Cultural Collision or Invasion

Hamid Shahzad

Lahore: Cultural invasion” is a term that is often used to describe the process by which one culture is influenced, dominated, or overwhelmed by the cultural elements of another. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, such as through the spread of language, customs, traditions, art, music, fashion, and other aspects of culture.

Cultural invasion is not always intentional, and it can occur through various means, including globalisation, media influence, technological advancements, and international trade. For example, the widespread availability and dissemination of global media, such as movies, television shows, music, and the internet, can contribute to the transmission of cultural ideas and values across borders.

While cultural exchange and interaction can be enriching and lead to a diverse and interconnected global society, cultural invasion is sometimes perceived as a threat to the identity and autonomy of a particular culture. Some argue that dominant cultures may impose their values and norms on others, leading to the erosion of local traditions and practices.

It’s essential to approach discussions of cultural invasion with sensitivity, recognising the complexity of cultural interactions and the importance of respecting diverse perspectives and identities. Cultural dynamics are often multifaceted and influenced by historical, political, economic, and social factors.British rule had profound effects on the cultural landscape of the subcontinent. The departure of the British from the Indian subcontinent did not signify the disappearance of the cultural elements they introduced. Beyond political, economic, and social impacts, the British left an enduring imprint on the Indian psyche and culture.

The influence penetrated so deeply that successive generations continued to internalise it. Instances abound where Western culture and its symbols take precedence over indigenous traditions, resulting in a form of mental colonisation that persists to this day. The imposition of Western education, legal systems, and administrative structures significantly influenced society in every aspect.

The contemporary struggle with identity, particularly among the younger generation, can be traced back to a mental colonisation that took place post-independence. Though its origins date back to the era of British rule, the phenomenon intensified with the influence of factors such as globalisation, technological progress, and disillusionment among the youth.

This fusion has resulted in a growing wave of Western culture, contributing significantly to the already-prevailing identity crisis.The colonisation resulted in the propagation of European cultural and racial superiority, which was further spread through education, and the idea was promoted that western culture and everything about it is superior to Indian culture, which planted the seeds of an inferiority complex from which even decades later people couldn’t recover.

The British also introduced the English language, which has since become a major medium of communication and a symbol of socioeconomic status. Mastery of English was often seen as a marker of education and sophistication, while local languages were marginalized.

This linguistic hierarchy contributed to a divide between those who spoke English fluently and those who did not, fostering a sense of inferiority among the latter group. This can be seen even today: people who speak English fluently are considered to be sophisticated, while people who use their local languages are considered to be comparatively less educated and less sophisticated. Meanwhile, it’s also true that people who prefer to speak in Punjabi are looked down upon and are belittled.

Additionally, the impact of British industrialization, technology, and modes of governance left lasting imprints on the region’s economic and political structures.Given that Pakistan was created as an Islamic state, there has been a concerted effort to promote and preserve Islamic cultural values. This includes the promotion of the Urdu language, which has strong ties to Islamic literary traditions, and the integration of Islamic principles in various aspects of public and private life.

Pakistan, as an Islamic state, struggles deeply with cultural invasion, as aspects of today’s modern culture does not fall in line with the teachings of Islam, and that’s what divides people.

Pakistan shares cultural ties with neighbouring countries, especially India. Despite historical tensions, there are shared linguistic, artistic, and culinary elements. Bollywood, for example, has a significant viewership in Pakistan, showcasing the interconnected nature of the region’s cultural history.

Today’s generation in general is trying to distance themselves from their own culture because, for them, it’s uncool or inferior. The youth of today is running after the western culture, trying to get a sense of validation that they are not less than them. The need itself arises because of how insecure they are when it comes to accepting their own culture.The challenge lies in striking a balance between preserving cultural identity and embracing aspects of global culture that resonate with the evolving dynamics of Pakistani society.

Hamid Shahzad is an undergraduate student at Forman Christian College University.