Definition of Globalization

#ALC215

Globalisation refers to the growing interconnectedness of different parts of the world, a process which gives rise to complex forms of interaction and interdependency. (Thompson, 1995: 149, Theorizing Media and Globalization, pg 7.)

I feel that Thompsons quote on globalisation is all too negative. The words like Interdependency shine a bad light on what globalisation could achieve on a world wide spectrum. I personally see Globalisation as a symbiotic relationship between cultures and people.

Globalisation moves past a national level of interaction and sees the combination of cultures, economies and people. It is a pull and push effect on everyone, not a dependence on one another. Dependence which Thompson uses in his definition is a word that would be seen as weak. That you can’t stand on your own two feet.

As global media consumer and a globalisation and media student, I feel that globalisation synergetic energy that is rapidly evolving idea that boomed during the times of airline travel and most importantly the internet. The internet as allowed us to communicated to nearly anyone in the world at any time, with the simple click of a button. It is a revolutionary application of communication that will inevitably bring cultures together with shared ideas. And a growing international trade of being able to buy things online.

I feel hat Thompsons definition of globalisation is too cold and misleading to what it is and can be. If I were to describe it, I would say that: Globalisation is the growing synergy across the globe, a process which would develop international symbiosis between cultures and economies. 

Extra information on the internet and globalization 

Media and Globalization

#ALC215

As an Australian and Canadian hybrid who grew up in a predominately Asian area of Melbourne, my cultural identity is all sorts of convoluted. I enjoy American television, Chinese films, Japanese cartoons and Polish video-games.  My entertainment is provided to me from across the world,  as a consumer, I would consider myself a global citizen'.

This idea of  being a globalized consumer is becoming more and more commonplace in our society. As a late Generation-Y child, I spent my childhood during the boom of the internet. So in my life the idea of talking to someone anywhere in the world at anytime seems very common place to me. With the way that the Generation Z is going, this global culture is going to be even more ingrained in their life in the future.

My problem with this system of Globalized media is the outdated means in which we use it in. Television and region locks are a thing of the past, and only exist to fuel piracy. For example "“If we look at the top countries where Game of Thrones is downloaded, Australia comes out on top with 10.1% of all downloads (based on one episode),” TorrentFreak wrote on its blog. (article here). As an Australian I understand why this is so, as the show first aired a entire season's difference in time. Whilst the second season aired 4 weeks after America. So the Global citizens of us in Australia need a more accessible and legal way to remain Global media users.

Game of Thrones problems

The good and bad of media globalisation.

Good:

• Steam
• Netflix 
• The Internet
• Spottify
• Louis C.K.

Bad:

• Television
• Netflix (not a global service)
• Cinemas