Cultural globalisation

By Naguib Mahfouz

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The cultural arena appears at the moment to be occupied by two camps. One believes globalisation to be a positive, rejuvenating influence; the other sees it as a danger, a threat to cultural diversity.

But first, of course, one must decide what the term itself means. If it means the hegemony of the American cultural paradigm then that would of course be negative. But this implies something other than globalisation as I understand it, suggests, indeed, the hangover of a colonial mentality. It is part of the same process whereby Algerians came to speak French and Indians English. It is nothing new, and it remains one of the less pleasant aspects of our world.

Genuine cultural globalisation, by contrast, would encompass a far more inclusive orientation. And it will be achieved only when the average American is well-acquainted with Arab culture, the average Arab with American. And this model of globalisation can only enrich world culture.

Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy