1. Cultural Solidarity
Blending of cultures creates a new identity, which can be stronger as a collective group and much more stable, why do these assimilations increase solidarity?

2. Definitions
European Union – A union of 28 different countries located in Europe.
Solidarity – A unity of people or groups of people with a common interest.
Nationality – Pride in ones country
Cultural solidarity – solidarity and stability which is brought by two cultures coming together.

3. Cultural Solidarity
Instead of conflict, some cultures come together to create a new entity that is a combination of its constituents.
Usually, a sense of belonging to a group with a goal can bring differing cultures together and create something stronger.
The United States is an example.
The European Union is an example of different cultures blending together.

4. Mass Media
TV programs like The Walking Dead and Mad Men are huge across the world.
The movie Avengers made over $1.5 billion internationally.
The actors in the film are superstars across the planet.
Mass media allows almost instant transmission of shows, movies, and songs across the world. This means shows do not focus on a single audience when they create their product.
Music superstars are international celebrities because of their music.
PSY’s Oppa Gangam Style was one of the most viewed songs in the history of youtube, with over 1,780,296,751 views since its debut. The Korean native has fans worldwide.
There are other stars, like Elvis, who were insanely popular internationally.

5. Worldwide American Culture
The western world has dominated culture since the days of imperialism. A lot of the traits stuck around, and many more developed with America taking the foremost position as a western world.
Hamburgers and soft drinks can be purchased anywhere in the world, (except India.) You can buy soft drinks in India, though.
Through mass media, American culture has spread across the world.
Disney’s Mickey Mouse and other characters are world icons.
Jeans are the clothing choice for most youth in America
Western business suits are the choice for any business or diplomatic affairs

6. Music
In the middle of the 1950s, a new style of music emerged on the American scene. Rock ‘n’ Roll was a new genre that allowed rebellious young adults to react against political and social issues.
Rock ‘n’ Roll spread across the world and became hugely popular. Elvis Presley to U2 rock artists came from across the world.
Popular American rock acts: Elvis Presley, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. There are several subgenres of rock.
Popular international rock acts: The Who, Led Zepplin, U2, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and the Beatles.

7. Different Cultures Blending
Culture Blending
Country
Reason for Interaction
Interacting Cultures
Some Results of Interaction
United States
migration, religious freedom
European, Asian & Caribbean
cultural diversity
Russia
Religious conversion
Christian & Slavic
Eastern Orthodoxy Christianity, Russian identity
Mexico
Conquest
Aztec & Spanish
Mestizo culture, Mexican Catholicism
North/South Africa
Trade, religious conversion, Colonization, Slave Trade
Islamic/Christian, Europe, Americas, Middle East
New trade & languages, Long lasting racial discrimination
India
Migration, Trade, Religious Conversion, and Conquest
Aryan & Dravidian, Greek, Arab, African, Chinese, British, Muslim & Christian.
Vedic culture, Hinduism, Buddhism, Pakistan,
What are the reasons for interaction in Africa?
What are some aspects of cultural diversity?

8. Language and Religious Blending
Sometimes the written characters of one language are used in another, as in the case of written Chinese characters used in the Japanese language. In the Safavid Empire, the language spoken was Persian. But after the area converted to Islam, a significant number of Arabic words appeared in the Persian language.
•Religion and ethical systems
Buddhism spread throughout Asia. Yet the Buddhism practiced by Tibetans is different from Japanese Zen Buddhism.

9. Government, Art, and Racial Blending
• Styles of government
The concept of a democratic government spread to many areas of the globe. Although the basic principles are similar, it is not practiced exactly the same way in each country.
• Racial or ethnic blending
One example is the mestizo, people of mixed European and Indian ancestry who live in Mexico.
•Arts and architecture
Cultural styles may be incorporated or adapted into art or architecture. For example, Chinese artistic elements are found in Safavid Empire tiles and carpets as well as in European paintings.

10. European Union 28 countries make up the union.
They use a common currency, and have standardized their laws, which allow travel without passport between these countries.
In 2012, based on their combined GDP, the European Union won the Nobel Peace Prize. The union has the strongest economy and the most purchasing power in the world.
Of the 28 countries, 22 are also members of NATO, which helps provide for a common defense for these nations.