In his article, ‘Globalization of Culture
Through the Media’, Kraidy (2002) discusses the common viewpoints about the
influence of mass media on cultural transformation. According to him, throughout
its history, the focus of the debate has gradually shifted from the impact of
the biased influence of international media flow among countries to the role of
commercialization on culture. Although no consensus has been
reached among researchers as to the degree and implications of media influence,
Kraidy concludes that widely regarded theories of international communication
do not disregard the effect media has on changing cultures.
While the debate about cultural
transformation and transnational media flow has been ongoing, I agree with
Kraidy’s opinion that there is a gray area between the power of multinational
corporations and nation-states. In his article, he explains that although the
focus of the subject has shifted to these corporations, the role of governments
cannot be disregarded. For example, the proliferation of K-pop culture – a
subsidiary of the South Korean media industry – has become a global phenomenon
in recent years. Kim (2011), in his article, elaborates on the extensive role
of the Korean government in promoting Korean broadcasting industry globally.
The Korean Tourism Board is also jumping in on the bandwagon by publicizing the
filming locations of well-known Korean dramas as tourist spots. Among them is
Namiseom Island, where the show Winter
Sonata was filmed. The globalization of Korean’s popular culture is largely
nation-state driven. It proves that the government is still a powerful
influence and a possible focus point when reviewing communication theories.
Although my illustration of Korea
ascertains that nation-states still exist as contributors of media globalization,
I certainly do not disagree with the prevalent view in conceptualising theories
away from ‘cultural imperialism’. In some cases, the present manifestation of
globalization by multinational media companies has outweighed nation-states.
Facebook is a fitting example of private companies that are not directly
controlled by government bodies. It is an independent organisation that has a
global footprint and is a suitable case study for present-day media
globalization.
In conclusion, the nation-state cannot be
detached from the present study of globalization through media. Progressing
forward, I feel that it is still a relevant component and would provide a more
comprehensive view of the issue.
(Word count: 376)
References
Kim, M. (2011). The Role of the Government
in Cultural Industry: Some Observations From Korea’s Experience. Retrieved from http://www.mediacom.keio.ac.jp/publication/pdf2011/10KIM.pdf
Korea Tourism Organization (n.d.). Korean TV Drama; Winter Sonata. Retrieved
from http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto
Kraidy, M. M. (2002). Globalization of Culture Through the Media. Retrieved from http://repository.upenn.edu/asc/
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