availability of the Olympic Games through international broadcasting allows billions of people worldwide to watch athletes compete in real-time.
Online Commerce
The buying and selling of goods and services over the internet, facilitating convenient and often global transactions.
Example:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people relied heavily on online commerce platforms like Amazon to purchase essential goods and avoid physical stores.
Reggae
A music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s, characterized by a distinctive rhythm and often associated with Rastafarianism and themes of social justice.
Example:
Bob Marley's music brought Reggae from the Caribbean island of Jamaica to a worldwide audience, making it a symbol of peace and resistance.
Shared Cultural Experience
The phenomenon where diverse populations across the globe engage with and relate to the same cultural products, events, or trends, often facilitated by media and technology.
Example:
The worldwide release of a major Hollywood blockbuster film creates a shared cultural experience as audiences from Tokyo to Toronto watch the same story unfold.
Social Media
Interactive digital platforms that allow users to create and share content, participate in virtual communities, and connect with others globally.
Example:
During the Arab Spring uprisings, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter played a crucial role in organizing protests and disseminating information rapidly.
The FIFA World Cup
An international soccer (football) competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), held every four years.
Example:
During The FIFA World Cup, entire nations come to a standstill, with fans passionately cheering for their teams, creating a shared global experience of excitement and rivalry.
The Olympic Games
A major international multi-sport event, held every four years, featuring thousands of athletes from around the world competing in various sports, symbolizing global unity and competition.
Example:
The opening ceremony of The Olympic Games is a spectacle of national pride and global camaraderie, bringing together diverse cultures under the banner of sport.
Western Influence
The impact and spread of cultural elements, ideas, and practices originating from Western countries (e.g., Europe and North America) to other parts of the world.
Example:
The popularity of blue jeans and fast-food chains in many non-Western countries illustrates the pervasive nature of Western influence on global fashion and cuisine.