Globalization is the process that people exchange values such as information, money and people themselves across borders and continents. As Curran and Park points out, globalization is not a new phenomenon.[1] People have exchanged their values through Silk Road and other routes since the middle age. However, it seems true that the Internet allows the exchange, especially of information, to be quick and huge in recent years.
Although people with the Internet access get information easily, there is certainly a concern that the Internet can broaden the gap between industrialized countries and developing countries. [2] In that sense, the nation still plays a big role in making differences even in the age of globalization. [3]
The term “globalization” tends to imply positive message as it is stated “globalization is an engine of freedom, media diversity, and social emancipation” in Curran and Park’s article. [4] However, the notion needs to be considered again since the exchange of values always reflects the power.
[1]Curran, James and Myung-Jin Park. De-Westernizing Media Studies. London: Routledge, 2000. p. 8.
[2] Norris, Pippa. "Information Poverty and the Wired World." The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics 5 (2000): p. 1.
[3] Curran, James and Myung-Jin Park. De-Westernizing Media Studies. London: Routledge, 2000. p. 12.
[4] Curran, James and Myung-Jin Park. De-Westernizing Media Studies. London: Routledge, 2000. p. 14.
Takane Kobayashi
Takane Kobayashi
I agree that globalization is the exchange of information, money, and people across the globe. People transportation is a huge part of globalization and cannot be ignored. Comparable to your Silk Road example the African Slave Trade is an example of when people were used as currency. This may not be ethical, but it sure was globalization.
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