Technology and Cultural Form - Literature review Example

Part A1 Summary of Reading The concepts that are linked to R. Williams article on technology and culture is one which challenges the reader with the belief that technology is a natural part of the evolution of culture. It is the belief that television, as well as technology, is one which has developed specifically because of the demands which are in society and the expectations that are a part of this. The author points out that the evolution is one which was created as a result of technological and scientific advancement, communication needs and alterations in society which pointed to the need to have new forms and consistencies within society. The invention of television, according to this article, is then based on the belief that it was formatted specifically as a natural part of evolution in society to fulfill specific needs and desires by individuals. The author is then able to describe how television and technology continue to evolve with self – generating forms through mediums such as new enhancements to movies and demands from individuals that are interested in watching the television. Opinion of Reading The main concept which Williams uses in the article is one which draws logical conclusions about the idea of technology and television and how it has evolved. The concept of television and technology becoming a natural part of evolution while meeting new needs in society can be seen and determined with the approach which Williams uses. The main point which can be seen as true, as well as the main strength of the reading, comes from the idea that this was the next step in technology and science. While there may have been components which were altered by inspiration or the desire to create something new, there were also several ideals which led to the evolution of technology with the television as the next step for society and specific needs. The second strength of the argument that Williams uses is by stating that this was a social concept that was based on natural evolution. The strength of the argument is one which can be noted by the demands in society which occurred before the television, specifically with the uses of entertainment, radio and other forms of technology which began to appear. From one perspective, these demands were created by social groups because of a desire to have something new. However, it can also be proven that the demands led to the idea of creating something new for entertainment which society could respond to for communication. From this perspective, Williams’ argument holds strength in showing that the television was a natural part of social evolution. While these two main points show strength in the argument, there is also a question of whether this can be considered natural evolution. If the television were never invented and didn’t become a demand in society, then evolution may still have continued but with different devices. The concept of whether the social demand was a need and had to be created becomes the main weakness by Williams. The use of the television was created to build a response in society and to create new expectations with what technology could do. More important, it can be seen that the evolution was based on innovation and inspiration from different devices which had led up to the television. While the evolution was a natural ideology from past innovations and expectations of society, it was also created for new communication as one that was inspirational then built demand, as opposed to being the next evolutionary process in technology. The main weakness that Williams has with the idea of evolution can be seen from examples which are used today. The Internet is an example which shows how the evolution, while seeming natural, is also innovation that creates responses from social groups. The Internet boom from the 1990s and to the present day was based on using more communication, faster technology and other approaches. Different portals are now used to enhance this. When looking at these portals, one can see that some are successful and others are not, depending on the social relationships created. This isn’t a response to the natural evolution and needs in society. Instead, it is dependent on the quality of the portals, uses that it has and the advertising which makes the portal seem more effective. When something new is approached that seems even better, then society changes their ideologies into a different set of concepts and looks at technology differently. However, if this isn’t created to begin with, then there isn’t social demand for the concept. While Williams’ proves a strong point in the article about the evolution of technology and innovation while showing social relationships to this, there are also some gaps in the argument. The natural evolution of technology, specifically through television is one which may have come from social demand. However, the innovation and the ability to convince individuals that the television could be used for better communication had to be approached first, which then led to the demands and changes in technology. The natural evolution is one that combines creating demand and innovation with building natural responses from society. Part A2 Summary of Reading In the article by Carrey, on “Time Space and the Telegraph,” as well as the information on “Communication and History,” there is an understanding of evolution and how it altered when technology began to progress through time. The point of Carrey’s work is to show a direct relationship to the telegraph and how it altered how individuals thought about space and time. When the telegraph began to be used for communication, individuals began to alter their thoughts about how time worked while the space in society became closer because of the ability to communicate quickly through long distances. The same concept is approached in “Communication and History,” where it is noted that the telegraph to the telephone changed communication through technology. Individuals in society began to get used to rapid communication that didn’t have time and space for sending messages and instead which allowed instant retrieval of information. These changes in society also led to alterations in how individuals began to think about communication, time to send messages and the levels of space which were eliminated with the information that was sent. Opinion of Reading In both of the articles, there are strengths in the evidence which is used. The ideology of the telegraph, telephone and other forms of communication are known facts that began to change the way that technology was used throughout history. If one traces back the different ideologies, or experiences being without technology, then a difference will be noted in how the individual communicates. The concept of history changing through the evolution of technology then becomes one which can’t be argued against and which is seen to hold true with the changes which were made in technology. While both of these arguments give historical evidence for the changes which were made in the time and space of communication, there is not direct relationships that show how individual thinking changed with technology. The concept of a telegraph changing communication levels to speed up time and to shorten distances is a theory that is based on the belief of individuals changing the level of communication which occurred. Both authors create the belief that the use of technology is able to alter the way in which individuals in society think about communication while changing the relationship with time and space. However, this theory doesn’t have a large amount of evidence other than noting the historical changes. The inability to trace the changes in thinking about communication, time and space then become questionable in the different articles. An example of this question can be seen with the ideals of modern day society. If one is sending an email to another individual, then it is expected that it is instantly received and a response is given. However, not all of society believes that this will happen and accepts this natural evolution. Several still don’t use email, specifically with some of the older generations that don’t have a need for this style of communication. Others don’t expect or give responses instantly, taking sometimes up to 2-3 weeks for communication. This shows that the time and space isn’t altered from any other form of communication and the expectations of receiving information quickly or changing the distance between individuals isn’t completely eliminated. When comparing this to modern day society, there is then a question of how pertinent the concept of social evolution in terms of time and space is. While the arguments in both pieces of text show that there was a natural evolution of technology for faster communication that changed distances, this was based specifically on technical evolution. The aim and goal of the telegraph and other forms of communication, was based on the innovative idea of how to get in touch with other individuals at a faster pace. This particular objective was reached with the telegraph and the functions it performed. However, the social response did not necessarily change the approaches which were taken with communication or change the thinking in society toward time and space that was used with communication. Part A3 Summary of Reading The complexities which occurred during September 11, 2001, are known to be a main area of research, specifically with individuals interested in finding the main reasons for the attack and failure to respond. In Galvin’s article on September 11, there is an understanding that the logistics of communication was one of the primary difficulties which occurred in response to the situation. The logistics included difficulties with those who carried out the operation, specifically because they used no electronic communication and couldn’t be traced with the types of technology and forms of communication which they decided to use. Furthermore, there were known communication failures from the federal government, which led to a lack of response and misinterpretations of the messages which were appearing. The logistics which weren’t provided correctly then led to misunderstandings, confusion and a breakdown first in the structure and in the communication which was used. The point of the author is to show how the logistics and the structure remain the most important element in creating a response to emergency situations and problems. Opinion of Reading The work of Galvin is one which shows that the communication portals which are now used also don’t have the correct logistics or alternatives available for responses. From one end, there is proof that the problem is one which is now based on communication that is traced electronically and which is expected to come from specific sources. When this doesn’t occur, there isn’t the ability to respond. The strength of the work is showing how alternate systems can cause failures and breakdowns in communication. This is combined with showing how the logistics of the situation can continue to fail if the system for communication on another side fails to respond in different ways and creates problems within the main, internal system. The strength that is seen with this particular article is based on showing how communication is now reliant on different concepts. The logistics relate directly to structures, expected forms of communication and technology which is used. An important point which can be drawn from this article is that the complexity of technology has caused a breakdown in other forms and structures of communication. Many are now becoming reliant on the electronics and high – end technology that has been used. However, the break down and logistical breakdowns in the system are occurring with basic forms of communication which are no longer expected to be used. This particular point is one which is important to note, specifically because it shows the flaws in technology and in the uses of communication that are associated with a given situation. Another component which is important to note in response to this article is based on the concept of culture and how it relates to the responses with communication. Part of the logistical failure was not only associated with the lack of using different forms of communication. It was also reliant on the expectations of culture of how one should communicate. This led to both the successes and failures with 9/11 and the structure which followed. If the culture and social viewpoints were reliant on different forms of communication, then the break down and disaster may have been prevented. The concept of training society into specific forms of communication is one which is often overlooked. Considering this also shows that there needs to be forms of communication that are looked into and which often lose meaning because of changes and advancements in technology. The strength of this article shows the evolution of technology and how, while offering advances in communication, also leads to logistical downfalls. The author shows strong points by using the 9/11 scenario and creating an understanding of how different responses occurred and what the problems as well as strengths with this are. Evaluating this specific situation from the viewpoint of the author also leads to different conclusions from one looking at technological advancements as well as how it has naturally changed the associations which one has toward communication and how it is used in society. Part A4 Summary of Reading The article by Thussu on “The Historical Context of International Communication” looks at the evolution of technology and communication and how this has altered over time. The main thesis which Thussu points out is that there is a growing dependency on technology and the uses of communication. Time frames are changing because of this and opening the world into a natural approach to globalization. The trends that the author points out are based on the dominance of technology for communication, specifically which is causing other forms of communication to become outside of society. This is followed by dependency on technology in developed countries to speed up response times and to change the ways in which individuals are able to create forms of technology. The context which is associated with this is one which is leading several in society to believe that the use of technology helps with liberating ideas; however, it is also changing rights to privacy and regulation of information which is available through the use of communication. Opinion of Reading The article which is created by Thussu is one which is based on the observation of how society is continuing to function during this time frame. The ideas of dependency on technology as well as how communication levels are changing are all seen in society on a daily basis. One can look at emerging trends, such as the Internet, and find that there are large increases by percentage of individuals using this form of communication while moving into ideologies such as SMS. The vast changes are continuing to evolve at a fast pace. Thussu is able to point out how this is making the world smaller and changing how we perceive ideas such as privacy. Noting these different qualities is one which can easily be seen with the alterations in society and the concepts which are approached in terms of information and communication. The argument which Thussu presents has several strengths because it shows how society is responding and using technology. When looking at the environment and the trends which are occurring among large groups of people, it can be seen that this is a main attribute of those who are looking at the technology. This is furthered with the ideologies of finding new and easier ways to communicate with continuous demands to have faster communication and new devices. These experiences are continuing to be a part of society, especially in developed countries, and show that the gaps in communication are lessening for globalization and widening in terms of the technology which is available and which is influencing the way in which individuals communicate. While the thesis of Thussu is strong, it is also considering the segment of society which is continuously using technology to communicate with others and to establish a different presence with technology. While the use of communication is creating different infrastructures and expectations, there are also other alterations which are associated with the communication. Many are not placing the same demands and are asking for more privacy and rights. There are legal notices, case studies and conflicts which are continuing to rise with the way in which communication is being used to show the opposing side. The thesis statement of Thussu doesn’t allow for in depth exploration of the opposing viewpoints, specifically with those that aren’t into the evolved aspects of communication and the changes which are occurring as a result. Part B Each of the arguments makes a significant point about the evolution of technology, how this links to communication and how this is transforming society. When looking at these readings as a unit, it can be seen that there is a relationship to evolution and how technology is transforming the way in which society communicates. The differences in perspective are based on the main influences, including technological innovation, social demand, and changes in systems, historical events or the need to find different ways of using space and time. While these show the different measures of how communication has evolved, all share the theme of showing how technology has changed. If this particular concept were combined with all articles, then the perspective would create a well – rounded approach to the ideology of communication as evolution and how it is transforming society. A unit reading which challenges these ideas while admitting to the truth of the evolution of communication is from the reading of Annabelle Mohammadi on “The Global and Local in International Communications.” Like the other readings, there is an acceptance of the changes in communication as evolution as well as how this has created alterations in how individuals respond while creating global responses and collapsing time and space. While this concept is approached, Mohammadi creates an approach which other theorists don’t recognize with communication. This is based on the ideology that while globalization expands, there is also a collapse where many are turning to local and regional concepts as well as groups and tribes which they can identify with. Even though there is an interaction across distance, the same types of boundaries and associations are being created to combine the old and the new. This particular reading is able to challenge the other movements occurring with the advancement of technology and the collapse of time and space while using communication. Another concept which can be looked into is the use of infrastructure and how communication options are altering this. The article by Yue, “Cultural Governance and Creative Industries in Singapore” shows some of the alterations which are occurring. This unit also admits that the cultural industry and economy is turning toward globalization while creating a change in the levels of communication and the displays of understanding between regions. However, the author shows how places such as Singapore are creating integration while using this as a competitive feature. The industry is able to separate by culture and identity while building and merging the arts and technology into other regions. The thesis of this unit shows an emergence of tradition with the contemporary for a stronger society. This example shows how, while there is evolution, certain individuals are changing globalization into a new way to demonstrate the understanding and identity of how one exists. This is dependent on the infrastructure and policies which exist physically in society and which continue to carry the same boundaries. There are several theories which show how the infrastructure as well as the different regions are using technology as an enhancement for communication which already exists. The writing by Kuo, “Beyond Ethnocentrism in Communication Theory,” initiates the understanding that the idea of culture and globalization work together to create different levels of communication. Instead of individuals being based only on their culture, there is the ability to expand through the use of communication. However, the author also shows that the cultural understanding remains the same. The combination of efforts are based on keeping identity through culture while incorporating communication and media is then assisting individuals to overcome ideals of division while displaying cultural values and identity on a different level through the use of new communication. This shows that there are several ways of using the communication and media available, often which are overlooked with the belief that technology has changed the time and space of communication. Each of these perspectives shows that there is a unifying force of communication and technology. Each theorist relates to ideas of globalization, collapsing of time and space and movements forward with the social aspects of communication. However, these approaches are altered and divided according to social groups, understanding of how to use communication, systems which are accepted, infrastructures established and other relationships to society and culture. This offers several perspectives toward the ideologies of communication and how it is used in society as well as what the associations are with the changes now being made with communication and technology and how this is affecting society. References Carey, James (1999) ‘Time, Space and the Telegraph’. In Crowley, David and Heyer, Paul (eds.), Communication in History (Third edition). New York, Longman, pp.135- 141 Galvin, Michael (2003) ‘September 11 and the Logistics of Communication’ in Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 303-311 Kuo, Eddie. (2009). “Beyond Ethnocentrism in Communication Theory: Towards a Culture Centric Approach.” Asian Journal of Communication Vol 19 Issue 4 pp. 422-437. Mohammadi, Annabelle. (2006). ‘The Global and Local in International Communications.” International Communication: Continuity and Change. London: Hodder Arnold. Thussu, Daya Kishan (2006) ‘The historical context of international comminication’,Chapter 1 in International Communication: Continuity and Change (2nd edition). London: Hodder Arnold,pp.1-39 Williams, Raymond (1974) Television: Technology and Cultural Form, Hanover: Wesleyan University Press, pp. 3-25 Yue, Audrey. (2006). “Cultural Governance and Creative Industries in Singapore.” International Journal of Cultural Policy 12 (1). Read More