Globalisation has led to the loss of cultural identity in Britain Essay

Globalisation has led to the loss of cultural identity in Britain. Discuss - Essay Example The first effect of globalisation was experienced by the people that migrated to Britain. In the early years of 1950’s and 1960’s, many immigrants found their way into the British territory. Many people from the West Indies and Asia migrated to Britain and established their lives and thus culture. Many people were attracted to the job vacancies available and were interested in filling them. As such, they made Britain their permanent residence. However, this would affect the culture of the country. Since many people find it difficult to change their culture, they stick to their culture. Similarly, they have their strong beliefs and experiences that are mixed in the society. In the light of this statement, Britain is now considered a multicultural state, evident from the existent mixed cultures. With such situations, it is not easy to identify Britain with a single culture. Identifying the country with a single culture would be impossible, as other cultures would be suppr essed. Globalisation has led to sprouting of behaviours that are not acceptable by many cultures. For example, there has been a rise of gay marriages and gay relationships. Many people are not at ease with the issue of gay relationships. The core origin of such behaviours and relationships is believed to be globalisation. When people move from one place to another, they extend their behaviour to other parts of the country. Therefore, when gay immigrants settle into the country, they are likely to influence the other people that reside closely. In today’s world, it is almost impossible to contain gay relationships. The behaviour is widespread and many people are engaging in such relationships. This has affected the culture in a negative way, since it does not fully accept such. Apparently, the most outstanding opposition to such behaviour are religious entities. They state that it is unacceptable behaviour to the church fraternity. In the early centuries, culture was defined by the fo ods and delicacies that are savoured by the nation. Many people were connected to their staple foods as they connected them to their culture. However, with the aspect of immigration, many cultures were interconnected. This brought change in the foods that are savoured by the nation. Many residents had to adapt to the new culture as they adopted consumption of other foods brought by immigrants. This has affected the British culture, as they are not openly identified by their foods. This is a cultural experience that many people would have not thought of, or even practiced were it not for globalisation. For example, in the ancient times, people were vigil on the foods that were consumed. They identified healthy foods that had little or no effects on the human life (Tisdell and Sen 2004:32). However, with the exchange in the cultures and consumption of other foods, many people are feeling the pinch. For example, most people in the country are relying on junk foods. These foods are savo ured in the country due to a mixture of cultures. Were it not for globalisation, majority of the population would not savour some of these foods. Globalisation has had an effect on the lifestyle of people. Many cultures are identified by the music, way of life and social activities. However, this has changed due to globalisation. With the interdependence between countries, there is exchange of music and other

Proposition 13 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Proposition 13 - Essay Example Proposition 13 was the result of a taxpayer revolt against escalating and uncertain tax rates. Viewed as one of the first signs of the coming Reagan Revolution, the radical conservative approach rippled across the country as key provisions of the act were enacted in several other states (Menrow). The most immediate and severe impact of Prop 13 was felt by the school districts that lost over half their revenue creating a crisis in many of California's public schools. In response, California passed a number of bills that eased the pressure on school systems. Overall, tax revenues going to schools decreased between 9% and 15%, with the wealthier districts losing the higher amount ("The Special Challenge"). Prop 13 resulted in the school systems in California moving from local community control to control by the state. It further gave property owners the ability to calculate and plan for their tax rate, enabling low income and fixed income households to maintain possession of their prope rty and avoiding losing their homes due to unaffordable taxes. The focus of Prop 13 was to give the taxpayer a known and predictable property tax rate. It set a maximum tax rate at 1% and limited valuation increases to 2% per year. Upon selling a property, it would then be revalued at the market value. The 1% limit imposed by Prop 13 was about 1/3 of the rate prior to its passage. Prop 13 further limited local taxation by requiring a 2/3 majority in the legislature and 2/3 public vote to increases local taxes. These actions put the responsibility for funding the public school system on the state and in doing so, the state took control of the schools and away from local communities. Recent amendments have lowered the threshold for voter approval to 55%, which has allowed local governments to raise additional funding when necessary. Impact of Proposition 13 The impact of the loss of revenue was most clearly felt by local school districts. Schools, faced with fewer dollars, were forced to delay improvements and in some cases resulted in the cutting of programs. However, the long-term result has not led to the bankruptcy of California's schools. Bolstered by "bailout bills" that benefited education, the schools continued to operate under state control at or near the previous level of funding. In 2001-2002 California teachers were ranked at the top of the pay scale compared to other states (Bell). Faced with the loss of revenue, many cities increased fees on everything from traffic violations, to home inspections, and service taxes on hotels and restaurants (Wood). Along with innovative taxation, changes in Prop 13 over the years have made it easier for local communities to raise money for schools by reducing the 2/3 voter approval to 55%. Critics have pointed to the lower test scores in California schools since the inception of Prop 13 an d linked them to the reduced funding. Per pupil spending has been reduced and is currently about $650 below the national per pupil average. The falling test scores are due to several reasons and lower funding may be just one facet of the problem. Immigration, state educational policies, and an activist teachers union may have more impact on test scores than reduced funding. Relations between the state and local governments have been strained as local government officials, in need of funding, have become