Conflict & change and digital communication Flashcards
What is religious fundamentalism?
- Belief in the absolute authority of a sacred religious text or teaching.
- The religious militancy which individuals use to prevent their religious identities eroding.
Who study was called ‘Digital Jesus’?
Howard
What does Howard say about religious fundamentalism?
- The internet is playing a key role in Christian fundamentalist groups.
- Howard’s study ‘Digital Jesus’ shows how like-minded people create a large web of religious communication on the internet, which had no central leader or institution.
- This shows how digital communication technologies can empower the individuals that use them.
What is the Taliban’s internet strategy?
- They once banned photography, movies, and use of internet on the grounds that they were ‘unislamic’.
- The Taliban now use email to communicate with journalists, and use the media to project effective propaganda and recruit people.
- They use the internet as a one-way tool to spread their own content.
Who did a study called ‘The Facebook Effect’, which found that a Facebook site was used as a catalyst for a popular movement in Columbia?
Kirkpatrick
What did Kirkpatrick discuss relating to conflict and change?
- He did a study called The Facebook Effect.
- He found that a Facebook site was used as a catalyst for a popular movement in Colombia.
- It helped 10 million people take part in street demonstrations which stopped the violence and kidnapping that was taking place by the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
How does social media enable society?
- Immediate communication with others.
- Human rights can be discussed anonymously.
- Groups can speak out to a wide range of people.
- News can be told without being bias.
- Offers people the chance to speak out against regime.
Why was the media largely limited in the Arab World?
- Before recent revolutions, media was largely limited to the social elite, mainly due to access of the internet being restricted by the state.
- This was because rulers were worried western ideas would damage traditional ones.
What is some evidence of cultural homogenisation happening?
- Majority of information online is written in English, meaning many ideas are English driven and from a western culture perspective.
- Computer software, such as Microsoft Word, is western, meaning many will be geared towards this US English speaking market.
- Advertisement is generated by the west, meaning people are desiring these objects and buying them, making the west richer and more powerful.
- Western beliefs and ethics are being spread worldwide, which is seen to threaten middle east countries cultural practices and beliefs.
What will cultures be characterised by as they become more western?
- Capitalist ideology: economic system where there is a distinct working class, driven by profit.
- Patriarchal ideology: Men dominate over women in all areas of life.
- Secular ideas: less religious people, more scientific views.
- Increased individualism: Individual priorities over society and community expectations.
What is cultural defence?
When local cultures are promoted and protected.
What are examples of cultural defence?
- Mohammadi said western dominance is exaggerated and ignores the interactions that occur between different cultures.
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Giddens said ‘reverse colonisation’ is happening, where less powerful groups are putting their culture on the western world
e.g. Mexico is a country poorer than America, yet they adopt their food, dress and music. - Big western companies take local practices into account to make sure their companies grow and succeed over there. e.g. McDonalds
- Traditional religious groups use the internet to protect their culture and views and gain support.
Who said western dominance is exaggerated and ignores the interactions that occur between different cultures?
Mohammadi
Who talked about ‘reverse colonisation’?
Giddens
What does Giddens say about ‘cultural defence’?
- Giddens says ‘reverse colonisation’ is happening, where less powerful groups are putting their culture on the western world.
e.g. Mexico is a country poorer than America, yet they adopt their food, dress and music.
