Reflecting…

Reflecting on my learning’s so far in the International Media and Communication subject, I am amazed with the significant amount that I have learnt in the past ten weeks. Throughout the progression of the subject I have gained a substantial amount of knowledge and a stronger set of opinions towards the weekly topics and readings.

The subject introduced me to countless new words and concepts that I had not been previously familiar with. Concepts such as media capitals, orientalism and neo-orientalism. It also delved further into subjects that I previously had some knowledge in, such as Hip Hop. I have always loved Hip Hop music and had some basic knowledge in the field, but I learnt more about it’s origins and the spread of the genre. My learning and knowledge most certainly expanded throughout the subject.

The blogging task enabled me to share my perspectives with others around the world.

Screenshot of my WordPress Site Views

I am still astonished by the diversity of international citizens that have viewed my blog posts in this time period. The weekly topics always discussed international content, conveying global appeal that interests citizens of the world. These topics on international media and communication taught me more about the world we live in.

My journey has not yet come to an end. I look forward to continuing to learn more and expanding my knowledge in these last few weeks. The course has helped to improve my writing skills from the regular blogging, and to critically reflect on content by expressing my perspectives. The course’s content has resultantly provided me with a stronger set of values and opinions towards the set topics.

The Media Needs to Tell the Truth about Climate Change

 There is currently a heated debate about the reporting of climate change in the mass media. I believe that our perspective and understanding of climate change is highly mediated. The media’s climate sceptic downplays the extent of global warming, including the causes and effects. The media’s downplay and “limited coverage is unlikely to have convinced readers that climate change is a serious problem” (Gavin, N 2009, pp. 770).

“Media education is an important tool to increase public understanding about wide ranging and complex issues… such as climate change” (Lyytimäki, J 2009, pp. 29). I believe that journalists have the ethical responsibility to report the truth and that they “should be free of obligation to any other interest other than the public’s right to know” (Ward, B 2009). The media continues to present ‘false-balance’ when it comes to reporting on the global issue of climate change. This is highly unethical, as they are presenting both sides as more balanced than the evidence and science actually supports. Presenting these sceptics as having equal weight is an inaccurate portrayal, giving society the wrong impression and attitude.

I strongly believe that journalists should be giving ‘voice to the voiceless’, sharing the untold stories involving climate change. For example, the small island of Kiribati which has been directly impacted by climate change. A Kiribati man is currently fighting to be the world’s first climate refugee, arguing that rising sea levels make it too dangerous for him to return. This is news about climate change that we should be told about. Until this week’s lecture I had not been aware of the situation occurring in Kiribati and the extent of it, because of the lack of coverage in the mainstream media.

The public sphere has the right to know about the facts, causes and risks of global climate change. We cannot solely rely on the media for information on climate change, as they create false-balance and downplay the extent of global warming. Global citizens need to be active and turn elsewhere for more credible information. We should make it our responsibility to educate ourselves, as the media is failing to do so in this case.

Image courtesy (Speigel, S 2013)

Reference List:
Gavin, N. 2009, ‘Addressing climate change: a media perspective’, Environmental Politics, vol. 18, no. 5, pp. 770.

Lagan, B 2013, ‘Kiribati: A Nation Going Under’, The Global Mail, 15 April, viewed 24 September, <http://www.theglobalmail.org/feature/kiribati-a-nation-going-under/590/>

Lyytimäki, J 2009, ‘Mulling over the Climate Debate: Media Education on Climate Change’, Journal Of Sustainable Development, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 29.

Perry, N 2013, ‘Pacific islander fights to be world’s first climate refugee’, The Independent, 1 October, viewed 24 September, <http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/pacific-islander-fights-to-be-worlds-first-climate-refugee-8852083.html>

Ward, B 2009, ‘Journalism ethics and climate change reporting in a period of intense media uncertainty’, Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics, vol. 9, pp. 13-15.

News Values

What is news? What makes news?

Framing. selection. little diversity.

Comedy Television Lost in Translation

Every community has its own set of social and cultural norms. Comedy television shows satirically exaggerate these norms for the local audience. It is easy for humour to get lost in translation when observed outside of its local context. This is due to context varying significantly under the circumstances of the comedy.

Image Courtesy (ABC Sydney, 2008)

There are countless shows that have been a huge success in their country of creation, yet have failed in others. This is because audiences with dissimilar social and cultural backgrounds interpret messages differently. For example, the American adaptation of Australia’s comedy series, “Kath & Kim“, failed to be culturally translated and the irony of the original was lost. The American version failed to portray “The gap between how a character imagines him/herself to be and how they appear to the audience” (Turnbull, S 2008, pp. 115). The adaptation lacked the irony that made the original version such a success and therefore the comedic elements of the show were non-existent.

Australian comedy television series, “Housos“, is a parody of Australian residents living in government housing commission. The show satirically connects these residents with bogan behaviour, Centrelink scams, neighbourhood conflict and rebelling against the authority.

For the Australian audience, we understand this humour and the elements of irony. Yet the show can easily be misinterpreted by international viewers, as it is a satirical parody of an Australian cultural stereotype. They may misinterpret the message because of lack of knowledge of the culture or because of disparate cultural and social norms. The translation of the comedy could easily be lost when travelling from the original cultural context to another. I believe that comedy television shows will successfully translate if they have “localizable specifics with which viewers can easily identify” (Miller, J 2010, pp. 198).

I strongly agree with Sue Turnbull who cleverly suggests, “The successful translation of a comedy depends not only on the translation of the cultural context from one locale to another, but also on the kinds of production deals which are made and the expectations about audiences which are then inferred. Even more significant may be the choices that are made about casting and the character of the ensuing embodied performances” (2008, pp. 115)

Reference List:
Housos 2011, YouTube, SBSAustralia, Sydney Australia, directed by Paul Fenech.

Miller, J 2010, ‘Ugly Betty goes global: Global networks of localized content in the telenovela industry’, Global Media and Communication, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 198.

Turnbull, S 2008,  ‘It’s Like They Threw a Panther in the Air and Caught It in Embroidery’: Television Comedy in Translation  [online]. Metro Magazine: Media & Education Magazine, No. 159, 2008: 110-115.

Wayne Dodson 2006, The Definition of a Bogan, BOGAN, viewed 9 September 2013, <http://www.bogan.com.au/definition/>

Transnational Cinema- To borrow or not to borrow?

Transnational cinema operates across national boundaries because of its diverse, cultural and economic qualities.

©iStockPhoto.com (see reuse policy).

Transnational films often use forms of co-optation or cultural hybridity in their creative plots. Co-optation is to take something and appropriate elements to make it one’s own (Dictionary, 2013). Co-opation is relevant in the debate surrounding cultural hybridity. Cultural hybridity refers to when “human agents self-consciously and creatively combine local with global cultural formations in a bid to subvert potentially homogenizing forces associated with cultural imperialism” (Schaefer, D & Karan, K 2010, pp. 309). I believe that there is a difference between hybridity and co-optation. The key difference is mixing cultures or traditions, as opposed to taking something and making it your own. I strongly believe that both of these practices are fair as long as the appropriation is respectable to the derived culture.

2008 British film, Slumdog Millionaire, is an example of cultural hybridity as it mixes aspects of Indian and western culture.

The movie was filmed in India, and is about the life of an adolescent male who grew up in the slums of Mumbai. The film conveyed many aspects of the Indian lifestyle and culture, but there was also evident aspects of the western culture as it was produced by a British film maker, for both an eastern and western audience. Evidence of westernisation was using the western television show “Who wants to Be a Millionaire”, music from the Pussycat Dolls, and focusing on Indian call centres and the Taj Mahal which are recognised by western audiences. The film is a great example of cultural hybridity and also assisted in increasing the popularity of Indian Bollywood films.

Image courtesy (Maata, P 2012)

The Bindi is a sacred ornament of the Hindu tradition, worn on the forehead by married Hindu women. The Bindi has become the subject of co-optation by the western culture, appropriating it into a commercialised fad and fashion trend (Lane, N 2013). Transnational cinema has assisted in popularising the Bindi, as Bollywood films have crossed national boundaries. There has been immense criticism of wearing the Bindi as a fashion fad as it is out of the original cultural context.

Image courtesy (Prestoe, Z 2013)

Personally, I believe that it is fair to the wear the Bindi in an appropriated context as long as it is in a respectable manner to the Hindu culture.

Reference List:
Dictionary, 2013, Coopt, Dictionary, viewed 3 September 2013, <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/coopt>

IMDb, 2013, Slumdog Millionaire (2008), IMDb, viewed 3 September 2013, <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/>

Lane, N 2013, Bindi Controversy and Cultural Appropriation, Everland Clothing, weblog post, viewed 3 September 2013, <http://everlandclothing.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/bindi-controversy-and-cultural.html>

Religion Facts, 2013, Bindi, Religion Facts, viewed 3 September 2013, <http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/things/bindi.htm>

Schaefer, D & Karan, K 2010, ‘Problematizing Chindia: Hybridity and Bollywoodization of popular Indian cinema in global film flows’, Global Media and Communication, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 309.

The impacts of media flows

Media capitals as a concept is based on the fact that media emerges from flows. Media flows are neither bounded nor self-contained, globalisation has opened the lids of the containers and provided us with international access (Curtain, M 2003).

Media flows have had an extremely beneficial impact on our society. As cultures have become more increasingly interconnected, movement of culture has resulted. Television shows are conveying clear influences of other cultures, borrowing elements from productions and adapting them to suit their audience.

The Bachelor is a great example of a reality television show that other regions have been influenced by, and consequently have appropriated elements to suit their audience. The television show which originated in the United States has been adapted by twelve other countries, conveying immense media and cultural flows.

Media flows have also had a negative impact on our society. Our perceptions of ‘others’ are significantly shaped by film and television media. We often believe what they choose to show us, in regards to other cultures and nationalities. Film and television often emphasise a stereotype or select to portray only the negative connotations of a nationality. This is extremely problematic as it creates generalisations of cultures or nationalites. Many people perceive these generalisations to be true because the media’s selected exposure. For example, the television show Border Security targets foreigners, creating a stereotype that all foreigners are suspicious and possibly dangerous people. Although in this case the stereotyping is unintentional, the show only chooses to display corrupt foreigners, putting this assumption and generalisation into people’s mind. The way we perceive ‘others’ to be is significantly shaped by film and television media, and as they are often inaccurate portrayals it can create ignorance and confusion.

H-H-H-Hip Hop

Throughout my adolescent years, I have grown up listening to the Hip Hop genre. From American “gangster” rap to the laidback “Aussie Hip Hop”. I have become a true hip hop lover as I feel that the music and lyrics are more passionate, real, and easy to resonate with.

Image Courtesy (Billboard, 2013)

Hip hop has provided many artists with an outlet for self-expression and vehicle for identification. I strongly believe that you don’t have to live through oppression to be labelled as a hip hop artist. The genre is not solely about the “pimps and hoes” lifestyle. The messages artists typically convey are highly connected to their heritage (Henderson, A 2006). Hip hop in its contemporary form can be both political and performative.

Australian Hip Hop trio, Bliss N’ Eso, are an example of artists whose style is both political and performative. They use their music to spread awareness on global issues, such as poverty in Africa. Their hit song, “The Sea Is Rising”, raises awareness about global issues, including global warming and climate change.

Bliss N’ Eso used this song as a vehicle to spread awareness on global issues and to spark social change. Their lyrics typically discuss real global issues and problems within society.

Using hip hop music as a political outlet or to spread awareness on global issues can be extremely beneficial to our society. Music can be a useful and effective way to reach large audiences. It has the ability to inform and educate, persuading listeners to resonate with the message and has the potential to spark a social change.

Reference List:
Bliss N Eso – Bullet & A Target 2010, YouTube, LiberationMusicAus, Australia.

Bliss N Eso – The Sea Is Rising 2010, YouTube, LiberationMusicAus, Australia.

HipHopHistory 2008, HISTORY OF HIP-HOP STYLE, HipHopHistory, viewed 20 August 2013, <http://hiphophistory.indiegroup.com/>.

Mushroom Creative 2013, Bio, Bliss N Eso, viewed 20 August 2013, <http://blissneso.com/contact/>.

 

Living in an Internationalised World

Today, we live in an extremely internationalised world. Due to globalisation, there is an ongoing increase of international students in Australia. International education plays a vital role in the Australian economy. In 2010-11, international education brought in over sixteen billion dollars in export income (Australian Education International, 2011). International education is not only beneficial to the Australian economy, but also makes an important contribution to our society and education.

International education makes an important contribution to our society by diversifying and enriching communities (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011). Australia adopting and embracing an internationalised style of education is significant in broadening student’s perspectives, by exposing them to culturally diverse values and viewpoints. However, research shows that local students are not interested in engaging with international students (Marginson, S 2012).

Local students may not be interested in interacting with international students because of study and other commitments. It would be beneficial for local students to spare some time and take advantage of the opportunity to engage in intercultural communication. Sharing differences and talking openly may shape one’s worldview, values and opinions, becoming a very memorable experience. I believe we need to put ourselves in the international students shoes and become global citizens.

I consider myself to be a cosmopolitan, as I strongly feel I am a global citizen in this internationalised world. Growing up in a family of annual travellers, I am frequently exposed to cultural diversity and difference. Having travelled to the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand and Fiji, I have developed a great sense of acceptance, as well as valuing difference and diversity. From my experiences with travelling and also living in a multi-cultural community, I feel I have achieved cultural competence.

Indonesian vacation- Interacting with young Indonesian students

Reference List:
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011, Australian Social Trends, cat. no. 4102.0, ASB, Canberra.

Australian Education International, 2011, Research Snapshot : Export Income to Australia from Education Services in 201-110, AEI, accessed 14 August 2013, <www.aei.gov.au>

Australian Education International 2013, Monthly Summary of International Student Enrolment Data1 –Australia – YTD June, Australian Government, accessed 14 August 2013, <https://aei.gov.au/research/International-Student-Data/Documents/Monthly%20summaries%20of%20international%20student%20enrolment%20data%202013/06_June_2013_MonthlySummary.pdf>

Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria 2006, Cultural Competence Guidelines and Protocols, Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria, viewed 14 August 2013.

Marginson, S 2012, ‘Morphing a profit-making business into an intercultural experience: International education as self-formation’, powerpoint slides, BCM111 Subject Reader, University of Wollongong, delivered 21 February 2012.

Globalisation On Society

“Globalisation refers to an international community influenced by technological development and economic, political, and military interests”- (O’Shaughnessy, M & Stadler, J 2012).

A map of global internet traffic produced by the Opte Project. Licensed under Creative Commons.

The globalisation process implies that our world is becoming more unified in a sense, because of the increased global connectedness. As a result of globalisation’s interconnectedness, there has been both positive and negative aspects.

The utopian view of globalisation proposes that “people of the world can be brought closer together by the globalisation of communication” (O’Shaughnessy, M & Stadler, J 2012). Globalisation has therefore been positive as it has created unity and a shift towards conglomeration. Globalisation has positively impacted society as it has created positive social change, global perspectives and spread cultural values and ideas.

However, the dystopian view emphasises the significant gap between the rich and the poor. Evidence suggests that the richer parts of the world benefits from globalisation but very few of the poorer half do not, which is a negative aspect (Madeley, J 2009, pp. 52). An apparent digital divide still remains between those who are connected and those who aren’t. There is still a large number of people in the world who are not affected by globalisation and/or have no access to the internet. As we live in an extremely globalised society we feel that everyone is connected, yet only forty-one percent of people globally, are connected to the internet (International Telecommunication Union, 2013).

Screenshot of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) study, 2013.

This week I was involved in an open discussion on the topic of globalisation and identity. I was asked, “Where do you come from?” and “What is your ‘culture’?” I could clearly identify myself as being Australian with a part Italian background. Yet when I was asked, “What is your culture?”, I was uncertain what this meant to me. After some deep thought into my identity I concluded that I belong to an Australian family, with a half Italian mother. These cultures have deeply shaped my own culture. I feel Italian food has become part of my culture as well as Australian practices, such as Summer barbeques. I concluded that I am a mix of both origin cultures, but throughout the personal experiences in my life I have also created my own personal culture. This personal culture includes my own practices and beliefs. Without recognising it, my culture has evidently been impacted by globalisation to a large extent.

Reference List:
International Telecommunication Union, 2013, ICT Facts and Figures, International Telecommunication Union, viewed 8 August 2013, <http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2013.pdf>

Madeley, J 2009, ‘Globalisation’, Appropriate Technology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 52-53.

O’Shaughnessy, M & Stadler, J 2012, Media And Society, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Victoria.

Vocabulary, 2013, Conglomeration, Vocabulary, viewed 7 August 2013, <https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/conglomeration>.