Of course there is the idea that one global media identity will override any local identities and they will all become the same. This assumption is fair enough but Richard Wilk offers the view that "we are not all becoming the same, but we are portraying, dramatizing, and communication our differences to each other in ways that are more widely intelligible." (Wilk 1995, p. 118). So following this train of thought, it is healthy for us to be exposed to other identities. Although, it is possible that one of these identities will have the most influence over global media so one identity might have more impact shaping the rest.
Wilk could be right. Global media across all identities is a way to share cultures and ideals with other people. It is a way for us to learn about the rest of the world. It keeps our minds open to other ways of life and ways of communicating. Having the local identities converse with each other through global media seems like an ideal situation in terms of allowing cultures to continue developing. Local identities can still exist like this as long as global media is not favouring one 'identity' over others.
References
Wilk, R 1995, ‘Learning to be local in Belize: global systems of common difference’, in D Miller (ed.), Worlds apart: modernity through the prism of the local, Routledge, London.
image source: theglaringfacts.com
Hi Tessa,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog as demonstrates a clear understanding of global media and the effect they have on local identities. I agree that defining identities is a difficult task but towards the end of your blog you make it appear to be clear and easy to understand as I also believe that local identities are threatened by the presence of global media. I also liked how you asserted to the fact that local identities can still be present, but not favored by global media. Great use of reference as well, as it really backed up your argument. Great blog!