The cultures are influenced by the mass media. After TV, Internet
is a prime example of how much the cultures are influenced by mass media.
Narrowcasting refers to broadcasting to a very narrow range
of audience (Legendre et al, 2008, p1). The authors go on to provide some examples of
how narrowcasting can be achieved. Some examples include requiring the users to
register with cable TV, mailing lists and electronic forums. YouTube channels
to me are a perfect example of narrowcasting.
I am from Saudi Arabia and I came to Australia about 3 years
ago. I was coming to a new country and a new culture; something that I had experienced
never before. I used Internet as the primary form of research to find out what
to expect, how to behave, how to speak, what I will be eating and how I can
make friends. I watch videos specifically targeted towards people who are
arriving in Australia on YouTube. I read blogs. I read news articles. I read
university’s guide to settling in Australia. All of these sources from the
Internet and narrowcasted towards people looking to settle in Australia.
Can we see the connection between me, narrowcasting and
diasporic media yet? The specific material I used to learn about Australian culture
embedded certain Australian customs and values in my core beliefs. In that way,
the diasporic media helped promote the Australian values and the customs to me
before I had arrived. I did not try to change the Australian Culture; I could settle
into the existing Australian culture.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship, People our
Business http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6jA_nQ2qGM&feature=relmfu
References:
Lengender, F, May, M, Lenders, V and Karlsson (2008). Narrowcasting: An
Empirical Performance Evaluation Study. Read online on 26 August 2012 at http://www.lenders.ch/publications/conferences/chants08.pdf
Department of Immigration and Citizenship, People our
Business http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6jA_nQ2qGM&feature=relmfu
Good example of yourself! As an international student, I totally agree with you that the technology and the social media helped me a lot to blend in this new environment when I first came here. I also used the internet and social network to learn about Australian culture embedded certain Australian customs and values but same as you I do not try to convert into Australian culture. Some says that western culture change the way people think and behave and I believe that true but for me, after I came to Australia I only realise that my culture and my background is much more important for me. I celebrate my traditional festival and eat more traditional food more often than I am back in my country.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting, and I really enjoyed learning about your personal experience. I am from Australia and am yet to live in another country, but I definitely plan on doing so and I also believe I would do a little bit of research on the internet before I go in order for me to understand some of the social customs, to prevent me from doing something against the country’s upheld culture,. However I believe that many cultures are becoming more understanding of foreigners due to globalisation and the way in which it is creating many multicultural nations whereby differences of individuals is becoming more accepted and embraced. I found it very interesting learning about your experience and it also explained the term narrowcasting and further diasporic media very well. Your blog is looking great, you have done a great job ☺
ReplyDeleteA very good post! It is straight to the point and it really gets across what you are trying to say! You have done very well as an international student to become part of the Australian culture, and the way you write is very intelligent and concise. It is true what you say about the Australian culture being very multicultural and welcoming of overseas travellers perhaps displaced by diaspora, and as an Australian, I am proud of that. You have good references and the video just tops it off. Well done :)
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