Media as Global Change Agent

A McDonald’s restaurant sign stands near Beijing's 580-year-old Drum Tower. The Beijing city government has issued new regulations that will require more than 30 McDonald’s signs in Beijing to be demolished. Beijing officials have said that many signs, for both foreign and Chinese companies, do not fit with the style of construction nearby. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

When media products flow around the world, both their form and content are agents of change.

Historically, we have seen the introduction of any significant new mode of communication — from alphabetic writing to printing presses to digital networks — alter social, cultural and political structures. We also know that the exchange of cultural content carries new ideas and values around the world, influencing cultural group identity and beliefs.

In this final issue of the COM321/POLS330 webzine, we offer a variety of examples and opinions regarding media as a global and cultural change agent.

As always, hope you enjoy our work.

Did you know...

Iranian dolls

A veiled Iranian woman looks at Dara and Sara dolls dressed in traditional outfits in Tehran. Iran unveiled the long-awaited Dara and Sara, twin national dolls that seek to preserve and promote Iran's culture and replace American Barbie dolls. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

The (Failed) Globalization of Barbie

By Patricia Marr

The iconic Barbie doll, known to all American girls, hasn’t done as well in many Middle-Eastern countries. The Iranian government tried banning the saucy blonde and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Ken, from stores. Ultimately, the brother-sister pair, Sara and Dara, embodying more Iranian values and images, replaced the American couple. However, Barbie still sells in Iranian stores for $700, even though $700 is seven times the average monthly salary in Iran.