The Impacts of Global Media on Local Cultures - Dissertation Example

Hybrid culture is one of the emblematic notions of the present era. Invent of global media has extended people's knowledge and has resulted in the exchange of cultural information and identity.  The hybridizing process has helped old cultures tradition to recruit new entrants; nevertheless, this cross-cultural relationship has only been successful when it is favored by both social and political incentives. Hybridity involves the tension of two or more distinct cultural formats to mix for example their styles, identities, and even cross-cultural contact. These are said to be the primary requirements for cultural hybridity This movement of contact and exchange of information is believed to be initiated by the evolution of media or by the movement of people through migration from one place to another. Media evolution helped this exchange of information and contact at relatively an easier way through the exchange of ideas and communication skills.

This research is intended to develop an understanding of the impact of global media on local cultures in the Middle East with a specific focus on the United Arab Emirates. The Research looked at the numerous theories on the impacts and critical interpretations of the global media on local cultures.

            During the research, it emerged that the globalization of culture and media has a relatively low effect on the local culture. Though globalized media is flourishing within UAE and Dubai specifically, however, the local values are still intact with no or relatively little change. One significant impact, however, is that of the increased use of the English language and low level of interest towards using mother tongue. Apart from this, the traditional tribal values, family bonds as well day-to-day living of ordinary Arabs in Dubai are relatively the same.

            This research focused upon understanding the interaction of global culture and media with that of the local culture in UAE and Dubai and found out that local culture is gradually being affected by the global media such as social media networks and satellite channels. However, the flourishing of satellite TV channels like Al-Jazeera has strengthened the local culture while at the same time offering glob continents and exposure to globalized media and cultures.