cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/39683740
this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2026
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Sure, I'm talking about how that word is used to very specifically give "in group" labeling to countries that are loyal to the current American empire. A country like South Korea will be labeled "westernized". It doesn't have to do with culture. It's western supremacy using the label to signal loyalty. Something that for our lifetimes has essentially just meant countries opening their doors to exploitation from western neoliberalism.
In recent years it's being used more in the sense that you are mentioning. A signal to "culture" as more western countries fall for xenophobic nationalist movements that want to blame all their problems on immigrants.
Words evolve and a word like "westernized" has historically just been a way for racist to try to separate in groups and out groups to appeal to a vague idea of some imaginary past that needs to be returned to. This is done on a global scale with Imperialist labeling. But it is also done internally to incite hatred to "the other". Whether it be immigrants, Muslims, Jews, or LGBTQ people.
The Nazis did it with German "culture". The Americans did it with Manifest Destiny and are again doing it with MAGA. It's not really a label of "culture" at all. It's really just white supremacy.
Also, Imperialism as I'm using the word is very different than some idea of "Imperialism" that you seem to be using. It is very much tied to capitalist modes of production and ownership. It's not some "ancient" thing that has existed for all time. It is a stage of capitalism. Some may say the highest stage of capitalism.
A group of people invading another people and stealing their resources is not "Imperialism". Which is the only thing I can assume you think it is by your idea that it's "always existed". It has not. That is just redefining the word to the point of uselessness as to not address it's actually meaning.