Globalisation was defined by Giddens in 1990 as
“the intensification of world-wide social relations, which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa” (1990: 64)
Whilst the above definition gives a detailed overview of globalisation, I believe that this next definition has a more solid idea. The belief from theorists such as Giddens and Castells is that globalisation is the driving force behind the fast social, political and economic changes that are reshaping modern societies. Held et al. (1999: 7).
This is saying that globalisation is the reason why such changes are occurring in the world. It is not necessarily stating whether they are positive or negative changes which therefore leaves this definition open. For this blog post, I am going to use the example of Soccer and how its world wide following has expanded due to the media.
Whilst Giddens' definition introduces the “world-wide social” aspect of globalisation and its ability to spread certain issues, products and themes worldwide, i personally believe it is the media and its ability to communicate to anyone in the world that has helped more than anything. Similarly to my opinion, most theorists agree that there is basically no globalisation without media.
VIDEO: Liverpool vs Melbourne you’ll never walk alone, 2013, youtube video, Emre Bostanci, Melbourne.
Talking to my father about soccer enables me to understand how the sport has become more popular recently. He says that it was a shock to him to see how many people supported Liverpool in Australia. He agrees with me when I mention that the only way Australians would follow an international team like Liverpool would be through TV, Radio or newspapers (ie the Media).
Through the Rantanen reading, I have noted Appadurai's theory of scapes in the formation of globalisation. Out of the 5 scapes in the reading, It is obvious that the mediascapes applies to the globalisation of soccer. Mediascapes according to the Rantanen reading, refers to the distribution of the electronic ability to produce and send information. Mediascapes also refers to the images created by the media.Mediascapes has definitely aided in the spreading and globalisation of soccer as the media has electronically produced and sent information and has created an image of the sport. It has a certain "cool" image which has aspired many young kids to jump on the bandwagon.
REFERENCING:
Rantanen, T 2005, The media and globalisation, Sage, London.
Deakin University. 2013. W2 Global Flows and Scapes, ALC215 2013. [podcast] 22nd July. Available at: https://d2l.deakin.edu.au/d2l/le/content/143750/viewContent/1943560/View [Accessed: 23rd July].
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThis Blog Post is great, it's really easy to read and you explain everything in detail with examples. I like the way you started with a general definition of Globalisation and give your spin on the best definition of Globalisation with a reason why. I think your example of the Liverpool game is an awesome example of a mediascape and you did a good job relating that back to the question. I also liked the way you put a youtube video in to break it up. You also have a really good understanding of the Rantanen article and it shows. Well done, really good read.
Hi Elise,
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your post for the week. I think it was a great idea to mention how your father enables you to understand how soccer has become more popular recently, especially in Australia due to the flow of media in our society. This clearly made it obvious to me as a reader that you understand what the aspects of media flows are, as how they relate to globalisation. I enjoyed how you started off your post with not only your own opinions on globalisation itself, but scholarly definitions before heading into your interview, it gave a good contrast within your post.
Putting in the youtube video was a great idea, it definitely makes your blog more interesting as you've actually made an effort to make your blog different.
Great job :)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI would never have thought of linking Globalisation and the media to international football. You offer some great facts and information, using not only scholarly sources but also that of your fathers to offer an encompassing view on the topic. Including the video also helps to break up the information with something to watch. You have a great layout to your blog as well which made it fun to read and take in the information being offered.
The only advice I can offer, and this is just to my personal taste. Make the font size a little bigger as I had difficulty seeing the text. Otherwise a great start. Look forward to reading more.
Hi Elise,
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed your post, it was engaging throughout the entire piece. There is a good link here between Globalisation and the history behind soccer, and I completely agree, in regards to the advertising throughout media outlets that has enabled such a large backing behind the Australian public in recent years.
Thought the video was a really nice touch also, breaking up the text. Thanks :)
Hi Elise,
ReplyDeleteHow interesting is it to speak to our parents about how the world has changed. The point you made about how it shocked your father to know how many Australians support Liverpool really sums up the process and speed of globalisation. Using soccer was a great example, because even though I don't follow it, my brother does, and so do many of my friends so I can understand how strong a following the international sporting codes can receive. A highly relatable post, which was articulately put together with a perfect video to match! Great work.