After World War II, world powers could not wait to engage in another battle. They were at it again during the Cold War. In this battle for supremacy, countries were engaged in a series of espionage and propaganda attacks against rivals. The weapons used in this engagement were not limited to the military. Art was used to perpetuating the war in America. America and the Soviet Union were some of the countries that used this kind of weaponry. For instance, the CIA was at the forefront of promoting American Abstract Expressionist art in the form of paintings (Frances, 1995).
The Americans used art to demonstrate their ideals of freedom. The Russians believed that they were a culturally superior society compared to America. Consequently, the latter was forced to respond using propaganda to point out their society’s independence and cultural superiority (Frances, 1995). In 1958, the CIA used the New American Painting exhibition in London to popularize the country’s artistic heritage. The result saw American art gain acceptance among more European countries compared to Russian art. The scenario indicates that art is a weapon and was widely used during the Cold War. The Americans advanced ‘Abstract Expressionism’ through this warfare and made it gain the universal acceptance it enjoys today.
Technology and Racial Separation
Racial separatism results in the segregation of individuals on the basis of race. Technology has helped lessen this form of segregation. The media is one of the technological avenues used to achieve this. According to Duiker and Spielvogel (2004), the media has helped people to appreciate racial diversity in different spheres of society. Through films and documentaries, the media has helped to demystify the notion of racism.
The internet has exposed people to the notion of one global identity. Extensive research on race points out that the subject is non-existent in biological terms (Duiker & Spielvogel, 2004). Technological advancements in genetics have made it possible to place humanity on a single racial platform. As a tool, the internet has bridged the societal gaps denoted through the race. For instance, online content about people makes it possible for others to interrogate their cultures and traditions.
Racial separation was propagated at a time when there was little technology, especially on matters relating to communication. However, the media, the internet, and scientific advancements have created a society that is gradually integrating regardless of varying racial backgrounds (Duiker & Spielvogel, 2004). Racial separation has created a number of conflicts on the global stage. Continued technological advancements will help reduce its negative effects.
Self Reflection
Parts 1 and 2 of this essay address varying perspectives on the societal problems surrounding racism. There are a number of issues that interest me in the two sections. For example, I find it amazing that the pursuit of power was the major factor behind the endless forms of propaganda during the Cold War (Duiker & Spielvogel, 2004). The conflict was largely associated with the fight for racial supremacy. In the first section, I found that the Soviets and the Americans were fighting to establish which society had the best form of art. The problem of racial segregation extends into the second section of the essay. The most interesting part about the two sections is that racial separation appears to be the root of many global conflicts.
From the first part of the essay, I discovered that global powers went into an armed conflict due to the issue of racial supremacy. The Americans and Soviets refused to appreciate each others’ cultural diversities. The two societies used their cultural diversities to fuel the global conflict that resulted from the Second World War. The second part of this essay justifies the idea that technology enhances cultural diversities. The propaganda war promoted cultural diversity since it was a one-way form of communication (Duiker & Spielvogel, 2004). However, technology helped to make communication a multi-level affair. As a result, communities can access information about other cultures and acknowledge them. Consequently, cultural separatism is lessened.
Cultural diversity is being addressed globally through a series of educational initiatives. According to Duiker and Spielvogel (2004), people are taught to appreciate the heritage of others. The abolition of laws that encourage racial separatism also helps to address cultural diversity. In this regard, discrimination is criminalized. Such legislations help racial minorities to express themselves freely in the modern global society. There are a number of organizations that promote racial diversity through initiatives like sports, music, and other social interests. The FIFA World Cup and the Olympics are some of the various platforms that enhance racial interaction while appreciating the diversity that is presented.
Cultural diversity is an emerging concept among many countries in the world. Some countries have embraced the idea. American society is at the forefront of encouraging cultural diversity through legislation and political goodwill. For instance, the election of President Obama is an illustration of the acceptance of racial minorities in society (Leo, 2013). The issue of cultural diversity is an important aspect of global international relations. To this end, countries have enacted legislation to allow people of different races to interact freely. The acceptance of such legislation depends on the general goodwill of the people.
References
Duiker, W., & Spielvogel, J. (2004). The essential world history, volume II: Since 1500. London: Routledge.
Frances, S. (1995). Modern art was a ‘CIA’ weapon.Web.
Leo, P. (2013). Understanding cultural diversity in today’s complex world. New York: Embrace Publications.