Media Blog "Quiz"

A) 1. The emergence and continued dominance of the global media industry by a small group of transnational media conglomerates is certainly a main concern in regards to media globalization. Time Warner, Disney, Sony, and Viacom are all companies that operate on a global level and are the owners of a large percent of the world's media. They have their hands in all aspects of the media, as well, including: production, distribution, marketing, and ultimately selling the product that they are creating. Time Warner, a gigantic company which is involved with music, television, music, and magazines, are one of the largest transnational companies in the world. It is companies like these that effect us on a global level because they have so much control and so much power in a variety of media-related facets. A television show by the company may be created in one country, produced in another, and then marketed to twenty other different countries. There is an understanding concern for this sort of gigantisim, and many feel that if conglomerates like this gain too much power, they will have the ability to eliminate choice and ultimately end up being the sole deciders of the media that is consumed on a global level.

2. Another main feature of media globalization is the uneven flow of information and communication products within the global system. This also involves the different level of accessibility that global citizens have to networks of communication as well as the contrast between "information rich" and "information poor" societies. In a perfect world, globalization would be a fair process, leaving no citizen or country behind. Unfortunately, a large factor in current globalization is the theory of the "digital divide." This term refers to the separation of cultures that are wealthy and able enough to afford access to communicative devices and technology that allow them to "get in on" globalization and therefore be a part of the emerging global village. Many Third World countries do not have access even to televisions or newspapers, let alone the mass of new media that is beginning to take over First World countries. This may include the Internet, new technological advances in media such as digital television or digital music, amongst a variety of other facets. It becomes increasingly difficult to classify the this process as globalization when the entire globe is not taking part and certain countries are being left behind.

3. Globalization is an inadvertent process which was not created by any singularly specific person, society, or country. To this day, it is very difficult to fully define the term, "globalization" and many of its components are still being debated. There is though, an obvious ideology that goes hand in hand with globalization and that is the concept of consumerism, and in tandem with this, capitalism. New media is being produced every single day, and technological advances are at an all time high. Whether these technologies are created for pleasure, work, or the betterment of our society, there is still always a primary goal behind these technologies: money. Money, unfortunately, is what makes the world go round, and it is what allows us to continue into globalization as a nation ourselves and as a part of the global network. The marketing and advertising of new technology is everywhere, and as a result, the need for more money and the concept of consumerism is constantly being promoted. Countries are certainly becoming more connected with one another and there is no doubt that technology is launching us as a society into a new age; but at what costs? Is consumerism and capitalism becoming too prevalent? Money has become more important than ever before, being required in order to stay up to date and in touch., but will it get out of hand as new technology is constantly being created? Only time will tell, but consumers must be aware of what they are being marketed, why they are being marketed to, and how to filter and monitor their spending and response to the consumerist media.

B) There are a variety of concerns that pertain to media globalization which are expressed in the book. In my opinion, some of them are valid and some of them are close-minded and unable to accept the imminent chang that media globalization will bring. All of the books in the world can be written on the subject, but in the end, media globalization is a reality and it shouldn't not be stopped but rather intelligently embraced. The concern that media conglomerates such as Disney and Time Warned is certainly a valid one. There is a diminishing number of small and independent production and media companies these days. This may very well have to do with the fact that larger giants are buying them out, destroying the competition, and leaving no room for anything that is too far to the left or right from the mainstream. It is important that these companies are regulated and that independent movie production companies, television stations, record labels, etc. continue to remain strong and fierce in their independence. At some point, if these conglomerates get too big, they will have to be regulated and ultimately cut down from having the ability to control every facet of the media like they are embarking on today.

Another cause for concern in media globalization is the access that is provided to everyone around the globe. It is a very real fact that many countries cannot afford, currently, to be a part of the global village that is being created. Their lack of access is causing them difficulties and until they are given that access, it will always be a never-ending circle. For example, some countries are starting to get the Internet, but they are receiving in the form of dail-up and 56K modems. This is archaic technology and although these companies are advancing, it is far behind the progress of the many other technological powerhous countries that exist today. In order for globalization to truly be effective and thus bring to the world its many benefits, the digital divide is going to have to be torn down. I realize that this is much easier said than done, but until the rest of the world catches up and can participate fully with other countries, globalization will never truly exist.

On a final note, I want to address one criticism and concern that is held by the book that I don't necessarily believe to be a cause for concern. Many believe that media globalization is going to be a key component to the homogenization of culture around the world. That is to say that cultures will start losing their individuality and identity and mesh together to form one, large mish-mashed culture. Concerning America, this homogenization of culture is often referred to as Americanization, referring to some imperial methods that our country has used to impose its culture on others. Americanization is not a positive thing, in my opinion. It is an imperialist, archaic way of thinking and it has no place in the world. The sharing of ideas, concepts, and culture between nations, on the other hand, is not a bad thing at all. The easiest way to examine this is through something that pervades all of human culture: food. In America, you can walk down a street and pass an Italian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Polish, Indian, and Mexican restaurant all on the same block. That being said, there will also be a variety of fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy's to bring that American-ness to the culture as well. Reversely, walking down a street in China will bring you all of those same opportunity, with a McDonalds and a Starbucks at every corner. Is this a negative thing? Well, when talking about consumerism and capitalism, yes, it may be. But in terms of culture sharing, this is NOT a NEGATIVE CONCERN. In my opinion, culture is MADE to be shared. Sure, every culture has different facets but these ideas are meant to be taught, explored, and shared. In my opinion, McDonalds should be in other countries if those countries want them there. It is America giving the gift of culture to another country. It is impossible for people to complain about culture in our society because our home is a MELTING POT of culture and there is nothing more beautiful in the world. I propose that the concept of Cultural Homoginization be eliminated and replaced by Cultural Naturalization, the sharing of ideas and concepts in culture that will result in the creation of something new and eclectic: a global culture that contains the facets of hundreds of cultures, allowing access to an infinite number of choices of food, dress, beliefs, and traditions. This is the reason why I believe the media globalization is, in fact, a positive thing. I believe that it facilitates the sharing of ideas and cultures and that this will eventually lead to a better understanding of ourselves not just as individual societies and cultures but as a group of people that share one universal trait no matter what: being human.


Picture: The picture that I have used portrays the concept of global harmony. Whether or not this is an idealistic concept, I have a firm belief that media globalization can bring countries closer in their technological and cultural endeavors. The picture shows a variety of religious symbols all surrounding a globe. Much more than religion, I think this accurately shows how the world could someday be and how it may be facilitated by media and the consumer's willingness to allow it to bring culture and society together as a whole.