Read the following passage and answer the questions.
Global village proponents see the world community coming closer together as a common culture is negotiated and, not incidentally as we became more economically interconnected. “We are witnessing the revolution of the empowerment of the media consumer,” argues Reuters Television Director Enrique Jara. There should be little fear that individuals cultures and national identities will disappear, because that culture-specific, special interest fare remains in demand. Modern media technology makes the delivery of this varied content not only possible but profitable. As a result of cultural exchanges, a global culture is created, piece by piece, but it grows more variegated and complex along the way. And even as geographically based identifies blur and fade, new subcultures based on shared tastes in music or literature or obscure hobbies, grow up. The global village is here but the problem is erosion of national sovereignty. The advanced nations of the world through their multi-national corporations are expanding their control over the international flow of information. As a result, much of the world may become even more heavily dependent on the western nations and it may be predicted about the demise of native cultures.
National culture is assaulted by direct satellite broadcasts and worldwide information distribution networks. There is a fear about worldwide democracy. Much of the world’s entertainment and Journalism is being provided by a handful of enormous films, with invariably pro-profit and pro-global market political positions on the central issues of our times. There is no simple answer to the debate over protecting the integrity of local cultures. There is even disagreement over the wisdom of doing so. Media literate people should at least beware of the debate and its issues and they may also want to consider the paradox of what Josef Joffe, editor of Germany’s Weekly ‘Die Zeit’, calls the “Soft power” of America’s exported culture. It “does not bend hearts” as cultural imperialism critics contend. Rather, “it twists minds in resentment and rage”. He points to data collected by the Pew Global Attitudes Project. When asked if they “like American music, movies and television” large percentages of citizens in England (62%), France (65%) Germany (67%) and Italy (69%) said “Yes”. But when asked if “it’s good that American ideas and customs are spreading”, other large percentages of people in England (33%), France (27%), Germany (24%) and Italy (43%) said “no”. Like most debates over mass communication the simple answers aren’t always the correct answers.
Q1. What is the major characteristic of the global village?
(A) Community coming closer
(B) Having common culture
(C) Less geographical boundaries
(D) All of the above
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
The global village brings communities closer together. As cultures interact, people develop a shared understanding. Additionally, economic connections strengthen, making nations more interdependent. Moreover, technological advancements allow instant communication, reducing geographical barriers. Consequently, individuals can engage with global issues and perspectives more easily. Therefore, the global village fosters unity while promoting a more interconnected world.
Q2. What are the negative elements reflected by the global village?
(A) Threat to national sovereignty, national culture is assaulted by various elements, dominance of few media firms.
(B) Common culture is negotiated, national identities are disappearing, global culture is created, and national sovereignty is not on stake.
(C) Control on flow of information, demise of native culture, national identities are intact.
(D) Community comes closer; media consumers are powerful, content delivery is tough and runs in loss.
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
The global village threatens national sovereignty. Powerful nations and multinational corporations dominate information flow. As a result, native cultures face the risk of fading. Furthermore, direct satellite broadcasts expose traditional societies to foreign influences. Consequently, some communities struggle to preserve their unique identities. Additionally, a few large media firms control entertainment and journalism. This concentration of power limits diverse perspectives. Thus, while globalization connects people, it also raises concerns about cultural survival.
Q3. How does the global village impact cultures?
(A) Peoples are scattered and long, not connected to any one else and away from media.
(B) Close to each other, cultural exchange is not possible, identities are clearly identified, Multi-national Corporation are expanding.
(C) Individual cultures will fade, scope of varied content, cultural exchange is possible in high order, tastes of people matches with each other.
(D) Western nations are dominating, media is controlled by many organisations, and local cultures are protected.
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
The global village influences cultures in many ways. Individual identities fade as cultural exchanges increase. Consequently, people adopt similar preferences in music, literature, and lifestyle. Furthermore, media technology makes diverse content accessible. This accessibility encourages cultural blending. However, multinational corporations expand their influence, shaping global tastes. As a result, while cultural diversity exists, dominant cultures gain more visibility. Therefore, cultural exchange is both enriching and challenging.
Q4. What are the research findings in regard to American cultural products?
(A) People of many countries are readily accepting American ideas and customs.
(B) People of many countries are only accepting Americans music, films and television.
(C) People of many countries are neither accepting American music, films and television nor ideas and customs.
(D) People of many countries are accepting both American music, films and television and also ideas and customs.
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Research reveals mixed responses to American culture. Many people enjoy American music, movies, and television. However, they do not always support the spread of American customs. Consequently, while entertainment gains acceptance, cultural influence faces resistance. Furthermore, statistics show varying opinions across countries. Thus, American culture attracts global audiences, yet it also sparks concerns. Therefore, cultural acceptance and resistance exist side by side.
Q5. What is the crux of the passage in fine?
(A) Simple answers are always correct, America’s culture always bends hearts, it never twists mind in rage.
(B) People from England, France, Germany and Italy accepted in low percentage that they like American music, movies and television.
(C) Simple answers aren’t always the correct answers, American music; movies and television are liked by most of the people from England France, Germany and Italy.
(D) Media literate people should be aware of many issues, western nations do not dominate in information flow, and cultural imperialism is appreciated.
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
The passage highlights the complexities of globalization. American media products are widely popular. However, cultural dominance creates resentment. Consequently, while entertainment spreads easily, deeper cultural influence faces opposition. Furthermore, the debate on cultural imperialism remains unresolved. Media literacy helps individuals understand these issues. Therefore, simple answers do not always explain the full picture.
