Global Flow of Visual Culture
Chapter 1
You all remember learning about satellites and astronauts in elementary school. Seeing pictures in text books of the first satellite to launch by the Soviets and the first man on the moon. Now you depend on satellites for so much more than just taking pictures of Earth, planets and the moon. Satellites are responsible for all the connections from television, phone calls, text messages, and emails. It is how you stay connected and go about your day, even to use your GPS or Map app on your phone, there is satellite input. Similar to medical imaging, a satellite can see things deeper and clearer than the naked eye, or in general. Sonograms are specifically like satellites because they use the sound waves to create a picture. The idea that sonograms reduce abortions is related to the concept that satellite images allow for scientists to see the poor O-zone conditions which is a contributor to global warming. It is also shocking to know that the military utilizes satellites and has known about global warming for many years, and yet never mentioned it as an issue. Global warming is a serious issue, and if nothing is done about it the Earth could change as we know it. GPS is used for numerous things such as personal services, leisure, and emergencies. This is all great and helpful until every move you make can be used and viewed by government officials, more specifically the NSA (National Security Agency). Some feel as though it is a breach of privacy, and feel violated, but in all seriousness, it is a luxury. The NSA is not sitting there spying on the average Joe, they are carefully watching anything and anyone who poses as a threat to society. GPS allows them to monitor people easily, and without them knowing. It is like having eyes in the sky. Definitely a great feeling knowing that we are being protected in such a vast manner. Overall the invention of satellites have transformed our world, and as we progress with technology things could only get better.
Chapter 2
Not everyone may have ever left the country, but if you look at the majority of the items you own, it is almost guaranteed that the products were made outside of the United States. From phones, to clothing, to cars, to something as minute as a wash rag, the import of goods is what makes the world go round. Globalization is all around us, and it benefits us every day we walk this planet.
By definition, globalization is “a set of conditions that include increased migration, the rise of multinational corporations, the development of global communication and transportation systems, increased post-industrialization, and the ‘shrinking’ of the world because of the commerce (Sturken and Cartwright 404).” In other words, it is the movements of ideas and businesses which is supposed to benefit both sides of the trade. There are many terms that are coined because of globalization. Some are more popular than others. On the lesser scale there are terms like: In this chapter, we are going to focus on three major terms: diaspora, outsourcing, and the rebel against major brands called culture jamming.
For starters, diaspora is a very common aspect of globalization, but few know the actual word for it. In this chapter, there will be a brief overview of the subject and why it is important to globalization. It will also talk about how it benefits cultures it comes into contact with.
Outsourcing, probably the most talked about and known aspect of globalization. In this chapter, we will take a look at the few benefits that this does offer. Although it is most often looked upon negatively, shipping out business actually helps us in the long run. Then the chapter will take a dive into a couple major companies and the issues they have dealt with in regard to the topic. Some have said it is modern-day slavery if you look at the working conditions and the pay rate,
Lastly, along with culture jamming, this chapter will also talk about resistance brands US companies have to deal with. It is not always an easy ride when the US wants to ship their brands out. In this chapter, you will not only understand why other countries do this, but get some examples as well.
Chapter 3
As the modes of transportation improve there will naturally be an increase in cultural diffusion between countries. Although, there is more that will come along with this than people learning about each other's cultures and trying new foods. These new improvements in transportation also opened up a entirely new market to be reached by western businesses. This new market has been exploded upon by the movie/ media industry and franchises, these open up the world for globalization on a entirely new scale. The improvements in transportation will change the world’s business forever.
Culture as well as franchises are involved in globalization. Globalization the the concept of the spread of worldwide interconnectedness in business. The difference between cultural imperialism and globalization is that cultural imperialism is more about the social and cultural aspects of the interconnectedness. Cultural imperialism is very much riding on the backs of the movie and media industry. Because of the superpower that is Hollywood, other countries often buy into and watch our television and media programs. But, because our programs are based off our culture, these countries are now seeing our culture placed on display making American culture appear as the norm.
Franchises are also heavily influential in globalization. A franchise is a business that passes rights to a franchisee who will open a small business that is under the brand name of, and overlooked by the franchiser, giving the franchisee a place of business. Thus allowing the franchisee to run a business that gives money annually to the franchiser. This is a good deal for both parties involved as the franchiser has to put little effort after the start up and receive payment for as long as it is open. The franchisee is given a business with a brand name which is a great advantage while only being given a salary.
Chapter 4In this chapter of the book, globalization is a huge theme within it and a major driving force in today’s society to spread information. Globalization in basic terms is the spread information, technology, and other goods across national borders. There are many elements of this and major ones discussed in this chapter concern films, film industries, and healthcare. While globalization is an admitted important part of society, there are many reasons it is also problematic and it does not always hold up to what it is intended uphold.
In the first section of the chapter, the James Bond franchise and globalization are discussed. The James Bond franchise started during the Cold War era with books written by an author named Ian Fleming. In this section of the chapter, it outlines the ways that films like the James Bond series become so popular across borders by relating to many people of different backgrounds who come from different countries. This relation was the Cold War era and many people related to the fears that came along with it. People were happy to see a hero, James Bond, conquer their fears and seeing “good guys” could win. Although we are not in the Cold War period technically any longer, people can still find reasons to relate. These reasons consider the nuclear crisis and threats from North Korea, Syria, and the Middle East. People will also still want to see the “good guy” win. James Bond is a very relatable character and iconic series that really mirrors reality in a way most films cannot.
In the second section of the chapter, Bollywood cinema is discussed. It is acknowledged that Bollywood cinema does not get the attention that it deserves and seems to be less known opposed to Hollywood. With that being said, it is shown that Bollywood produces many more films a year and has as lavish sets as Hollywood’s sets. This was not always the case though. Bollywood at its beginnings produced a few films a year in the Raja Harishchandra days, but blew up in the 30’s and 40s on its way to what we now know of Bollywood cinema. Along with this success came Slumdog Millionaire whichbecame so popular it crossed borders to the United States winning many awards for its excellence. Slumdog is further discussed in this chapter and it outlines how this film became so well-known and how it related to audiences in other countries.
In the last section of this chapter, the globalization of healthcare is discussed. Technology has moved mountains in the last 100 years and it is shown through how accessible healthcare and healthcare information is. The first conference surrounding healthcare started in the 7thcentury and really made that first step towards spreading information to other people around the world. With that being said, there is also a gap between how accessible it is and to whom it actually is accessible to. Many people do not have regulated healthcare or methods to receive regulated healthcare. Possible solutions to this problem are discussed later in the chapter to try to come to a conclusion of where the healthcare industry needs to move toward next.