What do you think of when someone mentions "imperialism"? Perhaps a European nation expanding its rule into territory they deem "uncivilized". Or a nation trying to expand power to colonize other lesser countries. Most people give imperialism a negative connotation and talk about the horrors that it brought, and how it's a good thing its over.
Although it may not be as pronounced, there is a new type of imperialism--a "neo-imperialism". You've witnessed this if you have ever been outside of the United States. American culture is fully on display. While visiting Peru recently, I could not avoid advertisement for American products. When Coca-Cola couldn't break into the soft drink market in Peru, they simply bought the national soda -- Inca Cola. In the midst of the quaint and historic town of Cusco, which serves as the jumping off point to the Inca Trail, American tourists are greeted with familiar aspects of home including McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Where another culture had previously been, Western culture has started to take over. While it may not be the blatant form of imperialism that we envision, it is still a form of it known as cultural imperialism. The type of imperialism is conducted less by the governments of countries, but instead of the businesses which flourish in the capitalist economy.
Is this type of imperialism any better? Are we just taking over other cultures more slowly and without violence? We say that imperialism was a bad thing, yet it is still happening.
It's interesting because this neoimperialism there seems to have its own misguided "civilizing" justification. Corporations claim that their business is a mutual boon for their companies and the local economies, when the reality is exploitation across the board.
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