New Glogal Communication Technologies Essay Example

technology-driven world interconnected through communication.

The rise of new communication technologies has not caused globalization. A basic understanding of history shows that humans have always been inclined to be inspired by, exploit, exchange, and connect with other cultures. Cultural hegemonies and imperialism have existed throughout history, leading to the formation of today's cultures and nations through invasions, colonization, and forced liberalization. Traditions, social hegemonies, identity, and culture are outcomes of power struggles, internal and external influences, geography, and religious beliefs imposed on communities via a hierarchical power system (Tomlinson. T., 1999). Since the 1800s,mass global migration has dispersed numerous traditions and nations while also giving rise to new ones. The extensive history of interactions between people from different nationalities , heritages religions ,and regions challenges the notion of separate cultures with distinct identities and traditions (Samovar L., Porter R., 2001). Increased communication technology has simply amplified intercultural communication through an already partially open window where influence,power tradition,and culture have historically been shaped.

The more positive perspective on globalization acknowledges that the interconnectedness of cultures worldwide allows individuals in the 'global village' (a concept introduced by media theorist Marshal Mcluhan in the 1960s, as discussed by Klein, N. 2001) to effectively promote and safeguard their cultural heritage. Television, newspapers, the Internet, as well as travel and trade communication all serve as mediums that grant Western audiences a broader understanding of far-flung communities, both geographically and economically, thereby enriching their knowledge and expanding their horizons. A later section will delve into an analysis of the impact of media.

Travel technology has revolutionized the ability of people from developed countries to explore and migrate to

distant cultures in other continents. This technological advancement allows individuals to easily jet out to these exotic locations and observe and photograph the locals, essentially creating an isolated human zoo experience (Legrain, R. 2002, p311). This personal interaction and firsthand experience serves as a way to preserve local traditions. When tourists return to their own countries, they bring back knowledge that can be shared with others in their community, either promoting or informing them about these cultures. It is important to note that this desire for contrast between societies, rather than seeking uniformity or asserting superiority, also contributes to the preservation of cultural differences (Urry, J. 1995, quoted by Tomlinson, J. 1999, p200). Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of developing nations by bringing in external funds and educating outsiders about their traditional ways.

Globalization has been utilized by small or economically weak countries to increase their exports and imports of foreign goods, thus enabling them to maintain a global cultural presence by transforming their cultural capital into marketable products. According to Harvard University researchers Jeffrey Sachs and Andrew Warner, poor countries that embrace international trade achieve higher economic growth compared to those who isolate themselves. For countries grappling with extreme poverty, this influx of capital is vital, even if it entails sacrificing certain traditional practices. Ultimately, the survival of tradition relies on the support and well-being of its people.

The advancement of communication technology has facilitated a worldwide interchange of cultural products and ideas, enabling less developed regions to have access to Western consumer goods and media like coca-cola, Nike, and Mexican or American soap operas. Simultaneously, Western consumers now

encounter various forms of cultural capital from other areas, including Thai foods and clothing, documentaries on Afghani women's traditions, and books illustrating the lives of Tibetan monks. However, there are critics who exhibit a double standard in their attitudes towards developed and developing nations within the context of globalization. They argue that while Western culture can evolve through new choices, older cultures should be preserved for their "cultural purity" without any alterations. This perspective underestimates our ability to learn from other cultures without feeling overwhelmed by the experience. Amartya Zen (1999) emphasizes that this fearfulness often arises from a fragile view of each culture rather than recognizing the potential for growth and expansion through exposure to diverse ways of life. It is through exchanges enabled by communication technology that we acquire understanding about different ways of life and have the opportunity to prosper and develop. Optimists acknowledge the impact of Western consumerism but advocate against eliminating local traditions.

The realist acknowledges that this view is not completely ignored. However, it puts the two-way flow of influence under scrutiny. The expansion of communication technology, particularly by Western influences, is seen from a more pessimistic or realistic perspective. This view recognizes that diverse cultures are being suppressed and homogenized through a form of cultural imperialism (Tomlinson, J, 1999). The unstoppable force of technology has provided a means to impose Western ideals, such as capitalism, consumerism, and democracy, on countries with less power and influence. This scenario is characterized by a disparity in access to information and distribution of technology, which creates a global hierarchical structure with America and the West being dominant. American Marxist media theorist

Herbert Schiller argues that transnational corporations, mostly from America or the West, impose the "homogenized north Atlantic cultural slop" (Shiller 1985, quoted by Tomlinson, J. 1999, p 81) of American culture on the rest of the world.

The policies of the US government have challenged other countries' use of governmental control or regulations in favor of more US-friendly and profitable methods, which has effectively changed the societal development of these countries. This is mostly achieved through their superior access to technology across various sectors including intelligence, media, military arms, and the trade market. The current example of this can be seen in Iraq, where the US plans to establish a democracy that aligns more with American interests, under the pretext of liberation, democracy, global justice, and security. According to international affairs specialist John Ikenberry, the US has a "grand strategy that begins with a fundamental commitment to maintaining a unipolar world in which the United States has no peer competitor" (Quoted by Chomsky, N, 2003, p. 11). This is a clear instance of attempting to impose hegemony in government control and ensure the spread of today's 'New World Order'.

The implementation of free-trade agreements with countries, both developing and developed, has resulted in the introduction of US consumer products and the utilization of raw materials, cultural products, workers, and natural resources. This has led to the establishment of factory work in developing nations, bringing about changes in traditional practices and lifestyles and creating a global workforce. The exploitation of natural resources by Western capitalist societies has affected various countries, including their own, leading to migration and dependence on aid. The actions of organizations

like the WTO (as well as others often dominated by American corporations) demonstrate the power imbalance in trade and economic negotiations. In the 1970s, the Trinidadian Government received a loan from the WTO for national development.

In 1985, the Trinidadian government faced financial difficulty and had to seek assistance from the IMF. In order to receive aid, the IMF imposed certain conditions on the government, including the implementation of flexible labor markets, opening national markets to global competition, discontinuing public subsidies, state intervention, and exchange controls. These measures were implemented knowing that local businesses in Trinidad lacked the capital and technology necessary to compete globally. As a result, these regulations maintained Trinidad's dependency on Western capitalist values and suppressed local trades and practices. Currently, Trinidad has undergone changes and looks towards a future focused on entrepreneurship. According to Hylland Eriksen (2004), this is just one example of how traditional economic evolution in many countries has been hindered by opportunistic actions like Western imperialism, which exploits the technological and market advantages possessed by Western nations in areas such as trade, manufacturing, and communications.

The idea of American Imperialism is primarily based on their control of important resources like satellite systems, television stations, advertising companies, the film industry, multinational companies, and information technology manufacturing. The Western world holds a dominant position in terms of economy, military power, consumerism, and politics globally. Additionally, by owning influential communication technologies, they are able to spread their influence worldwide.

The impact of international media and communication is extensive, spreading across cultures globally, including those without direct access. Yet, it does not automatically lead to the supremacy or vanishing of local

and indigenous customs. Particularly, the Internet has emerged as a potent medium for disseminating information and facilitating freedom of expression. It enables individuals from any place to voice their thoughts and exchange them with others. The virtual realm, devoid of oppressive censorship, possesses the capacity to democratize society and empower its citizens.

The text emphasizes the significance and worldwide applicability of the proposed theory. However, a major concern is that the majority of online content is in English, resulting in marginalization of populations in developing countries. Moreover, limited internet access and lack of computer literacy further exacerbate this issue. This digital divide poses logistical challenges that endanger local communities and traditions. It stems from the unfair distribution of information, commonly referred to as "Information Capitalism" by Webster (2002) as cited by Allison (2002). This concept highlights the unequal access to technology, enabling educated or financially privileged individuals to exploit those who are disconnected.

Connecting people instantly fosters global understanding and unity regardless of geographical distance, space, or time. The virtual connection can educate and inform isolated individuals, eradicating ignorance. Achieving worldwide unity does not mean homogenizing cultures; instead, it encourages understanding when used effectively.

Television is frequently perceived as a means for promoting commercial interests within the Western consumer market. However, it also has the potential to educate individuals about remote geographical locations and cultures that may otherwise go unnoticed or be exploited. A notable instance of this occurred during the 1981 'Band-Aid' Concert in London, which shed light on Ethiopia's famine-stricken population at an international level. Thanks to the media's influence, this awareness campaign generated millions of dollars and saved numerous

lives. By enabling viewers to become "armchair travellers," television empowers them to embrace a global perspective and cultivate greater awareness.

Undoubtedly influenced by American dominance, Western consumers are the most affected by media bias and alternate agendas. News distributors like Reuters contribute to a homogenized attitude towards current issues. However, there are multiple avenues of information communication in the Western lifestyle that allow for a variety of opinions and viewing choices, enabling a rounded and informed view. It is the responsibility of individuals to pursue the truth. In contrast, in poorer countries with narrow perceptions and limited choices, the danger of media manipulation is more prevalent.

The rapid advancement of communication technology is continuously connecting people across the globe, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. Society and culture are constantly evolving due to various external forces and internal power structures. As physical barriers diminish and national boundaries weaken, traditional ways of life will be consistently impacted by Western capitalist trends and corporate business ventures. However, this also means that marginalized, remote, poor, and threatened cultures now have a platform to make their voices heard in our homes and offices through increased access to information. Nonetheless, despite this enhanced communication and influence, it does not necessarily result in everyone becoming uniform. Religions like Islamism and patriotic nationalism continue to thrive as examples of resistance against homogenization threats.

Despite the potential reach of western influence into even the most isolated African communities, it is disrespectful to assume that they will unquestioningly adopt it. Numerous cultures and tribes worldwide actively pursue a relatively independent existence, regardless of global developments. In regions where

governments adhere to Western or capitalist values, tribalism and traditional lifestyles still prevail. The essence of culture and tradition itself relies on varying levels of impact and connectedness. Technology, communication, and media exert influence and varying degrees of control, but those who possess faith and loyalty in their culture or beliefs are unlikely to abandon tradition completely. However, for individuals whose nationality or religion has inadvertently imposed tradition or culture upon them, technological advancements may provoke a rejection of unsuitable or oppressive practices in favor of self-empowerment. Even in today's sensationalized era of change, the importance of individual strength and integrity should not be underestimated.

Bibliography:

Allison, J. 2002, Technology, Development and Democracy, State University of New York press, New York, USA.

The text below, which includes and their contents, will beand unified:

Amartya, Z. 1999, Development as freedom, Oxford University Press, Oxford, England.

The book "Development as freedom" was written by Z. Amartya in 1999 and published by Oxford University Press in Oxford, England.The book "Television, Globalisation and Cultural Identities" written by C. Barker in 1999 is published by Open University Press in Philadelphia, USA. The text is aligned to the center.

Chomsky, N. 2003, Hegemony or Survival, America's Quest for Global Dominance, Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest, Australia.

The book "A Globalized World? Culture, Economics, Politics" authored by D. Held was published in 2000 by Routledge in London, England.The article "Liming in Trinidad: The Art of Doing Nothing" by T. Hylland Eriksen is available online at http://www.skettel.com/liming/. I accessed it on 18/5/2004.

Klein, N. 2001, No Logo, Flamingo - HarperCollins, London, England

Legrain, P. 2002, Open World: The Truth about Globalisation,

Abacus, Great Britain.

Martin, N. and Nakayama, T. 1997, Intercultural Communication in Context, Mayfield Publishing Group, California, USA.The book "Globalization and Culture" by Tomlinson, T. was published in 1999 by The University of Chicago Press in Chicago, USA.The book "Globalization, Social Theory and Global Culture" was published in 1992 by Robertson, R. The publication was done by Sage Publications in London, England.

Rowe C ; Thompson, J. 1996, People and Chips, The Human Implications of Information Technology, McGraw-Hill, Berkshire, England.

The book "Communication Between Cultures" by Samovar, L and Porter, R was published in 2001. It is the fourth edition and was published by Wodsworth/Thompson Learning in Belmont, USA.

Reference List:

The book titled "Development as freedom" by Amartya Z., published in 1999 by Oxford University Press in Oxford, England, is categorized under the

tag with the style attribute indicating center alignment.

Barker, C. (1999). Television, Globalisation and Cultural Identities. Open University Press. Philadelphia, USA.

Chomsky, N. 2003, Hegemony or Survival, America's Quest for Global Dominance, Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest, Australia.

Klein, N. 2001, No Logo, Flamingo - HarperCollins, London, England

Legrain, P. 2002, Open World: The Truth about Globalisation, Abacus, Great Britain.

Tomlinson, T. (1999). Globalization and Culture. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA.

Rowe C & Thompson, J. 1996, People and Chips, The Human Implications of Information Technology, McGraw-Hill, Berkshire, England.The source of the text is a book titled "Communication Between Cultures, Fourth Edition" by Samovar, L and Porter, R. It was published in 2001 by Wodsworth/Thompson Learning in Belmont, USA.