Reflective Writing ( Hand-in Copy)

In the lecture and especially in Morris’s “The myth of unadulterated culture meets the threat of imported media” (2002), the idea which I found interesting is cultural hybridisation. This process of cultural mixing accelerated by urbanisation and modern transportation, electronic media and communication cultures in fact does not lead to cultural homogenisation.

I am not surprised with the notion of cultural hybridisation that borrowing, mixing, interchange of cultural elements is an inevitable consequence of contact between groups (Morris 2002:20). I find that my experience accorded with this view. There are numerous evidences strengthening this thesis. For example, the McDonald’s in Australia that mixes an American fast-food restaurant into an Australia market. McOz known as a McDonald’s home-grown manufactured hamburger is to suit Australian’s flavour. The young Australian students eat at a Vietnamese restaurant after class. That is to say, the process of cultural mixing brings diversity to culture rather than make it become homogenous.

Another thesis put forward by Morris (2002 :20) is that although modern technology accelerated the conditions and opportunities for hybridity, cultural mixing does not depend on it . It seems to underestimate the considerable role of electronic media and cyber communication in the cultural exchange . The development in communication infrastructure in Vietnam offers people a greater connectivity and the increasing scope of information available on the web. The content of these web sites, which mostly come from Western countries, seems to have some impact on my culture. People’s perspectives have changed to some extent in relation to living styles which means young people tend to eat more fast food and choose famous brands to use. These changes seem not to be perceived as homogenisation in my culture. In addition, techology is creating more potential for culture to meet and share elements.

However, a question arises that if it is perceived as cultural hybridisation leading to cultural homogenisation. I think it is just something changing on the surface of cultural structure, nevertheless, people would find ways of maintaining traditions that are meaningful to them. Moreover, as Morris (2002:34) states, awareness of local values and symbols through contrast with images of foreign practices may even strengthen cultural identities. Particularly, American media overwhelmed with images of wealth or extravagance, bold styles, sexuality not only does not affect but reminds them of the distinctiveness of their identities. Also, it may even create a side-effect that produces a protective attitude toward America in some viewers.