There’s a common myth that globalization means the end of unique and individual cultures, that we’re all being swept beneath a wave of cultural homogenization, emanating largely from the U.S. But in fact, globalization is far more complex and in many cases it can serve to intensify local identities and make nations more protective of their cultures in the face of perceived external threat.

The effect of globalization on things such as racism is therefore quite complex. Where globalization is seen as a beneficial force, people are apt to welcome foreign cultures; but when things go wrong and external factors are blamed by the media or the government then this can also cause xenophobia or racism. The global media can also be responsible for perpetuating stereotypes of cultures, jumping on bandwagons and promoting reactionary views among local peoples. Understanding globalization and racism must be done on a case by case basis.

The European Union is a good example. The European Union has had mixed success in unifying Europe. While in many respects they have managed to get European nations pulling in the same direction there has always been a certain amount of international political tension within the EU.

While things were going well and the EU was providing as table economic and political environment people were inclined to live and let live, but the increasing size of the EU coupled with concerns in the economically stronger nations that they are paying for the weaker ones has seen a rise in right wing movements across the continent. Events such as the Greek debt crisis are seen as direct threats upon the economic welfare of other member nations in the EU, while many French citizens blame the influx of poorer eastern nations into the common agricultural policy for their own farmers’ miseries and rising unemployment in France.

So while the globalization of the international economy and the increasing centralization of political power with the EU were accepted by and large for many years, the advent of the global recession has made many people react badly and jump on the xenophobic bandwagon. In many cases these viewpoints are supported by sections of the global media that promote such views.

Yet other sections of the global media promote cross-cultural exchange and the advent of mediums such as the internet mean that we are better able to understand other cultures than ever before. Globalization in these cases does anything but promote racism.

The relationship between globalization and racism then is a complex one and individual cases must be judged on their own merit.