MODERNIZATION MEANS WESTERNIZATION

The battle between the east and the west still continues as each try to preserve its culture and assert its powers.Separating modernization from westernization is the issue that lies in the mind whichever side of the debate one is then he or she can give contradicting statements to prove a point. Many will debate on the loss of culture and the imitation of the western culture as modernization while others will base their argument on the adoption of democracy and a free society. The modern societies have a great deal of common aspects however they never merge into homogeneity. The values view as western modernization include liberty, individualism, equality, free markets, separation of the state, the rule of law, human rights and democracy. This creates a democracy paradox  where the Islamic world and the east in general oppose westernization. The question at hand Does modernization mean Westernization? will help to separate modernization from westernization. Depending on which perspective it is either west or east the argument may last forever but to draw a line and separate the real ideologies can help solve the dilemma of whether the glass is half full or half empty.
Can one modernize without being western???
Modernization does not mean aping the law, politics, lifestyles, language, religion, and education systems. But  it entails empowering the societies to decide what they need and want at all times. It involves making their lives easier through revolutions such as industrialization which will make them change from the traditional practices to modern concepts.
The west has been viewed as very revolutionary and dynamic in the adoption of new ideas  the east on the other hand has been seen to oppose change. In view of the fact that modernization started in the west does not mean that the east should ape them. The clear separation of modernization from westernization is the only factor that will ensure the societies in the east are not lied to by their leaders.