Coping with Westernization

Westernization had various impacts on several parts of the world. In general, it was not limited to economic changes, but brought cultural changes to an extent that varied from place to place, depending on the nature of the relationship with the West. Westernization impacted healthcare, language, and religion; and brought educational and marital changes. Complex relationships emerged while Westerners and non-Westerners introduced new challenging cultural values to other parts of the world. Several Asian leaders …

…progress and innovation to their countries. It showed that new ways of living are possible and can be a positive reality. Others were anti-Western because they feared what Westernization was going to bring upon their countries. They were afraid of new things happening and what life would be like for them. Overall, the reactions conveyed by these Asian intellectual leaders showed that they were extremely affected, both positively and negatively, by the wave of Westernization.