来源：环球教育网　www.ielts.com.cn 2005-11-15

　　每周一题
　　Differences between countries have become less evident. For example, nowadays the same films, fashions, brands and TV programs are found worldwide. To what extent do you think the disadvantages of this outweigh its advantages?

　　advantages:

　　　free people from the confinement of geography
Cultures are not set in stone(静止不动) and develop under influence both from home and abroad.
Tang zhuang, yoga, rock’n’roll
If a culture is good enough, it will be able to withstand any foreign impact. But if a culture collapses soon after foreign influence, it can’t be a good one.
A truly time-honored culture or custom is one that can withstand the test of both time and foreign competition.
A truly great culture is one that knows not only breathing in but breathing out as well.
It contributes positively to international communication of higher efficiency.
widen international exchanges
strengthe mutual understanding between nations,
expand cultural, educational, and scientific cooperation between nations and countries enjoy the cultural achievements of people around the world
encourage the process of modernization and the enrichment of national culture
international economic integration
share the same experience
encourage a further international trade expansion

　　disadvantages:

　　uniformity of values, cultural integration, cultural diversity
homogenization
　　under the influence of foreign cultures, overlook our own national characteristics
undermine, discard, national essence, treasure handed down by our ancestors
Diminish v.(使)减少, (使)变小
preservation
national identity
　　Through globalization and an open door policy, erroneous concepts and a lowering of ethical standards, a selfish and individualistic lifestyle and harmful cultural products can easily be imported into the country.
At present, modern information technology which in the main is controlled by US is hourly and intensively disseminating US ideology, way of life, culture and films across the world.
During the process of economic globalization, inequality between developed and developing countries has been increasing and the gap between the rich and the poor has become wider.
Globalization does not pose equal interests and risks to all nations.
With an overwhelming advantage compared to most of the developing countries in terms of finance and the level of science and technology, developed capitalist countries control the situation of economic globalization.
We have to take the initiative in fighting to keep our distinct culture resisting cross-bred phenomena, and overcoming the psychology of preferring money over ethical values.
diversity between countries will decrease
make lots of multinational company monopolize the market, which will reduce competition and increase the consumers expenditure.