Two important questions to consider in today's world are, does globalization really exist? And if so, does it have a positive or negative effect? I think it is pretty difficult to deny that globalization is a very real thing that is happening and will continue to expand, thanks in large part to advancements in technology. Speaking specifically in terms of the globalization of the media, some argue that globalization isn't all that it's cracked up to be because there are many people in the world that do not have access to all the technology that allows them to view what the media has to offer. While this is true I believe that as time goes on more and more people will gain access to the necessary technology. It is true that we have not become a fully globalized world, but I believe we will continue to move in that direction. Where it will lead in the end, I am not sure. In some ways the globalization has a positive effect because it makes it easier to communicate more easily with other nations and share and exchange ideas. However, one major concern and downside of globalization is that, currently it seems to be more of a westernization. Because some countries are more wealthy and powerful then other nations it is inevitable that they have more influence on the media and where and how it is relayed to the rest of the world. The United States has the money to make all their products and media look really appealing and flashy. So, many people from other countries are attracted to it and want to be able to attain it also. The American media is so saturated with American ideals and advertisements that have started to have an effect on other cultures. The concern is that in the pursuit of the American ideals, other cultures will lose sight of their own ideals that could contribute so much to the world. Other countries that do not have the technology or the money are not able to put as much influential media out for the rest of the world to see. This world could use more diversity and openness, as opposed to more homogenization and closed-mindedness. I was really intrigued by this phenomenon of Korean women getting plastic surgery on their eye-lids so that they can have bigger eyes. Here's an interesting segment from CNN on the topic:
So I think that globalization has both benefits and disadvantages. Ideally globalization could be geared towards more exchanging and sharing of ideas. If different nations could learn from each other and incorporate new ideas into their culture, so that they can preserve their culture as well as evolve.
Earlier today I was thinking about by personal experience in Egypt as far as globalization is concerned and something that came to mind is Melody Tunes. Many small restaurants and shisha places in Maadi will several televisions that are all playing Melody Tunes which plays music videos of popular music. Melody Tunes has these commercials for many mainstream American songs, but with a very Arab twist to them. I think it is interesting how some cultures can take something from the western media, and poke fun at it and themselves, in order to put their own spin on it. Here are couple of examples for your viewing pleasure...
I definitely agree with your point of view Jen. Globalization does have its pros and cons. Though it reduces physical distances and is increasingly connecting the world, it does lead to an influx of Western ideals in many other nations. The recent technological innovations allows instantaneous communication, thereby allowing millions of people to be "virtual neighbors" or able to merely converse than a century ago. This global network that has emerged as a result of the trend towards globalization is remarkable in the fact that people across the world are connected through this network. However, with these technological innovations has allowed Western ideals to sift into many cultures that prior did not have access to this culture. Consequently, many traditional cultures are being lost in the process as these people believe these Western traditions or norms to be preeminent and are better than their own. This is shown in the beliefs that certain Western traits of beauty are the standards to go by, the lavish lives of many Americans, and the "coolness" of their music to name a few. Individuals from these traditional cultures are tragically using Western cultures as the standard of which to compare their own culture, and in the end they find their lives substandard and change in order to fit these "better" lifestyles. Hopefully, this will change in the upcoming years and that people will learn that their own cultures are very valuable, but only time will tell.
I definitely agree with your point of view Jen. Globalization does have its pros and cons. Though it reduces physical distances and is increasingly connecting the world, it does lead to an influx of Western ideals in many other nations. The recent technological innovations allows instantaneous communication, thereby allowing millions of people to be "virtual neighbors" or able to merely converse than a century ago. This global network that has emerged as a result of the trend towards globalization is remarkable in the fact that people across the world are connected through this network. However, with these technological innovations has allowed Western ideals to sift into many cultures that prior did not have access to this culture. Consequently, many traditional cultures are being lost in the process as these people believe these Western traditions or norms to be preeminent and are better than their own. This is shown in the beliefs that certain Western traits of beauty are the standards to go by, the lavish lives of many Americans, and the "coolness" of their music to name a few. Individuals from these traditional cultures are tragically using Western cultures as the standard of which to compare their own culture, and in the end they find their lives substandard and change in order to fit these "better" lifestyles. Hopefully, this will change in the upcoming years and that people will learn that their own cultures are very valuable, but only time will tell.
ReplyDelete