Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Globalization



Text and picture by Eki Qushay Akhwan

Except for a few small details, this billboard could be in New York or Manila, Jakarta or London. The only things that indicate that this is in Bandung, Indonesia, are, among others: Ciwalk 21 (Ciwalk is the name of a shopping mall, and 21 is the name of Indonesia's movie theater chain), Yogya (an Indonesian department store chain, mainly operating in West Java and Jakarta), Optik Melawai (an Indonesian optical chain store), BMK (an Indonesian chain restaurant based in Bandung), NAV Family Karaoke (an Indonesian karaoke parlor chain), and JCO Donuts & Coffee (an Indonesian Donuts and Coffee chain resto/cafe). The language used in this billboard and the names of other stores seem to be international, and I would not be surprised if they look and sound familiar to you.

One of the effects of globalization is that our experiences have become universalized and nearly undistinguishable from one place to another.

This billboard is painted on the inside of the lift door at Ciwalk - a garden walk mall on Cihampelas Street, Bandung.



3 comments:

Susan said...

So true, Eki. It could be anywhere in the world!!

Rambling Woods said...

Another thought provoking post Eki

Jane Hards Photography said...

Interesting again. The west especailly the language has a tendancy to monopolize all area. I have a french frein who weill not use the words email, inernet, happy hor and many more on the grounds that trhey are americanisms and uses the french version apllicable.