The loss of traditions and culture is often considered one of the major negative affects of globalisation and the integration of diasporic populations. While I understand and accept this argument as valid, I always like to try and remove some of the negative stigma attached to globalisation.
When we travel internationally, we are creating culture, which then in turn gets discussed in our public sphere. Based on the definition provided by McKee, the public sphere is not a physical place but more of a permeable metaphorical membrane between which members of society can exchange ideas, opinions or beliefs (2005, p. 4). In this increasingly modernised world, the public sphere has worked its way online in the form of social media, blogging etc.
As discussed in this week’s study guide chapter, we are creating culture when we consume or purchase pieces of art/sculptures/general knick-knacks that we believe represent the culture of the place we are visiting. These same pieces of art act as a pathway for the spread of culture as we will naturally return home and undoubtedly discuss these items at great length, much to the boredom and frustration of our friends. In addition to this, people travelling will often post pictures to their social media sites, further sharing that piece of ‘culture’ with others. The picture of the booze vending machine and the overly specific sign are prime examples of this. Through this blog, i am again sharing them with you.
Along with these cultural artefacts, the everyday actions of a society are also considered every bit as ‘cultural’ but often go overlooked as we tend to bring with us our home environment and apply that to everything we see and do (culturaltravel.net).
I believe that travel and spread of culture is ultimately positive as the resulting cultural acceptance is driving factor for battling racism and creating a more harmonious (not homogenised) world.
Pictures are from my mates Instagram. I asked her so it's okay.
References:
McKee, A 2005, Extract from, The public sphere: An introduction, Cambrigde University Press, p. 4-19
http://www.culturaltravel.net/ (Super official website)
This post is well written as it incorporates a range of resources – academic as well as eye-catching images, to give credit to the author’s statements. The author utilises irony in that we all share and create culture; and by writing this very post we are again representing that same culture. I agree that our everyday actions are also part of our making of ‘culture’, yet they do become overlooked and I too concur that travelling and spreading culture is a positive step in battling racism.
ReplyDeleteYou’ve opened your argument well by briefly highlighting some of the negative effects of globalisation before counteracting them with some of the positive alternatives, although I’m not sure which outweighs the other.
ReplyDeleteHowever, you have made a great point indicating how everyone is capable of becoming an individual agent in meaning making or as you’ve put it ‘creating culture’. This concept, which is the basis for the discussion, could probably be explored even further especially in relation to the theme of homogenisation which is mentioned briefly in the conclusion.
Overall a well thought out and written post.
Hey Lloyd,
ReplyDeleteGood post, good points, good content, written well, use of terms. I see globalisation simarly - it empower cultures, and they can share their story with the rest of the world. With more people going in and out of nations, some hold onto their cultural belief stronger, whereas others adapt to their surroundings. Of course there are negatives, but 250 words simply ain't enough.
When I went to this island in the Thai gulf, these 5 cambodians dudes let me crash at their place for a few days. I learnt about the differences between a 'kato' and a lady boy, some words, and what is was like living on a remote island, entertaining white folk. It was strange because I was totally out of my comfort zone and 'aussiefied'. We taught eachother a lot. I believe that you learn more from travel than anything else.
Good post dude!
Great post, I found it to be very coherent to read! I do also have a similar view that globalisation emphasises culture. It is now easier than ever to spread the ideals of any culture because of the media. Who knows - there could suddenly be more restaurants and apparel popping up from cultures we have yet to really understand and experience despite being the fact that Australia is very diverse in culture.
ReplyDeleteWe often do not realise just how much people can actually influence culture, it can be either continued, forgotten in time or we even start creating our own. Good job!
Awesome post, I really liked how you have stated the what the majority opinion on what gloablisation has done to culture - but then you have put a positive spin to it and explained some positives, like the use of social media to share these cultures with others. I personally think its awesome that globalisation has made it possible for people who can not travel as some may still get to see the culture first hand from friends and through the Web. Great job.
ReplyDeleteHey Lloyd,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you! I also think globalisation and ‘culture diaspora’ is more of a good thing than bad. I don’t see it a loss of tradition and culture but I see it a advance of culture to a better world that bring together the differences. We are exposed to different culture wherever we are and whatever we are doing. I am from Hong Kong but I love Korean pop music and Korean drama series more. I love globalisation! We get to choose which culture we want to adopt without losing who we really are.
A very intriguing post. You stated, "the loss of traditions and culture is often considered one of the major negative affects of globalisation." I agree to an extent with this comment. If Globalisation can change traditions or cultures then they probably weren't very strong to begin with. Because History creates culture and history cannot be changed, rather give the people of the time an opportunity to modify the future based on those original traditions and values. Also I believe that cultures can be represented and acknowledged through travel, especially to a young country such as Australia.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoy reading your blogs Lloyd! Always insightful, well references and informative. Your opinions through this piece are well reasoned and not forced upon the reader, and I agree with your stance on trying to take some negativity away from Globalisation. I think you are one of the best bloggers throughout the unit, you write well and use imagery very professionally, and this post is no exception. Well done mate!
ReplyDelete