Identity, the Media, and Communication Technology CH 3, pages 66-87 Social Studies 10-1

Terminology digital divide propaganda pop culture universalization hybridization

Identity and Communication At one time, distance was a huge barrier to communication, but today’s digital technology has nearly eliminated this barrier. Digital technology also enables you to offer instant feedback on TV programs or the content of web sites. Connections like these help affirm people’s membership in the world community.

What do you think the message of this cartoon is?

Let’s answer some questions…. What communication technologies are represented by the plugs and cords used in the cartoon? How are the technologies shown already becoming out of date? Why do you suppose the cartoonist left out geographic features such as land masses and oceans? How do you think interconnected communication technologies are affecting cultural diversity and people’s cultural identity?

How is identity affected by opportunities to communicate with people around the world?

Very important to be aware: Challenges Opportunities

THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: WHAT IS IT?

The Digital Divide The gap that separates people who do — and do not — have access to up-to-date digital technology is often called the digital divide. Examine the map on page 69 (Figure 3-3). Where is Internet use highest? Lowest? How might this affect people’s identity?

Good bye one laptop per child

Spin offs…

Text someone right now… Parent, grandparent, or someone else from an earlier generation… How did he or she communicated with others as a teenager? Do they think technological changes have made a difference to your identity as a teenager. Why/how? Do you aggree or disagree/explain your reasons.

Technology at Work- Identity- APTN In 1972, Canada launched a satellite called the Anik A1 — and initiated a new era of communication in Canada’s North and other remote areas. In 1999, this technology helped the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network create a nationwide TV service for Aboriginal people. More Current Initiatives - OLPC Canada (previous slide)

UN Sustainable Development Goals 17 Goals to Transform Our World

Related to Access to Communication Technology

Why Access to Communication Technologies and Media Matters Connects Indigenous Communities Minority language protection/preservation Women, internet, and the developing world Barriers faced in joining the digital economy/digital economy basically is the economy.

Ok so lets reflect for a moment…. Based on what you have read so far, do you believe that the globalizing force of contemporary communication technologies is a positive or negative force in affirming and promoting people’s individual and collective identity?

How is diversity influenced by the media and communication technologies?

Whenever people from different cultures met and exchanged goods/services/ideas, some acculturation and accommodation always occurred. Example: language (Michif, Japanese Writing, Humanism, etc) This can be seen as positive or negative Why do you suppose this is the case?

What is new today is the speed and complexity of the exchanges that take place. For many people, the challenge is to balance the positive and negative effects Figure 3-8 in your textbook: ESPN adapts its local coverage to suit the interests of audiences around the world. Does this promote diversity or homogenization?

On one side… On the other hand… As we learn about different cultures, we come to appreciate and respect difference On the other hand… Minority cultures can be assimilated by dominant cultures, leading to their culture disappearing. They can be marginalized by the dominant culture. Their very existence can be threatened in many ways.

So – let’s weigh the diversity vs. assimilation idea. To do that, recall the definitions of media concentration and media convergence Nowhere is globalization more apparent than in the media.

Media Concentration The gathering of ownership of newspapers, TV, radio, magazines and ALL media in the hands of a few large corporations.

Media Convergence The use of electronic technology to integrate media such as newspapers, books, TV, and the Internet.

Think about mass media – internet, television, radio – they can all reach and deliver a message to all parts of the globe. Again – this can increase/embrace/celebrate diversity, or… It can also promote cultural homogenization and universalization of pop culture.

Diversity and the Free Flow of Information

Media “cross-ownership” is another term for media convergence. What is the cartoonists’ opinion of media convergence? How does the cartoonist make his opinion clear? Note the name of the newspaper. How does the cartoonist use humour to make a point?

Other Voices Where are the other voices/stories/perspectives? What about Al Jazeera? Propaganda? http://www.aljazeera.com/

Propaganda Ideas and information spread for the purpose of achieving certain goals.

Diversity and the Internet Does everyone benefit from global communication? Explain your answer What does this mean for diversity and identity?

English language dominates information on the internet. How might this affect French, Spanish, German, Arabic, etc.- students? In Canada, the commissioner of official languages produced a report stressing that, in a globalizing world, maintaining a strong French presence on the Internet requires continuous effort.

Techno-Isolation Think about how current communication technologies can enable you to create your own world. Your MP3 player, for example, gives you a customized soundtrack and blocks out the rest of the world . Are we just becoming High Tech Hermits? Read page 75 on techno-Isolation

Techno-Isolation Does communication technology increase connections between people or does it promote social isolation? Brainstorm with a partner and use examples to decide whether technology has more of a negative or positive effect on cultural diversity.