Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 1 (Disagreement)
While some argue that foreign films and television programs erode local culture, I contend that they rather enrich it, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. This essay will examine the ways foreign media serve as a conduit for cultural diversity and challenge the insularity of local customs.
Foreign films and television programs not only entertain but educate, providing a platform for diverse narratives and perspectives that act as windows to the world. For instance, the Korean drama "Parasite" intricately portrays issues of social stratification, offering profound insights that resonate globally and encourage viewers to reflect on similar societal structures within their own cultures. These media channels do not impose foreign ideals; rather, they invite a synthesis of values, promoting a blend that enhances cultural appreciation. Furthermore, the exposure to varied cultural expressions through foreign films broadens viewers' perspectives, fostering a more inclusive worldview. This enhanced exposure not only helps diminish xenophobia but also facilitates a global dialogue on universal human experiences such as love, conflict, and ambition, thereby enriching the viewer's understanding and empathy towards different cultures.
Moreover, the concern that foreign media undermines local culture overlooks the adaptability and resilience of indigenous cultural expressions. Local cultures are not static; they have always absorbed and adapted foreign elements to evolve. For example, Bollywood, India’s film industry, has skilfully blended Western musical styles with traditional Indian music and storytelling techniques, creating a distinctive genre that resonates with a global audience while maintaining its unique Indian identity. This cultural hybridization demonstrates the strength and flexibility of local traditions, which can adopt external influences to enhance their vibrancy and relevance. Far from diluting the essence of local cultures, this dynamic interplay enriches them, making them more accessible and engaging to both local and international audiences, thus ensuring their survival and continued evolution in a globalized world.
In conclusion, the impact of foreign films and programs on local culture is not a zero-sum game of loss and gain. Rather, these media enrich local cultures by introducing new perspectives and encouraging cultural hybridity.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 2 (Agreement)
The infiltration of foreign films and television programs into local markets is often perceived as a cultural threat rather than an enrichment. I staunchly agree that this media influx can overshadow local traditions and values, leading to a homogenization of cultural identities. This essay will explore how foreign media can dilute local cultural uniqueness and diminish traditional values.
Firstly, the influence of foreign films and television on local cultures is profound, as they often introduce and promote values and lifestyles that starkly contrast with indigenous norms, leading to cultural displacement. For example, many Hollywood productions advocate individualistic ideals, which diverge from the community-centric ethos of Asian and African societies. This can create cultural dissonance, particularly among the youth who may find these glamorous portrayals alluring, thereby distancing themselves from their cultural heritage. Moreover, the allure and widespread distribution of these foreign films often overshadow local productions, which struggle to match the production quality and celebrity appeal of international media. This competition can lead to a significant decline in local arts, diminishing the traditional avenues of storytelling and cultural expression which are crucial for cultural continuity and identity preservation.
Secondly, the pervasive presence of foreign media in local markets can significantly undermine the appreciation and visibility of local cultural outputs. In many regions, local films and television programs are marred by underfunding and limited distribution networks, struggling against the financial might and extensive promotional strategies of blockbuster foreign productions. This disparity not only hampers the development of local talent and the evolution of creative industries but also restricts the cultural choices available to the local audience. Over time, the dominant presence of foreign narratives in media consumption molds public perceptions and preferences, subtly eroding the unique characteristics of local cultures. This erosion can lead to a homogenized global culture where unique cultural identities and practices are diminished, ultimately reducing the rich tapestry of cultural diversity that characterizes human societies.
In conclusion, the dominance of foreign films and television is indeed a cultural challenge, often diluting the unique expressions of local cultures. As demonstrated, this influence can displace traditional values and diminish the visibility and viability of local media, leading to a gradual erosion of cultural diversity and identity.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score