Cultural Imperialism

Imposition of a dominant (i.e. white) culture on others, rendering other cultures subordinate, invisible or exotic. Results from social and economic power differences and may include language (i.e. English), values, customs, religions, dress, icons, art forms, etc.

Comments on Definition from COR Participants:

[lily: I think it’s important to recognize that imposition of “dominant” cultures (politically and economically) on other cultures has historically happened everywhere around the globe (china, eastern europe, south america, etc.). So I would caution identifying the dominant culture as “white” cuz it’s only an example of such, and also cuz it’s a pretty loaded term. (what is “white” culture?) Also, the rendering of “the other” as “exotic”, I think, could be a cause AND (definitely) a result of cultural appropriation, not cultural imperialism.]