Thinking about...Ethnoscapes
The process of globalisation
has elicited a sense of curiosity amongst human beings to explore the world
beyond the confines of their hometown. Geographical boundaries are becoming
inapt limitations for people who endeavour to experience new cultures and
lifestyles. The term ethnoscapes is used to describe this movement of people
cross-culturally and encapsulates the notion of humans gaining different
perspectives of historical, linguistic and political situatedness (Rantanen, T 2005). Tourists,
migrants and refugees are all examples of the labels humans assume when
experiencing this flow of cultural movement. The process of ethnoscapes in the
scheme of globalisation has alluded to a more informational society, one which
connects humans in a way that compresses geographical space and time, and has
ultimately changed lives.
The development of ethnoscapes
in the process of globalisation has changed the life of my mother, Anthoula
Chand (and by that note, me too!). Anthoula’s parents were immigrants from
Greece, who sought a better life in Australia. When the family moved back to
Greece for a short time, Anthoula could compare and appreciate the lifestyle
she had in Melbourne. In 1990, Anthoula took a trip with friends to Fiji, and
became immersed in the country’s culture and lifestyle, experiencing and seeing
things she wouldn’t back home. That trip is also when she met James, a local
Fijian hotel worker, and fell in love. The ability for Anthoula to cross
multiple borders and meet different people of different nationalities led her
to not only gain a worldly knowledge, but to meet her husband of 21 years.
In my eyes, ethnoscapes have
broadened the knowledge of human beings, exposing them to different
perspectives, ways of thinking and traditions. Globalisation in this respect
has created various opportunities for individuals. Consider the example of Adeline Yen Mah, a Chinese woman
who endured a childhood of neglect and hardship. The ability for Adeline to
migrate to London brought about a better and more successful life, leading to
the publishment of her award-winning novel, “Chinese Cinderella”, a novel that is now read globally.
Ethnoscapes have a created a culture in itself of learning, acceptance
and sharing. Sharing of information, of cultures, of traditions and of
knowledge that have been embraced and explored by curious, individual minds.
Sources:
Image: Wikipedia, 2008, Chinese Cinderella Book Cover, retrieved July 23rd
2013, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_Cinderella_2_cover.jpg
The Guardian, 2013, “Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah – review”, Sunday 28th of
April, retrieved Tuesday 23rd of July 2013, http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/apr/28/review-chinese-cinderella-adeline-yen-mah
Rantanen, T 2005, ‘Theorizing media globalization’, The media and globalization,
Sage, London, pp. 1–18.
This was a great analysis of how globalisation influences the flow of people, especially in regards to providing new opportunities and experiences in different countries around the world. I agree that experiencing different cultures is such an enlightening experience, providing knowledge and memories which are extremely beneficial for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteI think it is also interesting to look at the idea of the 'global village' which is similarly resulting from a more informational society and compression of global boundaries. While globalisation enables the flow of people throughout the world, the influence of the western world is also becoming increasingly prominent in many cultures.
Your explanation of concept of globalisation and the physical flows that are a an aspect of it has been articulated extremely well. The first paragraph was a good introduction to the rest of the post, giving the reader the necessary background information as well as a useful definition.
ReplyDeleteThe examples of your family's experience of the physical flows of globalisation as well as the opportunities it gave to author Adeline Yen Mah provided a good contrast between the opportunities globalisation presents for the personal as well as the professional.
Although, I like to focus on the positives the merging of cultures brings, I wouldn't always consider that physical flows of people result in acceptance. Whenever opposing traditions clash I think there will always be inherent struggle.
Overall I think your post is excellent. It is set out so cleanly and easy and nice to read while also thought-provoking. Well done.
Hey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, great job on your blog post! I enjoyed the fact that the Chinese Cinderella made an appearance (as I read that in high school!). With that aside I liked the way you took the immigration aspect of ethnoscapes. Due to this movement of people, it is definitely true that we have become (as you say) "a more informational society".
This goes to show why a number of countries are no multi cultural, as immigrants still carry their own culture when entering into a new country. Not only that, but from your example it does not occur from immigration alone, but also simple travelling.
Thumbs up from me!
In your first paragraph you clearly outline the arguments that you will be discussing throughout your post, it is a fantastic introduction. Your definition of the term ethnoscapes is excellent, and you clearly outline it’s relationship with globalisation. Very thought-provoking real life example involving your mother, you are very lucky to such a unique example; it would have been good discuss it a bit more. Drawing on the book ‘Chinese Cinderella’ added to your argument and was a good point, although it would have been great add it in earlier in the post.
ReplyDeleteOverall this is an excellent post, extremely easy to read and understand. I feel that through reading this post I have gained a better understanding of ethnoscapes. Awesome job!
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI thought that your introduction was written really well, in that you presented the concept of 'ethnoscapes' and then defined it with the Ranateen example from the week two readings, which shows that you have engaged and interpreted the material in your own way. Your example of Adeline Yen Mah's life, migration to London and eventual success through her novel "Chinese Cinderalla" does well to present the positives of globalisation. My only criticism is that you have not provided links throughout the piece which I think would add further appeal and opportunities for further reading. Overall though, I did enjoy your post having never heard of the "Chinese Cinderalla" before.
Thanks
Sarah, you have used two very good examples of globalization and the way it affects the flows of people based on immigration. What makes you post much more interesting is that you have been influenced by this concept via your mother. I know there is only a short word limit, but I would be interested to read the differences your mother found between Greece and Australia. Again, I also think looking at the idea of the global village would have been beneficial to your post. Your post is structured very nicely and easy to read and I really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteG'day Sarah,
ReplyDeleteFrom reading this post it is clear that you understand the topic which made this a clear and informative read. Your introduction is structured well, you outline the topic clearly and inform the reader about the concept of ethnoscapes. You also have a good mix of scholarly examples and personal examples that really complement your arguments well. The story about your parents is intriguing and is just a great story altogether, its a bonus that it relates to the topic so well. The only advice i could leave would be only on the formatting of the blog, perhaps a link on 'Chinese Cinderella' so readers can gain more information on the novel, apart from that, excellent post :)