Essay 6

Question 1

What is globalisation?

Answer 1

Globalisation involves the concept of international community through instantaneous information exchange as well as other technological and infrastructure advancements. It is important to understand that we have become interconnected and interdependent to all countries globally. Finally, there is a fear that globalization would lead to homogenization, hybridization and multiculturalism.

Question 2

Explain the characteristics of globalisation.

Answer 2

Globalisation is instantaneous in that it bridges time and space. There is a sense of interconnectedness because globalisation facilitates interpersonal communication and relationship building across geographical boundaries. In addition to this, there is a clear global interdependence from both an economic and political perspective. Finally, mergers and conglomeration has led to a concentration of media ownership and control of production to a small number of multinational conglomerates.

Question 3

What is the utopian view of globalisation?

Answer 3

• Global village - Bring people close together digital media transcends time and space
• Media transcends the nation state to give everyone a voice Reuters news in News24 (International)
• Interactive media facilitates participation (public space) Dove campaign – women internationally were encouraged to participate
• Enables us to share each other’s lives social media (internet communities)
• Empowerment, education, democracy and equality IOL
• Community connected by common interest Blogs, YouTube, Facebook page or the World Cup
• Potential for economic and social development
• Transparency and accountability

Question 4

What is the dystopian view of globalisation

Answer 4

• Quality of life decreases (media saturation)
• Gap between rich and poor increases
• ‘Network society’ contributes toward the digital divide
• No internet affects development Most of our population has no computer skills and access to the internet off a computer or laptop. The extent of outinternet development ends at access from our phones.
• Internet controlled by elite group and spatial inequalities exist (quality and cost of internet) Rich get richer and poor get poorer because we will never catch up to the quality and advancement of American internet and computer technology.
• Cultural imperialism (i.e. Hollywood) our radio copied US radio and plays US songs
• Global monopoly leads to a loss in cultural identity TV news presented the same as the US
• Serve the interests of the giant media companies Rupert Murdoch (serves interests of wealthy and big businesses)