communicationblog

Roots, The barrier To Flawless Media Globalisation in Asia

2009-10-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Topic - Media Globalization in Asia

Media Globalization in Asia has tremendously changed throughout the years in Asia, however, there is a barrier that will always restrict the globalization to reach its maximum potential.

The reason for the title of the post today is how 'culture' which consists of the roots of many groups, ideas, beliefs, values and norms we have since long ago, that could be the hurdle for maximum globalization in Asia.

It is an inevitable fact that Asia is one of the most cultural continents in the world. Not only it is culturally oriented, it has a conservative outlook on the media. Thus, media globalization in Asia has been heavily limited due to culture. Furthermore, issues such as the differences in cultural background , language , limited coverage of TV transmission and reception in many rural areas and vast limitations by government restrictions has taken its toll in maximum media potential being met.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/32823-rempit-ban-ministry-wont-compensate-filmmakers-

Culturally,there are many aspects of a movie that Asian culture cannot accept in the local cinemas. In Asia, most countries such as Malaysia for instance do not allow sexual scenes or scenes such as violence, vandalism , street illegal racing and even cigarette scenes. Recently, i read a news report online whereby The National Commission for Child Protection in Indonesia has banned scenes that has cigarettes.

"We demand that the House of Representatives insert an article in the bill on films banning cigarette promotions in movies," said Muhammad Joni, the vice chairman of the Commission. The Commission said the bill must forbid cigarette companies from sponsoring the production of films, ban scenes where actors are shown smoking and prevent companies from marketing tobacco brands in the film.

To think of it, most western production has cigarette scenes.Is this the end of movies that has cigarette scenes in Indonesia? the whole Asia maybe someday?

sources-http://www.seatca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=582:cigarettes-in-films-must-be-banned-commission-070909&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=66

This is not a surprise to Asian countries because cases such as this has occurred many times before. Two recent examples of such movies are Bruno and Mat Rempit.

The movie 'Bruno' has been banned by the Malaysia government because this show features stars Cohen as a gay Austrian fashionista, has been a box office hit in some countries while being banned elsewhere for over-the-top scenes including sex acts and full-frontal nudity. This shows an example of a movie created as a comedy type show by the western country , however, the Asian media think differently.

A spokeswoman from the Malaysia's Film Censorship Board said: "It's banned because the story is based on gay life... There are a lot of sex scenes. It's contrary to our culture."

sources-

http://au.movies.yahoo.com/090929/2/28wa6.html

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a179737/bruno-banned-in-malaysia-over-culture-clash.html

There is another movie named Rempit that has been banned by the government not too long ago because it portrays bikers such as the picture above. Mat Rempit is illegal racers in countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam. To prevent the young generation from culturally accepting this act , the government did not have a choice but to staunchly banning the production.

The directive follows a letter from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan to the Home Ministry to ban the term “Mat Rempit” in film and TV productions, and to ban scenes showing illegal racing and activities involving Mat Rempit.

Films featuring illegal racing do well at the box office. KL Menjerit and its sequel, KL Menjerit Episod 1, Remp-It and Bohsia are three movies that focus on the life of Mat Rempit and did well at the box office.

Many Malaysian films have at least one scene on Mat Rempit and a man dressed in women’s clothes (not necessarily a transvestite). Hit films that featured a scene or two of Mat Rempit and men in drag are Sifu & Tongga, Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak and Senario The Movie Episod 1. How will this new rule affect the booming local movie industry? Only the filmmakers have the answer.

Sources-

http://zurairifm.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/malaysia-says-no-to-rempits-mak-nyahs-and-hantus-in-films/

Movies from the past such as 'I am Legend' has been banned in China due to government policies such as no international production for 3 months to encourage local films.

HOLLYWOOD - Will Smith's new movie I Am Legend has suffered a major box office setback in the Far East--Chinese film bosses have banned it from their cinemas.

sources- http://www.hollywood.com/news/Smiths_Movie_Banned_in_China/5010731

Another two good examples of movies that has been banned or censored are Spider Lilies and Lust! Caution. These movies are banned in many Asian countries or played in particular cinemas with strict rules on the age of viewers and with a large amount of censorship.For example in Malaysia, Spider Lilies was not shown on cinemas because it violated the majority's acceptance of homosexuality as an unaccepted conduct in the Islamic culture since Malaysia is an Islamic country. Lust! Caution created its very own controversy due to its nudity and was played in cinemas with censorship.

These are the few issues linked to culture that i have found in Asia. In conclusion, i reckon that the limitation of inter regional trade could be eradicated or lessen by having different cultures open up their minds more while sticking to their roots at the same time. However, i do suppose this is easier said than done. No one wants to have their own culture 'contaminated' and also have to get out of their comfort zone after all .

I was thinking, would shows like Tokyo Drift or even Casino Royale that has sex scenes and illegal racing be banned in Asia in future? what do you think?

Culture Differences

2009-10-16T00:46:00.000-07:00

Culture contrast

“Culture is the sum of all the forms of art, of love, and of thought, which, in the coarse or centuries, have enabled man to be less enslaved”

Andre Maraux

This week, Miss Hui started lecturing on 'culture'.

I finally know that culture are templates for living.In other words, it tells us who ,what groups we belong to and how we live our lives. Moreover, it dictates where to draw the line separating one thing from another; the line is arbitrary until it is learnt and internalised and become reality.

I saw a couple of news headlines that made me realise that in my country which is Malaysia, we possess a cultural barrier .I think each culture wants to be recognized and acknowledged as the right cultural group.For instance, Malaysia would think that the culture they believe in is the best and another country would debate on it.In this post, i am going to list out a few media texts that i read today that shows the contrast between the culture I uphold since young as compared to the Western cultural beliefs and acceptance.

First of all, I read an entertainment article at the new straits times Malaysia about a Malaysian Islamic party's in Malaysia that wants Beyonce's concert banned for good.This is not the first time that Beyonce's party has been questioned severely by Islamic Party's in Malaysia.Well, Beyonce ( a famous r&b artist from the US) in the US would be culturally accepted based on her dressing, however, in Malaysia ; most people are culturally driven to think that the way she dress shows obscenity.

Malaysia's conservative Islamic party called Sunday for a concert by US singer Beyonce to be banned, two years after her debut here was shelved over fears of protests by Muslim groups.
The R&B star is due to perform on October 25 at the Bukit Jalil national stadium just outside the capital, organiser Marctensia said on its website.The Pan-Malaysian Islamic party (PAS) has campaigned against several foreign performers and in 2007, along with other Muslim groups, threatened protests that forced Beyonce to scrap her planned debut concert in Malaysia.

"We oppose the holding of such concerts and we will take action to prevent such a concert from taking place in Malaysia," PAS youth chief Nasrudin Tantawi told AFP, without specifying what action would be taken.

sources-http://entertainment.malaysia.msn.com/News/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3598727

Another example i had gathered and reckoned would be a good fit to show how a major attitudural barrier to intercultural communication is the Malaysia's conservative Islamic party's decision to ban a band called for Danish band Michael Learns to Rock from performing next month, saying it was an insult to Muslims during Ramadan. Everyone knows that Michael Learns to Rock is a ban that is pretty harmless in terms of obscenity and vulgarity, however, in Malaysia they see it as a threat to the culture and religion.

Which western citizen would consider this band to impart bad influence to the people?

sources-http://entertainment.malaysia.msn.com/News/article.aspx?cp-documentid=35459

Next, the article i read from a local newspaper in Malaysia was regarding an actress by the name Hilary Swank.In the news article it states that Hilary Swank doesn't mind being naked in front of her boyfriend's son.The 'P.S. I Love You' actress has no qualms about flashing her flesh in front of partner John Campisi's child, but admits she might have to start wearing clothes soon. I believe that in asian countries, most adults would even mind being naked in front of their partners. This clearly shows the difference of cultural midset that an individual in the US as compared to an individual in Asia

Lastly, the culture contrast in Asia and in western countries differ when u look at the reports over the years over scandalous pictures.For instance, Miss Singapore Universe ,Rachel Kum almost got omitted from her post as the Miss Singapore Universe over scandalous pictures that were taken a couple of years before she was crowned.When I looked at the pictures, it seems that it was just for gag and laughs, however, the culture perception of someone of her post should be pure. I am sure that in Western countries, those picture would not be this severely discussed.

When you think of it, this picture above seems obscene and unpardonable to most of us that uphold the cultural belief and mindset an asian most probably possess,however, compare the news that you hear in the Usa to this case.For instance, people still gain respect for in the Usa,for stars like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian even though they had cases of scandalous videos and pictures being exposed . Even so that they got popular and socially famous due to those acts.

How about Rachel Kum , do people of our culture still respect her?

This video above taken from the Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfD1uLkEN5E

Models of group development

2009-10-09T05:30:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, what is a group?

a group is "a collection of individuals who, as a result of interacting with one another over a time, become interdependent,developing shared patterns of behaviour and a collective identity".

In this post I will blog about the importance of the importance of group communication in any group. Based on the Poole's Multiple Sequence Model,when a group does not balance the task track ,topic task and relationship task the group will not be able to progress due to tension and conflict.

This logo above shows the logo of the Malaysian Chinese Association.Well, this particular group is in a crisis since ten months ago due to problems between the President of the association and the Vice President.Due to conflict that both of them are in, the group has been in a chaos and has caused all the chinese in the nation to worry about the stability of the group.

This picture on the left shows the two people I mentioned earlier. On the left, shows Mr Chua Soi Lek and on the right, Mr Ong Tee Keat.

The problem basically is due to bad management of the relationship task. It all started when Mr Chua proposed 4 conditions , but Mr Ong rejected the first 2 and gave reasons that hurt Mr Chua deeply.

Mr Chua was involved in a sex scandal a couple of years ago and Mr Ong reignited it. Although it was a case resolved long ago, Mr Ong tried to shift the media's attention to Mr Chua's sex scandal case once again to try to cover up for his ongoing case where he was accused by the party for using the party's name for his own business purposes.

Mr Chua hit back at Mr Ong by setting a campaign of his own to smear Mr Ong's reputation.

Today, the case is still unresolved. All the members of the MCA is still not clear of the current situation the group is in.They are extremely worried that the group will not be able to regain its strength by the predicament the association face now. Both leaders failed to maintain the relationship task.The consequence of this problem is that the MCA is in a chaos now. The opposition party group is now gaining more and more supporters and this clearly shows the failure of the group to move forward. The task of the group as a leader is to care for the welfare of the chinese people in Malaysia, however, they let this relationship problem be the centre of topic now.

A group should overcome all these problems by possessing group synergy which is to support and be committed to the priorities and objectives rather than silly relationship problems.

What do you think is the main cause of the relationship task failure that MCA is facing now?

Is there a happy ever after?

2009-10-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

Interpersonal Communication

The picture above shows the sequence of the Knapp Model of Relational Development.Knapp Model describes the progression and development of relationships as a series of 10 stages that is broken down into two parts.The first five stages is where two person come together and results in a bonded relationship.The Knapp Model is not linear and may regress to a previous stage or skip a stage.

This video above is a compilation of the scenes that a couple in a drama series called gossip girls, significantly going through the first 5 stages which is initiating, experimenting , intensifying , integrating and bonding.

In the first five stage, a couple basically would be so Overwhelmed by love that they can close one eyes to the problems that is beneath such as character differences, different social groups, different future plans and also different culture or belief.Although there are cases of relationships that never exceed the fifth stage which is bonding, but majority of couples over a span of time will agree that their relationship has crossed the first 5 stage.

The second stage is where the latter 5 stages and is the stage where a couple breaks apart or move apart.This stage consists of Differentiating, circumscribing, stagnating , avoiding and terminating.During this stage, a couple would encounter problems that they find it hard to compromise between one another. For instance, one party neglects the other for work often, this would result in the other party getting upset over it. In the first five stage, she or he may just overlook this problem.Both party in the stage will blame one another(self serving bias).

This video shows scenes from Gossip Girl that portrays scenes when a relationship starts to turn sour or complicated.

The video above is a good illustrator of the entire 10 stages that a relationship may face in reality in a systematic sequence.

As i learned the Knapp model, I pondered. Do relationships still can turn out successful when there is a leap stages? Does going too fast or too slow make termination of relationships happen.Will this affect the end product?. The ultimate question that i asked myself is whether there is a forever in a relationship?

If a relationship crosses the bonding stage or regression to the earlier stages of the Knapp Model, does it end up terminated? Where then are the fairy tales everyone hears of? Where are the Cinderella "happily ever afters".

In my opinion,the only way a relationship would not enter the second part of the Knapp's model and to maintain its ' perfection' is to repeat over and over again the first 5 stages itself . Love in a relationship will eventually fade somehow through experiences that are does not complement with perfection. Therefore, falling in love has to happen over and over again to keep it going. Loving the other party even if the person changed, or when they transform into a totally different person from the one you fell in love with and even when you almost do not see the sense in it anymore. Then again, how many cases that this happens? It seems that it only occur in fairy tales.

And face it,how many people's live are like fairy tales?

Non verbal communication

2009-09-24T03:32:00.001-07:00

Non Verbal Communication

What is non verbal communication?

Non verbal communication is a way that people convey a message to another by using gestures or expressions without the use of words(verbal) .For instance, if i nod my head , it also may mean as me responding you with a ' yes'.

20.09.2009

The Video above shows a footballer by the name of Craig Bellamy that plays for Manchester City slapping a fan that invaded into the football pitch at a crucial period to create havoc. Well, this video starts of my post on non verbal communication (Haptics) that I observed .

In retrospect to the video above, it shows the body gestures or body language Mr Bellamy was significantly unhappy with the fan .It was pretty easy to perceive by his actions that he was infuriated with the fan ,thus, slapping the fan to show his displeasure .

Likewise for this video above, shows Wayne Rooney, a footballer that plays for Manchester United sarcastically clapping in the face of the referee after he was booked for a soft challenge on the opposition player. Although no words are verbally contructed between the two individual.It is rather clear that Wayne's body gestures that he sarcastically clapped at the referee. If interpreted into verbal communication, his gesture maybe meant ," i disagree with you totally".

This video above is a MUST watch video.It demonstrates all the gestures that many may interpret wrongly while verbally communicating. Different country has different body language that could be misunderstood by another culture.

These are a few videos that show how directors and producers use nonverbal communication to attract and intrigue viewers even when there is no verbal communication exchanged.

This Tiger beer advert above shows two men pointing their fingers to their head and squeezed their eyes shut.Without verbally saying ,' i want tiger beer', the producer made the viewers understand what the actors were trying to make known to us through gesture and expression One reason why everyone understands this is also because it is part of the Kinesic Code 1 of the nonverbal codes named the emblem. This is so when it is an action that is a direct verbal translation that everyone knows already about.

This video above shows the 2009 commercial by the Heineken.Through watching this video, you would observe that there is non verbal communication. For instance, there was the part where the ladies were shock to hear people more enthusiastic than themselves.Their facial expressions (affect displays) are present in them. The producers made the message very clear to the viewers non verbally.

Many people would suggest that non verbal videos are much more intriguing and nice to watch.However, non verbal communication could create misunderstandings pretty easy if two different culture people view a particular gesture or body language.
I personally feel that non verbal communication is a pivotal aspect in communication ,provided the sender understands the different interpretation different cultures or societies may perceive as.

what do you think?

Verbal communication

2009-09-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

(VERBAL COMMUNICATION)

This video above shows verbal constructive communication between an adult with two young child. Annoyed replies the child responded showed that verbal communication is a good way to express the way someone feels about something regardless of age.

Verbal communication is the fundamental step whereby a human being can bring out the best in themselves and in someone else

For instance, if someone were to venture into a business, they would need to use verbal communication everyday in order to sell their products, innovate new ideas as a group and many more.

What does verbal communication consists of?

It is made up by the use of language and words

(LANGUAGE ESSENTIAL IN THE SOCIETY)

“Language is the armory of the human mind, and at once contains the trophies of its past and the weapons of its future conquests”

Samuel Taylor Colleridge

This picture displays the current Prime Minister of Malaysia, reiterating the importance of English in the country of Malaysia not for the first time. Malaysia is a malay language orientated country since long ago ,however, Datuk Seri Najib Razak does not allow malaysians to rest on their laurels just relying on the malay language . The reason for this is because the government in Malaysia knows and acknowledges the importance of acquiring another language.A recent article that shows clearly that Datuk Seri Najib Razak has not forgotten the dominance of english specifically in the country.

"We still uphold the same objectives as we realise how important it is to have a good command of the (English) language," Datuk Seri Najib Razak told newsmen after chairing the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation meeting at the Prime Minister's Department.
Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin supported Datuk Seri Najib Razak's stand that english is important even in a malay orientated country. "I understand that it is important for our children to be proficient in English to meet the needs of the job market, and I do believe that the new approach that we are taking in terms of teaching English would put us in a better position,"was what he stated in a recent speech.

In support to the two prominent figures stated earlier , the wife of Datuk Seri Najib Razak , Datin Seri Rosmah has proven to the nation that what her husband believed in was not just a lie. She told the press that she encouraged her children to pick up other languages so that they would be well and brilliantly equipped globally.

"My son, Mohd Norashman, is learning Mandarin and my daughter, Nooryana Najwa is learning Arabic in the university"

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor

Reference:

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/2NAJJY/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/4muhyat/Article/index/html

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/8halrosy/Article/

(Benefits of verbal communication)

1. people have a clear idea of your stand

this video demonstrates President Barack Obama verbally communicating , hence, make known to the audience on his stand.

2. people know your displeasure or pleasure on a certain issue

Recently, Kanye West verbally insulted Taylor Swift ( the winner of the best video in the VMA). He went up the stage and snatched the microphone and said something to the audience. Well, this shows his clear displeasure with Taylor Swift's success that night.

No doubt that verbal communication has pro and cons,however, i support the idea of verbal communication because i feel that it would be more direct in the communication process.

For instance, if a friend is unhappy with me but does not verbally question my acts , I would never get the chance to resolve the problem.

This video demonstrates Kanye West apologizing to Taylor Swift on live television verbally.Although some may argue that verbal communication has flaws, nobody can deny that the only true sincere way to make up for what has went wrong can only be done verbally. face to face communication cannot take place if there isnt any verbal commuication.

In a nutshell, I feel that everyone should equipt themselves with a good command of languages in order to construct a good , sensual and well-mannered verbal conversation or debate.

Perception

2009-09-12T03:16:00.000-07:00

Perception

Perception is the process by which we make sense of the world around us.By perceiving something means that we predict or assume something that may or may not bethe truth.

Culture , the context , the society and also the media plays an integral part in our assumptions and the influences our perception of something.Indeed, communication and behavior are very much influenced by how we perceive a certain thing instead of what it truly might be

Humans do live and act based on what they stereotype a certain issue to be. Stereotyping something, perceiving in that way and then acting based on it all even though it merely is an assumption. Humans should however not forget that assumptions are almost always wrong, and that is why the saying 'don't judge a book by its cover' exists.

This picture above shows a lady by the name of Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno talking to her father .Well, this recent case whereby she was caught drinking alcohol by Islamic Enforcement Officials two years ago. She is sentenced to 6 strokes and a fine just by drinking alcohol.Basically,'religion' plays a huge part in how we perceive something to be. For islamic people, they perceive drinking as a sin that is intolerable and cannot be excused. In contrast, other religions drink alcohol for entertainment sake. Which perception is the truth? It is debatable,however, different people have different perceptions of a particular thing and different assumptions on a certain issue.

Reference: http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre57n0fi-us-malaysia-caning/

What do you perceive this picture to be?

Some may perceive it as the side view of a young lady.

Some perceive this picture as an old lady.

This picture was shown to me during comm 101 class a week ago.It shows the different perceptions by 3 different types of people
Of the 3 perceptions in the picture, which is the right perception?

Different cultures perceive different gestures to be rude or polite.For instance, people in europe of America prefer others to look them in the eye (eye contact) when they communicate.This differs to the culture in Japan, Korea and even Thailand as they perceive that direct eye contact is rather rude and shows disrespect.

The O.K gesture in America and England is given to mean everything is O.K, well or good. In Latin America and France it is considered an insult. Similar to giving someone the middle finger.

Reference :http://www.eruptingmind.com/communication-gestures-vary-different-cultures/

Personal perceptions that may not be absolutely true

What do I perceive a prominent figures such as a "minister" to act like?

As a proud Malaysian , i've always assumed and perceive that my country has extremely flawless leaders.Leaders that would teach good and worthy values into the young generation if not the old generation.I did a survey among my friends and most of them gave me their perceptions of a 'minister' to them.

some perceived them as righteous,
some perceived them as fair and just,
some perceived them as courageous and responsible people,
some even perceived them as perfect role models.

Firstly, my personal perception that has gone totally wrong in retrospect to what i've said earlier about ministers always being responsible and courageous.The reference below shows a recent media news about a minister that has over the past years been associated with scandals and sodomy.

Reference:
(http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/17side/Article/index_html)

Another scandal that has circulated around Malaysia this couple of years also shows another
minister committing an act that is extremely shameful to himself of course and to the entire nation.Sources by the Star Online Malaysia that dates back to 02 January 2008 shows that the minister was associated with a sex scandal.

Reference:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/2/nation/19898249&sec=nation
http://edwardkhoo.com/chua-soi-lek-sex-scandal-and-video-tape/

How I perceived holy figures such as a 'monk' to be?

Personally, we would perceived them as people that can resist greed and the riches of the world.
Indeed i was once proven wrong again after a case last year in Singapore itself whereby a
monk by the name Shi Ming Yi is found guilty to forgery, misappropriation of funds and conspiracy to give false information to the Commissioner of Charities.

Who would have perceived a monk to be associated with this clandestine acts?
This once again proves that a pure perception of all holy figures being honest and righteous could turn out false.

Reference:
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Crime/Story/A1Story20080715-76833.html

Not too long ago, I watched the movie 'Obsessed'. This movie basically is about a lady that looks extremely normal and many would perceive just based on her looks that she is a normal lady. Well, personally I perceived her as that mentioned earlier, however, she turned out to be a lady different from what I perceived just at the start of the movie. This lady actually is a dangerous and obsessed lady that puts a family's life in jeopardy.

Sources: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBq8clz1nvQ&feature=fvsr

Perception of a job for instance, many perceive air stewards to be a job that is only for glamour sake . However this is not true, we perceive them as glamour grabbing people ,instead they actually in truth humble themselves as human being to serve us and to allow passengers to enjoy their journey to another country. Moreover, jobs like such as models also are wrongly perceive most of the time , we perceive that their job is an easy job and you just have to look good, but in truth, they train for hours to improve on their postures.

Basically, i think this applies to many jobs these days. Be it being a lawyer, clerk, air stewardess, or actiste. Every job has its stereotypes and perceptions. But dont forget that every career path has its little story behind it. Thus, no one should judge and behave towards a person solely based on the perceived assumptions. Because it might end up with major issues that could be avoided.

In a nutshell,I believe and trust that misunderstandings and miscommunication can be avoided if everyone do not act solely based on their perceptions of something that has yet to be proven.

Your opinion is your opinion, your perception is your perception--do not confuse them with "facts" or "truth". Wars have been fought and millions have been killed because of the inability of men to understand the idea that EVERYBODY has a different viewpoint.

JOHN MOORE, Quotations for Martial Artists