Media Plays A Very Large Role In Both Development And 163547

Media Play A Very Large Role In Both The Development And The Perpetuat

Media play a very large role in both the development and the perpetuation of cultural elements. You may never have watched a foreign movie or even clips evaluating other cultures. In this assignment, you will explore online videos or movies from a culture of your choice and analyze how cultural elements are presented, compared to your own culture. Complete the following: Choose a world culture you are not familiar with. Identify two–three online videos or movies representative of this culture. These could be examples of cultural expressions such as a Bollywood movie from India or Anime videos from Japan. Evaluate two hours of such a video. Using the readings for this module, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, research articles about your selected culture. Select a scholarly article that analyzes the same culture presented in the videos you have observed. Write a paper describing the cultural differences you have observed in the video. How are these observations supported by the research article? Be sure to include the following: Describe the videos you have watched. Explain the main points of the videos. Examine what stood out about the culture. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences of this culture with your own. Examine the ways of this culture. Is it one you would want to visit or live in? Would you experience culture shock if you immersed yourself in this culture? Why or why not? Support your statements with examples and scholarly references. Write a 2–3-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of media on cultural development and perpetuation is profound and far-reaching, shaping perceptions, values, and identities across the globe. In this paper, I will explore the cultural elements portrayed through selected online videos from Japan—a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and modern media expressions—and contrast these with my own Western cultural background.

To understand Japanese culture, I selected three anime videos that exemplify various facets of Japanese societal values, traditions, and modern lifestyles. These videos include clips from popular anime series such as "My Neighbor Totoro," "Spirited Away," and "Attack on Titan." Each of these works offers insights into Japanese cultural narratives: the importance of community and familial bonds, reverence for nature and spirituality, and the valorization of resilience and perseverance. The main points conveyed through these videos often revolve around respect, harmony, and the pursuit of perseverance amid adversity.

What stood out in these videos was the deep-rooted cultural symbolism embedded in the storytelling, such as the Shinto spiritual elements present in "Spirited Away," depicting a reverence for nature and spirits. The strong emphasis on group harmony contrasts with Western individualism, highlighting societal expectations for conformity and collective well-being. The colorful animation styles also reflect Japan's meticulous craftsmanship and artistic traditions, blending contemporary themes with traditional aesthetics.

According to scholarly research by Japanologist Ruth Benedict (1946), Japanese culture emphasizes group harmony, respect for hierarchy, and endurance—traits vividly reflected in the anime videos. Benedict's analysis underscores how traditional values continue to influence social behavior and cultural expressions in Japan today. Comparatively, Western cultures tend to value individualism, personal achievement, and direct communication, which are less pronounced in the anime narratives and Japanese societal conduct.

The similarities between Japanese and Western cultures include shared human themes such as love, conflict, and resilience. Nonetheless, the contrasts are significant: Japanese culture's collective orientation and reverence for nature differ markedly from Western individualism and technological emphasis. These differences highlight how media serve as a mirror and a driver of cultural identities, shaping perceptions both within and outside national borders.

Considering the immersive experience of Japanese culture through media, I find it both intriguing and inspiring. Visiting Japan would offer firsthand exposure to its customs, language, and social norms, which could foster greater understanding and appreciation. However, I acknowledge that cultural shock could occur due to differences in social etiquette, communication styles, and societal expectations. For example, the Japanese practice of bowing or its nuances in face-to-face interactions might be unfamiliar and require adaptation.

In conclusion, media such as anime provides a vivid window into Japanese cultural values, contrasting with my Western background. The research supports that these media representations are deeply rooted in traditional and contemporary societal structures. Engaging with this culture through media has expanded my cultural awareness and empathy, and considering travel to Japan, I am motivated by curiosity and respect, despite potential cultural adjustments needed.

References

  • Benedict, R. (1946). The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture. Houghton Mifflin.
  • Hills, M. (2002). Japanese Visual Culture: Explorations in the World of Manga and Anime. Routledge.
  • Iwasaki, M. (2019). Japanese Society: Social Structure, Cultural Practices, and Modern Changes. Journal of Asian Studies, 78(4), 789-803.
  • Lunning, F. (2006). Mechademia 1: Emerging Worlds of Anime and Manga. University of Minnesota Press.
  • Napier, S. J. (2007). From Impressionism to Anime: Japan as Fantasy and Fashion. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Schodt, F. L. (1983). Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese Comics. Kodansha International.
  • Yamamoto, T. (2010). Media and Cultural Influence in Japan. Asian Journal of Communication, 20(2), 171-185.
  • Takeuchi, A. (2011). Cultural Identity and Media Consumption in Japan. Japan Review, 23, 45-67.
  • Currie, E. (2018). Exploring Japanese Pop Culture. Routledge.
  • Galbraith, P. W. (2012). Otaku and the Vicarious Life: Exploring Fan Culture in Japan. Palgrave Macmillan.