83. Is modern technology creating a single world culture?
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Modern technology is creating a single world
culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
『分析』
立场：不同意。
确实技术的进步使得各个文化之间的差异减少了。(可以举出很多例子)
但是有一些文化差异是不会改变的。(也可以举出很多例子)
结论：技术将使文化间的差异变少，却不可能形成一个single world culture。
『范文』
Through modern technology such as TV, telephone, and the Internet, it has become easier for people from
different cultures to communicate. In a sense the world has become a smaller place. However, it is questionable if
technology is creating a single world culture, because, even though a cultural exchange is taking place, accessibility
of this technology is still very limited, and, more importantly, people have come to value the differences inherent in
their cultures.
People around the world are taking advantage of the opportunities, presented by modern technology, to learn
about other cultures. Not only foreign movies, music, and books communicate with the locals, but the different
cultural values do, which are readily available on DVD, CD and via the Internet. Similarly, TV broadcasts fashions
across the world and a new style of dress will likely catch on quickly in different parts of the globe. People adopt
foreign things they like and make them their own. In this sense cultural assimilation is taking place.
However, while some societies and their cultures are technologically advanced and thus connected with other
parts of the world, the majority of the world's population lives largely isolated. Such isolation is the result of limited
technological resources, which in turn is, generally, related to poverty. For example, nearly the entire continent of
Africa is impoverished. Its people have few means to learn about other cultures, and even if they did they would
have little use for Western culture, which to a great extent is a consumer culture. They are also extremely limited
in the ways they can educate people from other parts of the world about their cultures.
Finally, people who are learning about foreign cultures generally come to appreciate and accept the
differences between other cultures and their own. They recognize the value of variety. The enjoyment they derive
from experiencing foreign languages, dances, songs, visual and culinary arts, also allows them to see the value in
their own cultures' achievements. Therefore, cultural exchange does not necessarily result in the melting of many
cultures into one.
