The Cultures of Arab World and American Society - Essay Example

The Arab world has also not remained untouched by the growing influence of new media reflected by the increasing globalization and emerging new technologies like computers and the internet. The cultural identities of individuals are vital elements that considerably influence their ideologies and general behavior. The cultural paradigms of social structure become critical aspects of national identities and therefore important issues within the state. Thus, media, especially the role of television in defining the cultures of the Arab world and American society is an important facet in contemporary times.

There is a vast difference between the television programs of Arabs and America. While television is a popular medium in the Arab world, the programs on television are focused on family lives and promote Arab culture. They highlight obedience amongst children and emphasize the importance of religion within society, showcasing family values and religious beliefs for leading a model life. The conservative values of Arab societies with parental control over children are vastly different from that of American television programs. American culture promotes individualism and highlights the independent views of individuals. The American television programs also showcase American liberal views vis-à-vis personal views on all issues including sex, sports, fashion, religion, etc. The conservative muslin society did not approve of the liberal view of American society of the Arab world. Hence, government control over foreign TV channels was applied in the Arab nations till a few years back.

But in recent times, globalization has brought in new changes within the media and made foreign television channels like MTV popular amongst the youth in Arab. The American music channel in the Arab nations has introduced popular pop culture within the native music which has become an instant hit with the young. Most importantly Arab television programs in Middle Eastern societies are promoting democratic values and freedom of the press. Al Jazeera is a prime example of a TV channel that brings forth critical issues of society and also that of the international arena that impacts the world at large (Hafez, 2001). Indeed, new technologies like satellite channels and the internet have made it necessary for Arab television to become more liberal and introduce global values to compete within the new environment of global competition. 

New democratic values and changing perception of world culture has become a key factor for promoting a new culture of equality. The changing perception of gender equality is also reflected in the TV programs of Arab nations. Empowerment of women has increasingly become a common issue and is shown through Arab TV programs. The changes within the Arab societies brought about by the exposure to satellite channels can be observed easily through their new eating habits, music and fashion of the West. Read More