UNESCO has approved the Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions, and it is now moving toward formal ratification.

The problem is that "the convention could prove to be a barrier against U.S. cultural exports and drastically affect its powerhouse film, music and book industries" because it is primarily a trade-protectionist measure:

A Franco-Canadian initiative, which has won broad backing as a swipe at US "cultural imperialism", could mean that countries will be able to subsidise domestic film industries and restrict foreign music and content on their radio and television stations in the name of preserving and promoting cultural diversity.

Thanks to globalization, the people of the world enjoy far more access to imported cultural goods, whether it is in the form of movies, recordings of traditional music or other items. More choice means more chances to learn about others and, one hopes, more understanding between nations through free exchanges in the market.

The [International Network on Cultural Policy] does not see things that way. "Globalization," it says, "poses new challenges to the ability of governments, civil society and the private sector to nurture [cultural] diversity." The INCP sees globalization as a threat to the ability of governments to create what we could call official identities for their populations.

To the INCP, the undeniable popularity of American movies and music around the world is a threat, a cultural invasion -- rather than an innocent expression of consumer preference.

posted by James DeLong @ 8:22 AM | International

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