Content area

Full Text

It is believed that the regions of the US and Canada are particularly affected by the course of globalization and are becoming more and more homogenized. The results of it is the loss of their regional and personal identity. However not everyone shares the opinion that these regions are losing their distinctions. Regional differences and cultural identity which define an individual as a member of a certain group still exist and present one of the most topical subjects of modern American Literature. The vivid example of it is Annie Proulx's The Shipping News (1993). The novelist explores concerns which are typical of such fiction: a place that is tied up with the past, a preoccupation with family, customs and local mores, support of a close - knit community as well as love for storytelling. Annie Proulx emphasizes that growing up and self- knowledge of the person first of all is connected with finding his or her roots in family and community. In the land of his forefathers finding his identity helps Quoyle, the main character, handle with his own past and the cruel past of his ancestors, overcome the challenges of a new life, start a new job and become confident and comfortable with his soul and body.

Keywords: Globalization, Personal and cultural identity, Spirit of place, Community.

Introduction

Globalization is not easily defined as the term includes many aspects of modern life. In general, the term "global society" is used to refer to our modern society in which all the people of the world have a good deal in common with one another. Some people believe that it is a positive process as it leads to share social and economic values worldwide. For others, the process of globalization will have negative results in the nearest future as it undermines less dominant cultures and cultural diversity and promotes a uniform set of values and beliefs. The regions of the US and Canada are believed to be particularly affected by the course of globalization and are becoming more and more homogenized. The results of it is the loss of their regional and cultural identity. As Iyer Pico has claimed in his book with a very notable title The Global Soul: Jet Lag, Shopping Malls, and the...

Show less