In one of my other communications classes we have been discussing globalization of media and how it effects a counry's identity - I thought this would be a good topic of discussion for us as well! Through globalization, economies, societies, and cultures are becoming integrated, but is this integration blurring reality - ultimately, shaping a country's identity to reflect that of Western influences?
The examples that we looked at discussed reality television being introduced all over the world and its implications. While a number of country's were supportive of the programs, suggesting that they provided new forms of entertainment and were educational in that that they reflected "reality," other country's suggested the opposite.
In country's such as Africa and Saudi Arabia, reality television has not only raised controversy around established social standards, norms, and religions, but also around false representation. When reality television show, Star Academy (similar to American Idol), began airing in Saudi Arabia - a country revolving around their religion and set social standards (i.e. women and men do not interact, defined social classes with the royal party being the most powerful - and pretty much in charge) - a number of organizations fought to remove the "Westernized" reality tv program. The show, which allowed both men and women to interact freely, also encouraged the use of explicit language and actions; going against everything the country has been built around. What are your thoughts? Do you believe that this could eventually be a positive transition for a country? What about the claims to globalization being just another term for "Westernization?"
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