Media Plays A Very Large Role In Both Development And 253375

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, 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

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of media in shaping and perpetuating cultural identities is profound, serving as a conduit through which cultural values, practices, and stereotypes are transmitted across generations and borders. This essay explores a specific culture unfamiliar to the author—Japanese culture as depicted through anime and films—and analyzes how these media representations reflect, exaggerate, or distort cultural elements. It juxtaposes these visual representations with scholarly research to understand cultural nuances and the potential impact of media on cultural perception.

The selected videos for this analysis include two popular anime series and one Japanese film—namely, 'Spirited Away' directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and episodes from the anime 'Naruto', along with a documentary film about traditional Japanese festivals. These videos showcase key cultural facets such as Shinto religious practices, respect for nature, social hierarchy, and communal celebration. 'Spirited Away' vividly depicts spiritual beliefs and the importance of purity and harmony, central themes rooted deeply in Shinto tradition. 'Naruto' emphasizes values like perseverance, loyalty, and respect for elders, reflecting societal norms in Japan. The festival documentary highlights community cohesion and traditional rituals still alive in contemporary society.

These cultural elements notably differ from Western norms, yet some similarities exist. For instance, respect for elders and community well-being are common values shared across cultures. However, the Japanese emphasis on harmony and collective identity manifests uniquely in social interactions and rituals. The media representations tend to romanticize or dramatize aspects of Japanese culture, often emphasizing unique customs for entertainment or storytelling purposes, which can either enlighten or misrepresent the real cultural practices.

Research articles such as Smith’s (2019) study on the portrayal of Japanese culture in Western media reveal that anime and films often perpetuate stereotypes, emphasizing aesthetic beauty, otherworldliness, or traditional customs as exotic or mystical, sometimes at the expense of portraying the culture’s contemporary realities. Smith’s analysis supports observations from the videos that traditional practices like tea ceremonies or festivals are romanticized but may overlook the complexities of modern Japanese society such as urbanization and technological advancement.

Comparing these media portrayals with personal observations and scholarly accounts reveals both accuracy and exaggeration. The videos successfully communicated core cultural principles but occasionally reinforced stereotypes, such as the hyper-focus on spirituality or the perception of Japanese society as homogenous. Conversely, some cultural practices such as the politeness and formality are universal, resonating with my own culture’s norms around respect and social hierarchy.

Immersing oneself in Japanese culture via media has piqued my interest in visiting Japan, particularly to experience the festivals or visit historic sites. However, I acknowledge that actual immersion might lead to culture shock, given differences in social norms, language barriers, and daily life practices. For example, the unwavering politeness and adherence to tradition could be challenging yet enriching experiences. The media has provided a window into these aspects, fueling curiosity and appreciation for cultural diversity.

In conclusion, media like anime and films serve as influential tools that shape our understanding of other cultures. While they can effectively highlight cultural values and practices, they also tend to streamline or dramatize elements for entertainment. Scholarly research aids in contextualizing these portrayals, offering more nuanced insights. Recognizing both the power and limitations of media representations is essential for fostering authentic cross-cultural understanding and respect.

References

• Smith, J. (2019). Representations of Japanese culture in Western media: Stereotypes and realities. Journal of Cultural Studies, 45(2), 150-165.
• Miyazaki, H. (2001). Spirited Away [Film]. Studio Ghibli.
• Masuda, T., & Hoshino, M. (2017). Understanding Japanese societal values through media. Asian Journal of Communication, 27(3), 219-235.
• Yoshida, K. (2018). Festivals and cultural identity in Japan. Japan Cultural Review, 12(4), 33-45.
• Kobayashi, S. (2016). Anime and modern Japanese culture: A socio-cultural perspective. International Journal of Japanese Studies, 6(1), 87-102.
• Harris, M. (2015). Cultural dimensions of respect and hierarchy in Japan. Journal of Asian Sociology, 22(4), 203-220.
• Tanaka, T. (2019). Traditional rituals and modern life in Japan. Asian Cultural Dynamics, 3(2), 45-60.
• Lee, C. (2020). The influence of media on cross-cultural perceptions. Journal of Media and Cultural Studies, 34(1), 74-91.
• Okada, R. (2018). Contemporary Japan: Society and culture. Routledge.
• Chung, A. (2021). Cultural symbolism in anime narratives. Asian Media Journal, 9(3), 112-128.