Changing Tides

Today I want to talk about the different effects that Hallyu could have on Singaporean Culture. In anthropology there are a lot of different theories about the way that cultures are maintained and/or blended when globalization is introduced. I will quickly review just a few of the major theories.

Differentialism: Cosmology of Purity. This is an ethnocentric idea that typifies the clash of civilizations. This theory argues that differences cannot be reconciled and there are no grey areas.

Convergence: Cosmology of Emanation. Convergence states that there is a center, or margin from which all of the best things originate, and are then diffused and spread from there to outlying regions. An example of this is the convergence of McDonald's as it has spread world-wide from a center point.

Hybridity/Mixing: Cosmology of Translocation. This is the theory of cultural mixing. As globalization spreads and accelerates cultures, language, music, etc. is hybridized and takes on a new form.



So, here is the question? Which of these occurs in Singapore as the Korean Wave becomes more prominent? There is very clearly an argument for convergence. South Korea would be considered the center or margin, and it's influence has spread/diffused to Singapore via K-Pop, K-Dramas, Korean Fashion, etc. Now, to what degree has the culture been hybridized? Are there aspects of Singaporean culture that have changed or adapted to fit this new Korean trend? Has it changed the popular music, television, etc? Do you wear different clothes or use different language? I am really asking! So all of you Singaporean out there, please help me understand how Hallyu has affected you and your Singaporean way of life!