Western Cultures Overbearing Influence Essay Example

v44 il p19 Immigrant Adaptation and Patterns of Acculturation by Margret A Gibson)From taxi drivers to newspaper sellers, those known as the wheeler and dealer can be found anywhere equipped with mobile phones. Despite statistics of success and cultural maintenance being attainable from any social background, Western media has created a clash of culture in Indian society. Hollywood's influence on Bollywood has caused Western media to be portrayed as American. Bollywood, India's equivalent of Hollywood, is not only an entertainment industry but also a role model and ultimate image due to its powerful force in the media. Indian films have led the young to challenge tradition and incorporate Western aspects into their culture, exemplified in movies like "Monsoon Wedding". This represents the way Indian culture is evolving under Hollywood's influence.The West has popularized the wearing of tight-fitting clothes and jeans, as well as Western concepts like premarital sex. Indian films have previously not depicted these ideas, but they have been absorbed into Indian society through Western media, which has portrayed MTV and Vogue as essential. Despite India's association with the Kama Sutra, the country remains divided and conservative on the topic of sex, largely because Indian cinema has not portrayed sex scenes like Western movies have. There are not even kissing scenes in Indian films, leaving it up to viewers' imagination. Traditionally, Indian movies focused on love stories, but Western influence has resulted in movies like Monsoon Wedding showing increasingly longer kissing scenes. This influence also comes from Non-Resident Indians living in the West, who have been exposed to Western ideas and morals.Canadian film producer Deepa Metha created the film Fire in 1998, which tells

the story of a housewife and her affair with her sister-in-law. While the film received international awards, it sparked riots and protests in India due to its portrayal of lesbian sex scenes. Although such themes are widely accepted in Western culture, they remain controversial in India. This Western influence is slowly infiltrating Bollywood and mainstream Indian culture, causing clashes with traditional customs. The Indian desire to assimilate into the West can also lead to feelings of inferiority. This complex is seen throughout Indian life, including the practice of arranged marriage. Metro Magazine, Fall 2003 i138 p132(4), "Beyond the Bollywood Blockbuster: independent Indian cinema" (Regional Review) Karena.