Impact of Cultural Diversity in Designers in the Society - Essay Example

Impact of Cultural Diversity in Designers in the Society Introduction This paper presents proof and information on the impact of cultural diversity on media, art, and design. Cultural diversity refers to the unique characteristics that all of us possess that distinguish us as individuals and identify us as belonging to a group or groups. Diversity transcends concepts of race, ethnicity, socio-economic, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and age. Diversity offers strength and richness to the whole. In the context of media, art and design, countries has its own set of policies involved within their organization. The articles that serve as my reference in this subject matter will show the impact of cultural diversity in the works of the designers in today's society. In media, the practice of broadcasting in different areas varies depending on the promotion of cultural diversity. The Broadcasting Regulation and Cultural Diversity is a network of regulators that aims to promote cultural diversity within media particularly on broadcasting. To understand the concept of cultural diversity UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity presents a series of principles and aims instead of defining it. The principles include: Cultural Diversity reflects the pluralism of groups and societies and represents the common heritage of humankind. Cultural Diversity is inseparable from human rights and fundamental liberties. The capacity to define and implement cultural policies is a condition of cultural diversity. This paper also includes cultural diversity in the context of art. The definition Cultural diversity in the context of art is the same with the media context. Represented in this context is the pluralism of groups and society. Art are affected by the way people think, belief and act. The culture of every society greatly affects the outcome of what they are doing. Cultural diversity has been defined as the representation, in one social system, of people with distinctly different group affiliations of cultural significance. In the research work done by Major Molly Moon about cultural diversity, he defined cultural diversity in primary and secondary dimension. According to him primary dimensions are being age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, and sexual / affect ional orientation. This dimension shapes our basic self-image as well as our fundamental worldview. The primary dimension has the most impact on groups in the workplace and society. The secondary dimensions include educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, religious beliefs and work experience. Secondary dimension impacts our self esteem and self definition. Sometimes secondary dimension will have as much impact as the primary definition. (Moon, 1997). Before a designer can make a perfect design on the web, he must first distinguish who will be his audience. They maybe of the same age, ethnicity, and geographic location but their culture differs a lot. The preferences and predilections of different culture may greatly differ. These observations only begin to demonstrate the conundrum underlying the design of an appealing global Web site. From a management perspective, the importance of understanding the impact of cultural rifts on Web site usability is grossly underemphasized. ( Cook, Finaylon, 2005). Cultural Diversity in the Context of Art The impact of cultural diversity in the designers work is evident in the outcome of their design. In the context of art, their culture and beliefs is evident in their work. In the Scottish Council, they are committed to the creation of a depth of culture, which can truly lift the human spirit. Cultural diversity help the council understand the views of different ethnic group. The result of their art focusing on the cultural diversity resulted in much deeper meaning. The designers should consider the cultural diversity of every nation that is involved in the change. In the Scottish Council cultural diversity are given importance so that creative diversity will emerge. The UNESCO was supporting the said approach of the Council by recommending that cultural diversity should be addressed by "taking into account different perceptions and its historical dimensions, in order to reach the necessary consensus that would allow the designer to move from theory to practice." This approach is important to remove racial separation, unfairly favoured minorities, and a terminally divided society. The unfairly treatment and discrimination is reflected in the art done without giving importance in the cultural diversity. In UK the ethnic minority are increasing in numbers. The asylum seekers and refugees from several countries including Afghanistan, Kosovo, Sudan, Somalia and others has become part of the UK population. They are countries having distinct cultural entities. This suggest that Scotland and like UK is moving towards a new pluralism. This has lead to the promotion of equity and freedom of choice as the core basis for funding and appraising art in Scotland. Ethnic minority in Scotland for example are hesitant in participating in art because of lack of opportunities, racial and cultural discrimination. A research report in Scotland shows that the widely held view of the minority ethnic communities that the practices of the existing mainstream arts institution are organized in such a way that they safeguard only the interests and aspirations of the mainstream white community. The impact of cultural diversity in art is greatly evident especially in Scotland. As a proof of this are the general attitude of the ethnic group who migrated in Scotland few years back. The attitude of the minority in arts is obviously more structured and diverse. An example of this is the idea of arts as a repository of cultural identity or the link to what each group perceives as its heritage and tradition is pervasive, but so is the perception of art as an expression of creativity and freedom, often by an individual. I do agree that the cultural diversity greatly affect the views and attitudes of the artist nowadays in this society. Cultural diversity is not just a tradition or belief it is a sign of respect on the culture of others whether you belong from the minority or majority group. In the context of art it maybe a tool to bring people closer together. Cultural Diversity in the context of Media Cultural diversity within broadcasting media means different things in different countries. Every nation or country has its own set of regulations and law about broadcasting. Cultural diversity has a great impact on the regulation and laws that each country design. The requirement to address national communities and national aspects of culture - in the broadest sense - is a common interpretation of cultural diversity. Several countries presented below described how the cultural diversity affects the rules and regulations that they made. In Romania, the programmes offered to the audience by radio and television channels shall correspond to the editorial standards laid down according to regulation mechanisms, respect European rules and specific national legislation, shall reflect the cultural diversity, and shall respect national and European identity. This regulation emphasized that the cultural diversity should be given proper attention. In Romania, they define cultural diversity as the observance of pluralist expression of opinions and ideas and the pluralism of the sources of information for the public. In Jamaica, the term is not formally defined in Jamaican broadcasting law or any regulatory instrument, the guiding principles underpinning cultural diversity, for the most part, are an accepted part of broadcasting in Jamaica. Broadcast media and cable providers in Jamaica recognizes the diverse ethnic backgrounds of Jamaican people, and have a practice of including programming reflecting a wide sphere of cultural influences. Cultural diversity has influences the guidelines and regulations in broadcasting media in different countries. In New Zealand, the measures to protect and promote the Maori language and culture as well as other communities within New Zealand. In Italy, local broadcasters have to promote regional and local culture while in Alaska broadcasters have to respond to their local constituency. In Ireland and Catalonia, there are clear linguistic distinctions made across diverse populations and provisions or requirements made for such diversity. Another proof of the impact of cultural diversity in media context are the requirements needed by the broadcasters depending on the country. An example is in Bosnia Herzegovina, the public service broadcasters should make available arts and cultural programming to broad audiences. The program should reflect cultural heritage and contemporary artistic endeavour in all art forms. Same as in Chile reference is made to programmes dedicated to the arts and sciences. In terms of diversity of programme genres countries have its own requirements. In Bosnia, there are requirements that public service broadcasters should make available arts and cultural programming to broad audiences. These programmes should reflect cultural heritage and contemporary artistic endeavour in all art forms. In Chile, as well reference is made to programmes dedicated to the arts and sciences. Interpretation of diversity in some countries made mentioned the pluralism and media ownership. This is based on the influence that the media are considered still to have. In countries like Netherlands and UK there are significant ownership and cross media ownership rules. The rules and regulation in media may or maybe the same in every countries depending on the promotion and definition of cultural diversity in their territory. Cultural Diversity in the context of Design Context in architecture design is understood as being sensitive to the rich temporal, spatial and cultural layering, respecting the past layers and history of a place with creative and appropriate solutions to the particular place embedded. The context includes the cultural and historical qualities done by introducing a number of social elements, such as race, nationality, religious beliefs, desires, constraints, customs, and traditions, and the latter by dealing with past events in a sequential or temporal manner. Designers differ on their design depending on the culture and environment of their audience. An example of impact in design is the design made in the different websites. Cultural power distance significantly affects access to information on a Web site A site's content should be equally available to all users in low PD cultures. Information visible to all, but accessible by only a few may be offensive. Members of a low PD culture will demand a greater degree of freedom to roam and explore. Users in a high power distance country such as Panama would not expect the same fullness of available information as users in a low PD country like Norway. Hence, viewing restrictions will not be as drastic in low PD cultures as in high ones. Cultures scoring high in individualism (IDV) emphasize personal freedom and advancement. People in such societies place great value on their own well-being and that of their immediate family. Individualistic cultures measure success by individual achievements rather than the betterment of the community at large and tend to be more materialistic. Nations with democratic political structures tend to score higher on individualism. In the web design there are some fundamental differences concerning how people of different culture view the Web. To accommodate cultural differences a designer can design it for neutrality, taking all the precautions to ensure that no one's sensibilities are offended. This approach requires that every color, sound, and piece of information conveyed is so sterile that not a soul from Alaska to Zimbabwe could construe it as inappropriate. If such a feat were even possible, the resulting site would be so devoid of appeal, it likely would have no audience to offend. Another option would be to implement a separate site for each target audience. This approach undoubtedly allows the flexibility necessary to accommodate the demands of a culturally diverse world, where each site caters to the tastes of a specific subgroup. Unfortunately, the costs would be prohibitive. The dynamic nature of the Web and the frequency with which updates are performed would make regular maintenance a nightmare. (Cook, Finlayson, 2005). Another option suggested by Cook and Finlayson in Web designing would be to implement a separate site for each target audience. This approach undoubtedly allows the flexibility necessary to accommodate the demands of a culturally diverse world, where each site caters to the tastes of a specific subgroup. Unfortunately, the costs would be prohibitive. The dynamic nature of the Web and the frequency with which updates are performed would make regular maintenance a nightmare. Because of the increasing awareness in cultural diversity every design now has its distinct approach to be able to design it appropriate for the intended audience. Race, color, language, and others are being taken into consideration before concluding in certain design. Discussion According to UNESCO culture takes diverse forms across time and space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation, and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generation. Cultural diversity has greatly affect the works of the designers in today's society. Based on the above reasons and proof cultural diversity is important not only in the context of art, media and design but also in implementing rules and making laws and in others. A designer should consider the target audience or follower before commencing in the design. Designers should not underestimate the importance of cultural awareness. Although considerable investment is involved whether the issue is handled internally or outsourced, budgeting for cultural research and development is a prudent and worthy expenditure. Cultural compatibility issues must be addressed in the long run. "Attending to culture differences in product development should be a hot topic, become part of best practices, and eventually be incorporated into industry standards." (Marcus, 2002, p. 27). Conclusion Cultural diversity widens the range of options open to everyone. It is one of the roots of development, understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence. Culture should be accounted for when designing. Concrete and measurable differences between cultures and provide quantifiable data for assessing preferences and attitudes of some of the world's dominant cultures. Much research still needs to be conducted to learn how designers can best take advantage of this knowledge. The concepts and suggestions offered concerning how culture affects design are archetypal in nature and do not include a specific course of action. Nevertheless, knowledge acquired in this area, when given the emphasis that it truly warrants, will significantly enhance the viability, vitality, and visibility of design. Cultural diversity should be given the proper approach to fully understand the importance of each culture. It may use as a good communication medium to reach the community even from the farthest distance. Someone should be able to define cultural diversity not only on the context of the interest of the designer but as a whole as well. I therefore conclude that the cultural diversity has a great impact in the works of the designers in this society. Respect and understanding of every culture would help the designers a lot not to affect the culture of the others and it will be a good tool to the acceptance of the work worldwide. Reference: Cook, Finlayson (2005) The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Web Site Designhttp://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/280618/the_impact_of_cultural_diversity_on_web_site_design/index.htmlsource=r_technology date viewed Nov. 8, 2007 Hargrave, July 2007, Cultural Diversity Practices among Broadcasting Regulators www. brcd.net/cac_brcd/AppPHP/modules/publications/files/ viewed: Nov. 7, 2007 Marcus, A. (2002). Fast forward: Culture class vs. culture clash. Interactions, 9(3), 25-28. http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/280618/the_impact_of_cultural_diversity_on_web_site_design/index.htmlsource=r_technology viewed Nov. 8, 2007 Moon, March 1997 Understanding the impact of Cultural Diversity on Organization www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/acsc/97-0607c.pdf viewed Nov. 8, 2007 Scottish Arts Council, 2002-2007 Cultural Diversity Strategy, www.Scottisharts.org.uk viewed: Nov. 7, 2007 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity Adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at its thirty-first session on 2 November 2001 http://www.ohchr.org/english/law/diversity.htm viewed: Nov. 7, 2007 Read More