RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
Perspectives on Globalization
Part 1: Relationships Among Globalization, Identity & Culture
Chapter 3: Technologies and Promotion of Culture in a Globalizing World pp. 46-69
A/ The following are terms that will come up during this section, use the glossary at the back of your textbooks
to find the definition for each of the words.
1) Universalization of Popular Culture: ________________________________________________
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2) Media Transnational: ____________________________________________________________
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3) Media Consolidation / Convergence: _________________________________________________
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4) Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC): __________________________________________
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5) Société Radio-Canada (SRC): ______________________________________________________
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6) Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA): __________________________________________
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7) Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN): _______________________________________
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RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
8) Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC): _____________________________________
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9) Minority Language: _______________________________________________________________
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10) Canadian Radio and Television Commission:________________________________________
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11) Canadian Content (CanCon):______________________________________________________
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Section 1: Universalization of Popular Culture & Hybridization (pg.46-53)
1. How do you have an effect on the creation of popular culture?
2. Where does much of the popular culture we engage come from? What are they?
3. What concerns have arisen with respect to the concentration of media ownership?
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
4. Why are we (Canadians) not watching Canadian movies?
5. In 2003-04 what percentage of revenue did Canadian films earn? What percentage of revenue did
foreign made films earn?
6. How is the situation of watching Canadian films different in Quebec?
7. Use Figure 3-3 to answer the following question...
“What ideas about our identities do you think this hybrid art expresses?”
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
8) a) Estimate how much of your time and money has gone to one media transnational in the past
month. First, think about all the TV and films you have watched, the books, magazines you have
purchased, and the music you have listened to.
TV shows:
Films:
Books:
Magazines:
Music:
TIME SPENT
MONEY SPENT
b) Research at home (whether online or looking at labels) to identify some media transnationals that
made or distributed these products. (List them!)
Ex: I watched ‘The Little Mermaid’ on Saturday when I babysat  the media transnational
represented here is Disney
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
9) Reflect on your media habits. To what extent does it affect your identity? How do you think you
should respond to the impact of media transnationals?
Section 2: Diversification of Cultures & Identities (pg. 53-58)
1. Why has Canada always been willing to embrace communication technologies?
2. Use Figure 3-4 (pg. 54) to answer the following questions...
a) What does the cartoon imply about what many people would rather watch on TV? (Not simply,
“Everybody Loves Raymond”)
b) To what extent do you think this a true portrait of Canadians and Canadian television?
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
c) Where would these people stand on the issue of maintaining a national broadcaster to promote
Canadian identities in the face of global media?
3. What is the difference between public and private broadcasters?
4. After reading the views for and against national public broadcasting, which side are you more likely
to support? Why?
5. Use Figure 3-5 (pg. 57) to answer the following question...
“Why would producing dramas or news programs be important for a unique cultural or linguistic
group?
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
6. Here are two views on the impact of the internet:
A) The internet leads cultures toward universalization because media transnationals have increasing
control over global media, including internet media outlets.
B) The internet allows for more diversity of cultures, because diverse individuals, communities, and
groups can connect around the world.
What aspects of these two views do you consider positive and negative? You may draw on your own
experience to enrich your answers.
POINT OF VIEW “A”
+ Positive +
- Negative -
POINT OF VIEW “B”
+ Positive +
- Negative -
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
7. To what extent does the internet affect your identity? Explain.
Section 3: Promoting Languages and Cultures (pg. 58-67)
1. How does global media threaten minority languages?
2. Use Figure 3-6 (pg. 60) to answer the following question...
Would Francophones consider bilingualism on stamps or money to be important developments? Why
or why not?
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
3. With respect to the BNA Act; how might the use of any official language in legal and governmental
matters help to promote that language in a minority setting? How might this affect other language
groups within a country?
4. To what “two founding races” referring? How might that phrase have been perceived from a First
Nation’s perspective? Explain.
5. Did the government have a responsibility to address the inequities outlined in the 1965 from the
Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism? Was Canada living up to the promise of
Confederation? Explain.
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
6. Use the Fast Facts (pg. 61) to answer the following questions...
What do you think would be the cause of this increase in bilingual speakers in Canada? Would the
promotion of official bilingualism by the government of Canada contribute to this change? Explain.
7. You have likely watched some Canadian television shows and listened to Canadian music on the
radio. Based on your viewing and listening experience, do you think the CRTC is successful at
promoting Canadian languages and cultures? Explain.
8. Use the Investigation feature (Minority Languages, pg. 64) to answer the following questions...
a) According to this excerpt, why is language so important? To what extent do you think it is important
for Aboriginal peoples to promote and revitalize their languages, particularly in the face of global
media?
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
b) Suggest some ways that governments, individuals and cultural groups can promote and revitalize
languages?
9. Complete questions 1 & 2 on pg. 65, using the People and Places feature (Aboriginal Language
Families in Canada). Use the space provided here in your booklet...
RC: To what extent should globalization shape identity?
10. What is language viability?