Globalization is the process by which information, ideas, currency and culture are exchanged back and forth, voluntarily or unconsciously throughout the world today.
Globalization is not a privilege available for ‘developed countries’ only; because it is not a physical entity it reaches both ‘developing’ and ‘under developed’ parts of the world as well. Although globalization is an efficient way of trading and sharing positive aspects of society, it relates to certain methods of Mass Communication which are used as a scapegoat for the de-individualized ways of the world today.
“ While Mass Communication as a determinant of social and political realities has multiplied experiences of the world- or increased empirical knowledge- it has failed to equip individuals with an intellectual disposition – or rational knowledge – to competently approach the complexity of the world with confidence.” [1]
Like the previous example of Mass Communication, Information Poverty too is associated with a negative connotation. The idea of Information Poverty comes into play when some areas of the world are not receiving vital informational resources as other parts of the world are. In this case, there is only an export of information if anything, but no incoming communication from other parts of the world allowing individuals or communities the opportunity gain certain knowledge of their liking. “Whatever we know, we know through the media”[2] If Hardt is right, his quote would be implying that that not only are people being deprived of resources, but knowledge as well, knowledge that cannot be found else where. President of the World Bank, James D. Wolfensohn states “ The digital divide is one of the greatest impediments to development.”[3] If this divide continues to grow, it would result in a direct increase of Information Poverty and provide as an example of the ignorance many exhibit towards the importance of equal access to Mass Communication resources.
[1] Hardt, Hanno. Myths for the Masses: An Essay on Mass Communication. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub., 2004. Print. p. 2
[2] Hardt, Hanno. Myths for the Masses: An Essay on Mass Communication. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub., 2004. Print. p.4
[3] Norris, Pippa. "Information Poverty and the Wired World." The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics, 2000. Print. p. 6
Maggie, I agree with you that globalization is not only available for developed countries only, but your realization that the information poverty of the digital divide makes it so that most of the world's information is available solely to these 'developed' countries is a problem that is sad but true. Moreover, this digital divide is not something that is widely acknowledged throughout the world, so it is indeed a very difficult obstacle to overcome. All in all, I enjoyed reading your post!
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