CHAPTER 11
What Are the Communication Issues Facing a Global Identity?
CHAPTER 11 OBJECTIVES AND OUTLINE
Chapter 11 Objectives:
As a result of reading Chapter 11 and participating in related class discussions and activities, you should be able to:
(1) Appreciate the important role of the Internet and other technologies in shaping
everyday intercultural and global communication;
(2) Explore the struggles, rhythms, and movements as global and local identities
intersect;
(3) Understand pop culture and other factors that shape local and global identity outlook;
(4) Define the characteristics of an e.netizen identity and the differences among gliding,
interfaced, and fixated e.netizen identities;
(5) Compare monotrack-focused and multitrack focused work habits and be able to offer suggestions to manage these differences; and
(6) Have some fun conversations with your classmates and friends concerning the future trends of intercultural communication and accompanying changes in language styles, nonverbal fashions and gadgets, space and time dimensions, and global communication.
Chapter 11 Outline:
I. Wired and On: The Roar of the Internet
A. The Internet as our Central Station
1. Hub offering global communication and relationship development with diverse individuals
2. Privileged space: only users with access and means to afford it
B. Wired Communication
1. Communication is changing due to Internet, social media
2. Instantaneous reporting of events rather than a day or more later
3. Ethnic identity is subjective experience and become more complex as Internet layer is added
II. The Transformation of Local and Global Identities
Introduction:
1. Local identity (Note: see textbook for full descriptions and definitions) a. Ethnic values, practices, traditions of local identity group

b. They may resist technological advances, attempts to fuse culture with contemporary trends
2. Global identity : embrace international practices and values over local. Keep up with latest trends, etc.
A. The Lens of Television: Identity Imitation
1. Children across globe watch international programs based on the United States, may embrace new customs, challenge traditions
2. Television is an identity supplier, provides escape from traditional-based cultural values and forges sense of communal belonging
B. Global Television Impact
1. Shapes how we see world, how we form stereotypes
2. Worldwide popularity of action, drama and reality shows (which focus on interpersonal relationships)
C. Be Hip, be Hot, and Pop Culture Impact
1. Supporters of pop culture see world as constantly changing
2. Opponents view it as negative due to commercialism, shallowness, mass production
D. Outsourced Beats: You Are What You Can Dance To
1. Music provides common identity expression, connection with others
2. Hip Hop—originated in African American inner-city youth discouraged by racial oppression
3. Now, top U.S. music sales, has worldwide influence
E. You Are What You Wear: Pop Culture as Fashion
1. Fashion implies change
2. Fashion trends traced to ethnic groups, sports teams
Conclusion:
1. New identity created—morphing global and local culture, fusing collectivism and individualism
2. Individuals who embrace local values, individual expression, and also long for global belonging
III. Who and What are e.netizens?
E.netizen
: new generation of individuals wired to the Internet via intersecting space
A. Defining the background of e.netizens
1. “First-wave” users, having latest technology
2. “Globally ethnic” involves multiple ethnicities
B. Characteristics of e.netizen Identity
1. E.
netizen identity : composite identity shaped by technology, popular culture, and mass consumption
2. Characteristics of an e.netizen Identity a. Exclusive : loyal to the Internet community b. Evolved : comfortable borrowing identities c. Explorers : in search of next big thing e. Emoticon : used in instant, text, and email messaging f. Entertainment : insatiable appetite for entertainment f. Engaged : group decision-making, sharing opinions g. Energized : bored easily, need constant sensory stimulation

C. Inverted pyramid of e.netizen identity
1.
2.
Gliding e.netizen identity gathering
: surface level. Weaker attachment to Internet, stronger ties to local culture. Internet as hobby and for information
Interfaced e.netizen identity and local community ties
3. Fixated e.netizen identity : deep-layer attachment, continuously connected to
Internet
: moderately strong ties to Internet. Both global
IV. Dialectical Pulls of an e.netizen
Dialectical tensions : conflicts from two opposing forces existing at same time
A. Spatial Zone Dialectics provided by Internet: at the same time, individuals experience the solitude pole (privacy) and tribal pole (shared communal space)
B. Temporal Zone Dialectics
1. Monotrack focus : work on one project at a time
2. Multitrack focus : tending to multiple e.net tasks or activities
3. Being-in-doing e.net philosophy : fuse “being mode” (chat room) with “doing mode” (performing other tasks) value dimensions
V. The Tipping Point: Communication Pattern Changes
A. Gadget Communication Patterns: Fast and Furious
1. Mobile phone was game changer, main distracter from face-to-face
2. Cell phones change conversion in public areas: we stay on our phones
B. Sharing Intimate Partner with a Gadget
1. Sex lives of e.netizens impacted
2. Japanese males find face-to-face communication difficult
C. Language Styles: Text, Tweet, Talk: shortened words, emoticons—changes language
D. Communicating to be Social Change Agents: Internet is global town square, allows for active engagement, disaster relief and political activism
E. Present but Virtual: virtual business meetings may include intercultural misunderstandings
VI. Personal Identities in Flux: The Global Face
A. Developing identity takes time, yet via Internet, our self-view can change in instant
B. Opponents argue Internet appeals to worst instincts
C. e.netizens can morph and fuse identity. Internet influences image of beauty.
VII. Intercultural Reality Check: Do-Ables
A. Our identity is vulnerable and changing. Seek those with whom we share commonality
B. Flexibility allows one not to become so Internet-centric nor contact-centric
C. All three types of e.netizens should be open-minded to gain insights to others
D. Be aware of the impact and export of U.S. culture, and that stereotypes of U.S. culture are based on this exported culture
E. Ask questions in culture-sensitive manner
F. Be mindful of varying learning styles and adapt accordingly
G. Make technology work for you

CHAPTER 11 CHECK-UP
Check out the following cultural literacy questions:
Self-Assessment Quiz : Use this quiz to find out about spatial zone dialectics. Which of the following reflects your attitude toward the Internet? To which spatial zone pole does each of these descriptive terms belong?
1. Quietness
2. Bustling noises
POP-UP INTERPRETATION:
1. Quietness reflects the solitude pole of the spatial zone dialectic.
To take the poll, see my.blog 11.1 in the text on page 242.
POP-UP INTERPRETATION:
2. Bustling noisees reflects the tribal pole of the spatial zone dialectic.
To take the poll, see my.blog 11.1 in the text on page 242.
Jeopardy Quiz : Can you name the three top-grossing movies of all time?
POP-UP ANSWER:
The answer is that you should research this yourself, as Jeopardy Box 11.1 in the text on page 236 is probably already outdated. This is due to the rapidly changing nature of pop culture, of which movies are a part.

CHAPTER 11 GLOSSARY-MATCHING QUIZ
Match the following five terms with their respective definitions: a. Spatial zone dialectics b. Tribal pole c. Gliding e.netizen d. Solitude pole e. Fixated e.netizen
___ 1. One end or pole of the spatial zone dialectic; the pull toward privacy
___ 2. One end or pole of the spatial zone dialectic; the need for shared communal space
___ 3. At the same time, individuals experience the solitude pole and the tribal pole
___ 4. Strong attachment to the Internet and having a solid e.netizen identity
___ 5. Minimal attachment to the Internet, which is viewed as a hobby or way to gather information
POP-UP ANSWER:
1. d
2. b
3. a
4. e
5. c

Match the following e.netizen terms with their corresponding descriptions: a. Explorers b. Evolved c. Engaged d. Energized e. Exclusive
___ 1. Loyal to the Internet, their main connection to the world
___ 2. Comfortable borrowing identities
___ 3. As a consumer-based identity, in search of the next big thing
___ 4. Bored easily, so constant sensory stimulation is needed
___ 5. Valuing group efforts at decision making, sharing of opinions
POP-UP ANSWER:
1. e
2. b
3. a
4. d
5. c

CHAPTER 11 REVIEW QUIZ
Multiple Choice: Select and click the BEST ANSWER from the choices available.
1. The aspect of ____________ is reflected by the fact that Karen has access to the Internet because she is a member of the U.S. middle-class, but Kiyo, who is from Burma, does not. a. spatial zone dialectics b. temporal zone dialectics c. pop culture d. privileged space
POP-UP ANSWER: d. privileged space (p. 231)
2. The aspect of ____________ is reflected by the fact that Luigi, who lives in a remote village in the Italian Alps, carries a mobile cellular phone that uses the latest hip-hop music for ring tones. a. spatial zone dialectics b. temporal zone dialectics c. pop culture d. normative culture
POP-UP ANSWER: c. pop culture (p. 232)
3. The ___________ identity is a composite identity that is shaped by technology, by popular culture, and by mass consumption. a. personal b. e.netizen c. global d. local
POP-UP ANSWER: b. e.netizen (p. 238)

4. _______________ is (are) conflict(s) that come(s) from two opposing forces that exist at the same time. a. E.netizen identity b. Personal commitments c. Structural commitments d. Dialectical tensions
POP-UP ANSWER: d. Dialectical tensions (p. 241)
5. For the e.net’er, spatial zone dialectics describes the tension between the __________ pole and the ___________ pole. a. solitude; tribal b. popular culture; tradition c. personal identity; social identity d. monotrack; multitrack
POP-UP ANSWER: a. solitude; tribal (p. 242)
6. Lyle spends time on the Internet with chatroom friends while at the same time he is using the
Internet to listen to music and to pay his bills. He is experiencing which aspect of temporal zone dialectics? a. Monotrack focus b. Multitrack focus c. Global identity d. Local identity
POP-UP ANSWER: b. Multitrack focus (p. 243)
7. The _______________ e.net philosophy means that e.net individuals can fuse enjoyment of the here-and-now moment with doing other task related activities. a. monotrack focus b. “being” c. “doing” d. “being-in-doing”
POP-UP ANSWER: d. “being-in-doing” (p. 243)

8. Lakota really enjoys feeling like he is alone at the same time he is communicating with individuals across the globe via his computer. This experiencing of opposite tensions reflects what aspect of the e.netizen identity? a. Spatial zone dialectics b. Temporal zone dialectics c. Identity zone dialectics d. Globalization dialectics
POP-UP ANSWER: a. Spatial zone dialectics (p. 242)
True/False: In order to identify the best answer, consider whether each statement is true (i.e., accurate) or false (i.e., inaccurate). Click either “a” for “True” or “b” for “False.”
1. The e.netizen identity is a combination of individualism and aspects of U.S. culture. a. True b. False
POP-UP ANSWER: b. False (p. 238)
2. The e.net identity is partially shaped by popular culture. a. True b. False
POP-UP ANSWER: a. True (p. 238)
3. The interfaced e.netizen identity has very strong attachments to the Internet and is continuously connected to the Internet. a. True b. False
POP-UP ANSWER: b. False (p. 241)

CHAPTER 11 INTERCULTURAL WEB SURFING
Check out the following Internet sites that are relevant to this chapter:
As K-Pop continues to dominate across the globe, this website gives daily rundowns on the current news, fashion, movies, and dramas in South Korea: http://www.hancinema.net/index.php
This webpage is devoted to the ever-popular hip-hop culture that allows one to access the most current use of slang used among pop youth: http://www.urbandictionary.com
In order to have a meaningful dialogue about global identity, try logging on to the MTV web page. Their shows ( 16 and Pregnant, Jersey Shores ) offer insight to the global appeal of hip-hop culture and its mass appeal: http://www.mtv.com
Get the latest fads and global interests: http://www.globalpop.com/ (an online international shopping center) http://www.popcultmag.com/
Movie reviews and more: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/ http://www.imdb.com/
Documentary Film:
Tokyology Vol. 1 (2008, Documentary). This film explores the many facets of pop culture, fashion, nightlife, and other entertainment.
Book:
Iyer, Pico (1989). Video Night in Kathmandu: And Other Reports From the Not-So-Far East.
New York: Vintage Books. Travel writer Iyer detailed eleven short essays and unsettling portraits of a Far East: Tibet, China, India, and Thailand. These essays provide an unsettling view of modern Asia and the exploration of the attitudes Asians hold toward the West. Although this book was written over ten years ago, the observations regarding global culture are eerie.