Globalization and Media: Global Village of Babel - Softcover

Lule, Jack

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0742568369 ISBN 13: 9780742568365

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2011

Synopsis

This lively and accessible book argues for the central role of media in understanding globalization. Indeed, Jack Lule convincingly shows that globalization could not have occurred without media. From earliest times, humans have used media to explore, settle, and globalize their world. In our day, media have made the world progressively "smaller" as nations and cultures come into increasing contact. Decades ago Marshall McLuhan prophesied that media technology would transform the world into a "global village." Slowly, fitfully, his vision is being fulfilled.

The global village, however, is not the blissful utopia that McLuhan predicted. Nor, in a more modern formulation, is the world flat, with playing fields leveled and opportunities for all. Instead, Lule argues, globalization and media are combining to create a divided world of gated communities and ghettos, borders and boundaries, suffering and surfeit, beauty and decay. By breaking down the economic, cultural, and political impact of media, and through a rich set of case studies from around the globe, the author describes a global village of Babel-invoking the biblical town punished for its vanity by seeing its citizens scattered, its language confounded, and its destiny shaped by strife.

About this title

About the Author

Jack Lule is professor and director of global studies and professor and chair of journalism and communication at Lehigh University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0742568369
• ISBN 13: 9780742568365
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 188