Globalization: Not a big gobbling monster afterall?@ Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 10:30:00 AM
Ah. Dancing Bush. In this age of globalization, social and political commentary, and indeed random bits and fluffs of self-expression, passes through public consciousness like a wild flame, a phenomenon largely due to recent innovations in technology; technology has given a voice to just about anyone and everyone to air their views, regardless of status, credentials etcetera. Crude flash animations (i.e. the one you just saw above), blog rants, cheesy homemade videos are just the tip of the iceberg. All of these commentary, covering from the most mundane of all topics (i.e. celebrities and their unsuccessful endeavors into plastic surgery here) to the most imperative, which provide a relief to the more often than not staid and hackneyed perspectives of traditional media outlets.
Why is it that some fear that globalization threatens our current diverse portfolio of cultures with one common and pervasive all-encompassing culture? It is reasonable to think that, despite the apparent ubiquity of certain elements in the increasingly monotonous cultures across the globe, globalization, in fashioning extensive connections between individuals across the globe, and facilitating the dissemination of individual thoughts, viewpoints, ideas etcetera, would result in an even more multifarious culture scene in the world. This is as by providing a common space (whether virtual or not is of no consequence) for people across the globe with common beliefs and thoughts, or providing a melting pot where different cultures could meet, could breathe life into new subcultures, movements etcetera. The ability of one to infuse in the flood of ideas and thoughts by individuals across the globe, a ramification of globalization, rather than being limited to the traditional forms of media, would also diversify our cultures.
Take for example the semi-famous "Dancing Bush" above, which spawned many clones, such as "Dancing Hillary", "Dancing Blair", and other flash games which paint a less than flattering portrait of Mister Bush (i.e. the Anti-Bush game here) etcetera. This is, arguably, an augmentation of the heterogeneity of our cultures: such a admittedly crude conception makes waves in our society, spawns clones, provides entertainment, serves as political commentary etcetera.
THE GLOBALISERS FIVE
of Temasek Academy.
Political Expert
Chuang Ying Xuan
Economic Expert
Lin Xiaowei
Technological Expert
Michelle Ng
Environmental & Health Expert
Ong Wei Xi Elysia
Cultural Expert
Tan Eelyn 2A/06, Group 5.
AWARDS;
7th April 2007:
Globalisation & the Environment
