New media and international communications: a journal analysis
PART A
What is the central argument presented by the author’s)?
The central argument presented by the author is the veracity of globalization as a term that is often vague and used to represent many different things. In the discussion, globalization has been clarified and described in the following perspectives: Economic globalization, Global village, Cultural imperialism, and Globalization. Economic globalization refers to increased economic activity (money and goods) that transcends geographical barriers, integration of international financial markets and technological infrastructures, and dominance of ‘free trade’ as key factor affecting economies. It also associated with deregulation of industries and increased mobility of people. Meanwhile, global village is rooted on the idea of particularly on the ability of electronic media to connect and show people and the world. Cultural imperialism, on the other hand, pertains to a prevailing ‘global culture’ that said to developed in a common culture (e.g. the West modernity or American cultural values). Lastly, ‘glocalisation’ is associated to the preference of people to their local cultures and production of local versions of global products. This is attributed to the strong influence and intention of preserving local cultural identity.
After providing a comprehensive discussion of globalization, the author described the current global setting as a space of flows and identified the significant role of information in global economy. He pointed out that what should be taken into further attention are the origin, destination, and application of information, and who controls it. It ended with the personal challenge on identifying the extent of effect of globalization, particularly on international information flows, to the reader.
What is your opinion of the reading?
The facts presented in the reading are nothing but factual and ignites further understanding on what is globalization, its applications, its extent of effect, and the conditions on information and international communications. The central arguments are believable and supported by detailed examples and existing conditions. It is actually pointed out that some occurrences that are categorically considered to be aspects or kinds of globalization are not. It is because such already existed before globalization was popularized. The advocacies of globalization are often purported to be an overstatement of the ongoing global development. Some global conditions are overly described leading to misconceptions or the so-called fallacies or myths of globalization. The reading conveys an evident understanding that the term ‘globalisation’ should not be used in general expression or language rather specifically used.
On the aspect of space of flows, it is very outstanding that the author is able to point out the essentialities of information flow. Considering the global setting, information flow is crucial. It is because the world we live in is considered as a network society that is fundamentally about flow including capital, information, technology, organizational interactions, images, sounds, and symbols, and other factors. The discussion on this aspect is visionary in nature as it aims to include development of Third World countries particularly on their participation to information flow and international communications. Policies for regulations is sought so as to control the effect of information flows into economic and cultural independence of each country. The thought of space of flows is beneficial provided that it is used in good faith and purpose of global convenience and avoiding any spaces for flaws.
In terms of criticism, the aspect of cultural imperialism particularly to the example of Westernized or Americanized cultural system is old-fashioned. Provided that such system is influential in modern-day instances, it is quite restricted to refer to the phenomenon of cultural imperialism. There will never be a cohesive global culture because of the fact that people are created differently. Diversity is an important attribute that should be included in the discussion of cultural imperialism. Cultural diversity is innate to given societies. What is important is how people, amidst diversity, acknowledge individual culture and have a unified cultural sensibility.
All in all, the reading is very enlightening especially on the term globalization. Another outstanding feature in the discussions made is the ability of the author to integrate the significant role of information and communications to international setting and specific examples. The concept of globalization in today’s international communication is clearer provided that this reading gave accurate and comprehensive discussion and appropriate cases in point.
Is the world heading towards a harmonious ‘global village’, or is it turning into ‘global ghettos’? That is, is culture and society more divided along social, class, race and ethnic, gender and political lines than before? What role do you think media technologies have in the development of this global framework?
Looking on the reading provided, the world is heading towards a harmonious ‘global village’ as it seeks for a beneficial and advantageous information flow and supported by the space of flows. However, it is pointed out that there can never be real ‘global village’. Diversity is a great impediment. The idea of ‘global village’ may be elusive yet it can be used in line with global development towards the common good. Culture and society is able to communicate using different media. The elements of social, class, race and ethnic, gender and political lines are presented and subject for communicative discussion. Issues on these elements are tackled using international communication materials and vehicles. Media technologies are also contributory to the global development. Although the creation of a ‘global village’ is considered elusive, the role of media technologies is very pervasive. Media distribute information to all corners of the world. Every modern society that has access to any communication devices is affected by media. In developing a global framework (i.e. global village), media technologies are prime instruments. They can break and make, establish and destroy, or support and oppose global conditions as well as frameworks.
Is the internet the most pervasive form of globalization today? What other technologies can be considered global? Is the world wide web (WWW) really world-wide or global? Or is it widening the gap between the information haves and have-nots, known in the internet age as the ‘digital divide’?
Yes. The internet is wide in terms of its coverage and access. Because of this attributes, it is the most pervasive form of globalization today if the popular definition of globalization is used. According to (2001), the ongoing culture of transformation facilitated by globalization affect almost every human activity by means digital or technology intervention. Other technologies include mobile phones and other technological innovations that change the global landscape. Experts believe that technologies may have considerable potential to reach and engage opinion leaders who influence the thinking and behavior of others (1996; 2002). The is both world-wide and global. Because of its powerful prospective, the cyberspace including the Internet certainly changes how people live people and views the society (1995). Although technologies like the internet play a key role in modern societies, for example on surveillance societies, Abe (2004) warns that it does not determine how societies are shaped because the result of their influence is mediated and articulated by social and political factors. Whether or not the internet is beneficial to those who used it and futile to those who do not have access to it, it is undeniably the most popular, widely used, and pervasive form as well as example of globalisation.
Do you think that globalization is inevitable? Can you locate resistance to globalization? What are some ways in which people, activist groups, or even national governments protect or insulate themselves from global imports? Cite examples.
Possibly, globalization can be avoided. Take for example, the Amish minority group distributed principally throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. But in some places, they can also be found separately. The estimated population is at about 60,000 (as of 2000). They are purely agrarian, utilize horsepower for agricultural work and transportation, and wear rather somber but distinctive dress. Amish strive to cultivate humility and simple living. It is their belief that nature is a garden and man was the caretaker, not an exploiter ( 2000). They are not exposed to modern development and technology because their culture does not allow them in doing so. The most significant characteristics making the Amish people different are their norms. They think of themselves as God’s plain people who have always been offended by outsiders. It is considered to be a taboo when someone use or posses many conveniences. It is a part of the profane, ungodly world outside (1950). With this kind of resistance to culture, development is impossible. The Amish people have been able to maintain their island of pre-industrial living in the midst of the most industrialized society in the world ( 2001). Although this is just a negligible aspect of the world population, their culture serves as the main impediment of globalization.
Do you think that your local culture is being destroyed or improved by globalization? What signs are there that this is the case? Cite them. Is there any way for small countries/minority populations to counter globalization? Will the use of technology help minority cultures survive?
Either. Globalization can destroy and improve my local culture. In terms of improvement, my local culture is communicated all throughout the world by using the elements of global communications. Other people are able to learn my culture and can assimilate it. The popularization and the assimilation of my local culture by other people is a clear evidence or sign of improvement through globalization. On the contrary, it is destroyed when other local cultures are able to penetrate into my local culture. People in my local community are exposed into foreign cultural factors brought about by globalization. Given the significant duration in my local community, it will also be assimilated by the host culture. Even if it is just an assimilated culture, it is not innate to the local culture thus will have a significant effect on the existing local culture. This will also lead to change of culture. Like the previously mentioned example of the Amish minority group, they counter globalization. Their ways of living define their culture and cultural identity. The existing resistance to technology use as well as other forces of globalization will destroy their cultural identity, thus making technology a detrimental element. If technology is used in relation to this group, the ability to relate information to other people in all corners of the world is the only advantageous way it can offer.
How important is international communication in your workplace or personal life? Describe its significance. Which technologies enable this to happen? Do the nature of these technologies affect the processes, practices and extent of this communication? Describe how.
International communication is a very important element of my workplace and personal life because of its ability to provide useful information in doing my job and other responsibilities. The knowledge that I accumulate through having access to several international communications like the internet and television serve as asset on my personal life. Although I have no exact idea on how these technologies affect the processes, practices and extent of international communication, I am certain that is serve as advantageous on my part as a worker and a person who lives in a modern and considerably ‘globalised’ society.
PART B
Give an overview of the argument of the reading.
The reading chosen deals with the concept of globalization in terms of international communications and information flows. Specifically, the central argument presented by the author is the veracity of globalization as a term that is often vague and used to represent many different things. In the discussion, globalization has been clarified and described in the following perspectives: Economic globalization, Global village, Cultural imperialism, and Globalization. Economic globalization refers to increased economic activity (money and goods) that transcends geographical barriers, integration of international financial markets and technological infrastructures, and dominance of ‘free trade’ as key factor affecting economies. It also associated with deregulation of industries and increased mobility of people. Meanwhile, global village is rooted on the idea of McLuhan particularly on the ability of electronic media to connect and show people and the world. Cultural imperialism, on the other hand, pertains to a prevailing ‘global culture’ that said to developed in a common culture (e.g. the West modernity or American cultural values). Lastly, ‘glocalisation’ is associated to the preference of people to their local cultures and production of local versions of global products. This is attributed to the strong influence and intention of preserving local cultural identity.
Globalization, I believe, is a dynamic term that is used to illustrate the changes in societies and the world economy that result from dramatic increase of international trade and cultural exchange. In literatures, there has been a continuous debate on the exact definition of globalization. The consensus on providing description on whether or not it is a process results to opportunity for debate among social scientists, policymakers, researchers, and scholars. As (2003) claims, globalization is problematic because it includes a variety of ‘big issues’ affecting modern communities. Globalization is always tagged in relation to current conditions and events happening in most countries that create significant effects to all human race ( 2000; 2000; 2000). Acknowledging globalization as a social change that is mainly characterized by an increase in connections among societies and their given attributes like political integration, economic cooperation, technological and communication innovations, and so on, globalization created lasting effects to modern societies and the world. (2000) described it “as a complex and often contradictory process, that is centered around three major regional groupings of states: “Europe,” “America,” and “Asia. (2003) specifically defines the term by considering a general understanding that it is the horizontal and vertical economic, political, and social integration of countries. Kim and Weaver (2003) stated that it has invaded people’s consciousness as evidences of globalization see it everywhere. Because of this contextual debate, the reading is able to illuminate on the different uses of the term globalization.
After providing a comprehensive discussion of globalization, the author described the current global setting as a space of flows and identified the significant role of information in global economy. He pointed out that what should be taken into further attention are the origin, destination, and application of information, and who controls it. It ended with the personal challenge on identifying the extent of effect of globalization, particularly on international information flows, to the reader. Again, this discussion relates to the important role of information in building societies and its people.
How these ideas interact with the approaches taken in the other units?
These ideas extend the understanding and clarification of arguments presented in other approaches taken in the other units. It also provides an opportunity for critical examination of facts particularly on the part of readers like me. It may support or oppose each discussion yet in the end it convinces what idea is more applicable to specific situations. Like on this case, globalization and international communications are linked as it commonly projects a powerful image of a catalyst of change and development provided the use of technologies in all areas of the world. globalization is not only limited to a single application. There are such things as globalization in economics, or could be cultural imperialism, the challenge of the development of a ‘global village’, and even the process of globalization. Given the ideas in the chosen reading, the relationship to other approaches in the other units are more on exploratory and contributory in effect. If linked with each other, all reading boil down to providing clear and complete understanding of the current effects of global trends, technologies, and processes to our lives as people who lives in a small world – after all.
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