When one hears the expression “cultural imperialism”, one usually thinks of the ubiquitous presence of Americana. Corporations such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Disney are routinely charged with trampling on indigenous industries, showing contempt for different cultures and rendering our high streets bland, soulless clones. The French may be the most vocal agitators in this area, but the British are by no means averse to such protest, as the popularity of George Monbiot and his legions of acolytes demonstrates.
However, while we grouse about the Americanisation of our culture, it is worth remembering that the British can be cultural imperialists, too. Eighty years after the south of Ireland finally bade farewell to the British presence, the Brits are back. This time, the takeover is not military, but corporate. Ireland’s customs and urban landscape are being Anglified.
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