Global Culture Research Articles

K-Pop Idol Controversies: Malaysian Tweets and the Emotive Language of Cultural Appropriation

This study aims to analyze the use of emotive language in Malaysian tweets reacting to the cultural appropriation by K-Pop idols. As K-Pop grows globally, cultural sensitivity within the industry becomes crucial. Twitter serves as a key platform for idols to engage with fans, and Malaysia's cultural values shape how user express emotions, particularly in response to cultural appropriation by idols from more homogeneous societies. A qualitative content analysis was employed, examining 20 tweets from Malaysian users to explore emotive language and its connection to cultural values. The analysis followed the framework by Martin and White (2005), revealing that all tweets expressed negative emotions in response to appropriation. Additionally, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions were applied to understand how Malaysian cultural values influence the use of emotive language. The findings suggest that strong cultural pride and sensitivity play significant roles in shaping these reactions. This study aims to reduce incidents of cultural appropriation by enhancing cultural awareness among K-Pop idols and the industry. Furthermore, it contributes to the broader discourse on the intersection of cultural values and emotive language in addressing issues of appropriation within global entertainment cultures like K-Pop.

Creative data justice: a decolonial and indigenous framework to assess creativity and artificial intelligence

ABSTRACT In the last decade, the Global South has emerged as a significant player in the data economy due to their majority user base, and studying its role is crucial to comprehend the future of AI. As societies grapple with the implications of AI on creative life, there is an opportunity to reevaluate the creative contributions of Global South cultures, ensuring they are acknowledged and foregrounded in the evolving landscape of human and machine creativity. This paper calls for reimagining and restructuring creative value with the emergence of AI enabled technologies by broadening who and what counts as creative in this data-driven era. To democratize creativity, a decolonial and indigenous framework of cross-cultural creative value is needed which critically intersects and examines the relations between creative labor, rights, and learning. The study of the Global South’s data economies is important not only to harness its potential but also to address the cross-cultural ethics of building Creative AI tools with data from their underrepresented communities. At its core, the creative data justice framework emphasizes the need to challenge the existing power imbalances in global data governance. This paper proposes that fair creative value can be achieved by drawing inspiration from indigenous systems of care as a counterforce to neoliberal values of efficiency and utility. This framework will help scholars, policymakers and designers in their inclusive approaches to creativity in the age of AI.

Navigating the Cultural Paradox: The Dual Role of Globalisation in Propagating Cultural Hybridisation and Nationalism

Abstract: This paper engages in a comprehensive exploration of the cultural paradox that is manifested by globalization's dual role in disseminating cultural hybridization and nationalism.Globalization not only promotes the fusion of different cultural elements, resulting in cultural hybridization phenomena. For example, the global success of South Korean pop music K-Pop, which combines Western and Korean musical elements, embodies a cultural product that is a harmonious blend of global and local cultures generated by globalization. At the same time, globalization also triggers cultural nationalism. Represented by the ideology of "America First", in the face of threats brought by globalization, it emphasizes protecting national culture and economic interests. Nationalism is a counter-reaction to globalization. The paradox of globalization lies in its role as a catalyst for both cultural hybridization and nationalism. Its complex dynamics affect the development of culture and people's perception of identity. In the future, as cultural exchanges continue to be intensified by technology and globalization, elements of hybridization and nationalism will continue to shape our world. They will influence individual and collective assertions of identity and manifest in various fields from arts and media to politics and economics. In this balancing act lies the potential to create a world that honors and appreciates the multiplicity of cultures while preserving diversity, comprising the riveting mosaic of global culture.

Legislative Drafting Challenges in Communications Regulation: Convergence, Globalisation and New Media Culture

Legislative Drafting Challenges in Communications Regulation: Convergence, Globalisation and New Media Culture

Principles of Teachers’ Multicultural Competences Development in the Art Cycle Disciplines

Multicultural competencies in education refer to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable teachers to effectively engage with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. In the context of art cycle disciplines, these competencies are particularly significant because art, in its various forms, is a powerful medium for expressing cultural identities, values, and traditions. Educators with strong multicultural competencies can help students appreciate and understand the rich tapestry of global cultures, fostering respect and empathy in the classroom. The article aims to determine the methodological principles of the development of multicultural competencies of teachers in the disciplines of the art cycle, how to develop multicultural competencies for students in the modern world, and prepare them for practical activities in the future. The methodology involves a systematic approach, which provides: a comprehensive literature review, defining research questions and hypotheses; outlines the general strategy of the research; an in-depth analysis of individual practices of developing the multicultural competence for teachers in the disciplines of the art cycle oriented to international/global projects such as "One Belt, One Road"; selection of successful practices for imitation and adoption (implementation); data analysis; conclusions and recommendations. Results. Art cycle disciplines explore the role of culture in personality development, emphasising the need for the constant development of students’ worldviews and the search for methods to prepare for multicultural competence development. By prioritising students’ perspectives and taking into account changes in the cultural environment, teachers can develop cultural sensitivity, a cornerstone of multicultural competencies. Conclusions. International experience and individual practices show that the following activities can be very effective: in-service workshops and professional development seminars specifically focused on multicultural education; creating learning communities where teachers and stakeholders (potential employers) can share their experiences, resources and strategies; encouraging teachers to use interdisciplinary approaches; participation in cultural immersion programs can significantly improve teachers’ understanding of different cultures; encouraging teachers to reflective practice and self-assessment; methodical support for curriculum development, which includes various cultural perspectives, etc.

A CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE CULTURAL NA ERA DIGITAL

The construction of cultural identity in the digital era is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon, driven by technological advancement and globalization. The internet and social networks, as the main contemporary communication vehicles, play a central role in the formation of cultural identities, promoting interaction between people of different cultures and values. In this scenario, cultural identity is no longer static or limited to a geographic space, but becomes fluid, shaped by diverse experiences, including online and offline interactions. The digital age offers unlimited possibilities for cultural expression and recognition, allowing individuals and groups to share their traditions, beliefs and customs with a global audience. At the same time, this constant exposure to different cultures can generate tension between the preservation of local identities and the influence of a dominant global culture. Furthermore, cultural identity in the digital age is often negotiated, where individuals and communities choose which aspects of their culture they want to emphasize or adapt. However, this transformation can also generate challenges, such as cultural homogenization or the risk of cultural appropriation. Therefore, the construction of cultural identity in the digital age is a complex process that involves both the strengthening and transformation of cultural traditions. New digital platforms allow for greater democratization of cultural discourse, but they also pose challenges that need to be recognized and discussed, especially in relation to the preservation of cultural diversity.

Global Leader, Local Challenges: An Overview of Streaming in India

The rise of digital technologies in the past three decades transformed how individuals and societies consume and interpret media. This digital penetration impacts almost every aspect of social life, including the form, content and affordances transnational media conglomerates offer. The post-2000 shifts from traditional broadcasting to digital streaming introduced new questions about contemporary media technologies. One such question is the significance of global media conglomerates’ localisation of technologies and texts in diverse markets such as India, where the streaming industry is expected to hit $15 billion by the decade’s end. This study, grounded in the theoretical frameworks of global media, political economy and cultural studies, attempted to enhance existing scholarship on hybridity or glocalisation, the fusion between global and local cultures, by analysing the effects of streaming in India’s rapidly digitising economy. Through textual and document analysis, the study examined the factors across content preferences, pricing policies and regulatory environment that contributed to Netflix’s struggles and the relative success of Disney+Hotstar and JioCinema in the Indian market. Investigating cultural and economic factors revealed that global media conglomerates and platforms must localise their messages, agendas and ideologies for adequate consumption, interpretation and adoption.

Revitalizing Tradition: The Role of the Erhu in Modern Music and Global Culture

Revitalizing Tradition: The Role of the Erhu in Modern Music and Global Culture

“Wenn es nur einmal so ganz stille wäre...”

This article is a revised version of the inaugural lecture delivered on 5 October2023, on the occasion of the author's appointment as Professor of History of Religions at Lund University. It opens by depicting fundamental changes in the study of the history of religions in the twentieth century, followed by biographical notes, including her research on lay Buddhism in urban Taiwan, the emphasis on sensual dimensions of religious practice and the aesthetics of religion, and international academic networking in the analysis of practices of prognostication between Asia and Europe. Three areas are outlined that are central to the author's current research. It is pointed out that a focus on religion in contemporary society certainly includes a healthy awareness of current developments in the politics of religion, particularly in East Asia. In addition, the article addresses two fields of research that the author is currently engaged in: (1) The emergence of "Life Education" as a school subject in Greater China and the pedagogical shift that goes along with it. Particularly in Taiwan, this new subject is tailored to create a space for juveniles to develop self-reflection and life orientation in a success-oriented society while a new trust in religious organizations leads to the organizations' active engagement in these developments. The author is especially interested in how the transforming relationship between religion and public education gains special relevance in a comparative perspective between Asia and Europe. (2) Religious change in East Asia is evident in Buddhist ritual practices that are impacted by a consumer society that moulds emotionally profound experiences into marketable and distinct units that Eva Illouz has termed "emodities". Religious practices are subject to change in our contemporary world as they are reshaped by a growing global digitalized consumer culture. Tracing these changes leads to a deeper understanding of the underlying forces that distinctly reshape contemporary religious life.

Homogenization of Pop Music: How Social Media’s Algorithms Prevents Creativity and Innovation

This paper examines the impact of social media on the homogenization of pop music, arguing that platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok contribute to narrowing creative possibilities within the genre. By analyzing the role of algorithms, audience behavior, and industry practices, the study highlights how social media’s emphasis on viral content and mass appeal stifles artistic diversity and innovation. Algorithms prioritize music with broad, mainstream appeal, creating a feedback loop that reinforces popular trends while marginalizing experimental or niche genres. Audience engagement further drives this homogenization, as artists increasingly tailor their work to fit algorithmic preferences and audience expectations. Industry practices, particularly the focus on producing “TikTok-friendly” hits, exacerbate this trend by favoring formulaic production over creative risk-taking. The research underscores the implications of these dynamics for global music culture, where the pressure to conform to a globalized pop standard threatens to erode local musical traditions. The paper concludes by advocating for strategies to preserve artistic diversity, including alternative distribution models, support for independent artists, and developing algorithms that promote a broader range of musical expressions.

Fusion and innovation: Exploring the application and effects of the Italian Bel Canto technique in enhancing the expressiveness of Chinese national vocal performance

In exploring the teaching and performance arts of integrating the Chinese national vocal techniques with the Western Bel Canto, existing research has made significant progress but still there are limited studies available. This study explores the integration of the Italian Bel Canto techniques with the Chinese national vocal music to enhance the Chinese national vocalist performance. By systematically reviewing the literature and analyzing teaching practices, this paper examines both vocal techniques' fundamental characteristic like breath control, emotional expression, and resonance, and their application in enhancing the expressiveness of the Chinese national vocal performance. The research findings indicate that the breath control and resonance techniques of Bel Canto significantly enhance vocalists’ sound quality and emotional expression, while the Chinese national vocal music provides unique emotional conveyance and tonal flavors. This paper aims to provide new perspectives and methodologies for cross-cultural exchange and development in vocal arts. The study emphasizes that the integration of the Italian Bel Canto techniques with the Chinese national vocal music is of great value and significance for promoting the development of vocal arts and innovating vocal teaching. By integrating the Italian Bel Canto technique into the Chinese national vocal performance, we can augment the expressive capabilities of the Chinese vocalists, offering them fresh tools and approaches to enhance their artistry while preserving the distinctiveness of the Chinese vocal traditions. Future research should continue to explore theoretical and practical methods in this field to promote the prosperity of vocal arts and make greater contributions to the exchange and integration of global music cultures.

"I'm a Solo Developer but AI is My New Ill-Informed Co-Worker": Envisioning and Designing Generative AI to Support Indie Game Development

Indie game developers are often defined as game developers who are typically not employed by or affiliated with tech giants or large gaming companies/publishers. Although people may decide to "go indie" for various purposes, indie game development has become a crucial part of the global gaming culture. However, this community is now facing unprecedented tensions as generative AI technologies are shifting how games can be designed, produced, and experienced. Through a qualitative analysis of 3,091 online posts and comments from subreddits and Facebook groups for indie game developers, we offer an in-depth investigation of how indie game developers perceive and envision the multifaceted role of generative AI in their creative practices. Our empirical investigation reveals that generative AI both promotes and harms indie game developers' endeavors to innovate the traditional game production model, which further influences the nature and workflow of creativity in game development. We also propose three principles for designing future generative AI technologies to improve indie developers' work while mitigating potential risks, harm, and negative impacts of AI. We hope that this study can help design and develop future generative AI technologies to foster and sustain more democratic and inclusive practices in game development rather than replacing human creators.

Tantangan Pendidikan Agama Islam dalam Membangun Karakter Generasi Milenial

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) plays a vital role in building the character of the millennial generation, who face significant challenges in the digital era, such as the influence of global culture, low digital literacy, and the spread of negative information on social media. This study employs a qualitative method with in-depth analysis of various literature sources and social contexts. The findings indicate that PAI can provide a strong moral foundation for young people through understanding Islamic values, fostering noble character, and increasing spiritual awareness. However, millennials often struggle to internalize religious teachings due to exposure to foreign cultures that contrast with Islamic values. Other challenges include a dependency on technology, which has the potential to reduce their mental resilience. In conclusion, adaptive strategies are needed, such as integrating technology in learning, professional development for teachers, and digital ethics education to help millennials navigate the complexities of the digital era without losing their identity and moral integrity.

Cultural globalisation: From the globalisation of modernity in traditional dances to the practice of hybridisation in contemporary dance in Cameroon

ABSTRACT This article argues that while cultural globalisation may be perceived as a loss of national cultural identity and a threat to modern society, contemporary Cameroonian dance artists use cultural globalisation as a “counter-flow” to challenge Western cultural hegemony and cultural standardisation. Rather than being passive representations of globalisation in the form of Westernisation, Cameroonian dances evolve in response to this influence. The modernisation of traditional dances such as the Ku'ŋgaŋ, the Pénemfon, and the use of hybridisation in contemporary dance, as exemplified by the works of André Takou Saa and Merlin Nyakam, actually promotes globalisation as a counter-current phenomenon. This is perceived by some as a loss of cultural identity, yet it enables the creation of new forms of bodily expression, contributing to the enrichment of Cameroon’s national culture and illustrating that dancing cultures are dynamic.

Local–Global Cobrand Positioning and Consumer Evaluations in Emerging Markets

Cobranding initiatives between a local and a global brand have become a prominent practice. This research contributes to the cobranding and global branding literatures by investigating the effects of positioning strategy of the cobranded product (global consumer culture positioning vs. local consumer culture positioning) on consumer evaluations in emerging markets. In five experiments, the authors show that using global consumer culture positioning for the cobranded product leads to heightened word-of-mouth intentions and more favorable product valuations. This effect holds for both local and global product categories. Building on signaling theory, the authors show that brand credibility mediates the effect of positioning strategy on word-of-mouth intentions. Further, when the local (vs. global) brand is the announcement source, using a global rather than a local consumer culture positioning leads to enhanced word-of-mouth intentions. Yet, for consumers with stronger ethnocentrism, when the global brand makes the announcement of a cobranded product positioned on local consumer culture, word-of-mouth intentions are higher. Altogether, the findings have nuanced implications for local branding, global branding, and young consumers in emerging markets.

Understanding and Preferences of Islamic Finance Among Gen Z

This study explores the understanding and preferences of Islamic finance among Generation Z by referring to Surah Al-Kahf verse 46. Generation Z, as a growing cohort in the digital era and globalization, has an increasingly important role in global economic development. Qualitative research methods are used to gain in-depth insight into the financial perspectives and beliefs of this generation, while verse 46 of Surah Al-Kahf was chosen as the theological basis for interpreting Islamic financial values. Results showed that, despite exposure to global culture, Generation Z showed significant interest in the concepts and principles of Islamic finance, as described in Surah Al-Kahf verse 46. Their understanding of these values influences their preferences for financial products and services. The implications of these findings for the financial industry and policymakers are presented, highlighting the importance of understanding and accommodating young people's preferences in more inclusive sustainable economic development, in line with the teachings of Surah Al-Kahf verse 46. This research aims to contribute to a better understanding of how Islamic financial values, as stated in the Qur'an, can guide the transformation of the global economy towards greater sustainability and inclusiveness.

The Ideological Dilemma in Using Games in Global Citizenship and Development Education

The objective of this paper is to contribute to discourse informing the use of computer games in Global Citizenship and Development Education. In doing so, it addresses the incompatibility and conflict between the values imbedded in games and those informing development education practice. It is aimed at both formal and informal educators who see the potential in using games in their practice and want to reconcile this dilemma. It is also aimed at policy makers and influencers who want to shape the structures governing such digital spaces in the public interest. The research involved an interdisciplinary literature review across the fields of Education, Game Design, colonialism and social activism. The analysis takes a postcolonial perspective and is informed by the theory and practice of critical pedagogy in youth work and development education. The study was conducted as part of Doctoral research and project work with NGOs over a seven-year period to 2024. In this context it is important to note that this is a rapidly changing and evolving sector. The development of computer games and immersive technologies over the past 20 years has been transformational, in their interactive capabilities and global proliferation, particularly with the emergence of “The Metaverse”. Such expansion has been critiqued as a process of Colonialism, where young people’s time, creativity, identities and attention is being commodified, monetised, packaged and sold to the highest bidder. The structure of the games industry, their content and the ecosystem surrounding gaming are all ideologically driven. Such ideology aligns with one of three systems: the neoliberal hegemony emanating from transnational corporations and market economies; the state control being exerted by China and others; or a blind commitment to opensource being advocated by many industry innovators, developers and users. When using games in an educational context, and particularly when addressing Social Justice and Global Citizenship, the values and cultures underpinning all three of these ideologies are problematic. It is the contention in this paper that such spaces can also be developed as informal educational spaces informed by values aligned with critical global citizenship and development education. Now is the time for development educational practitioners, conscientious games designers and policymakers to collaborate, to act, to legislate, to experiment and carve out a safe, progressive, dynamic, decolonised digital space for engagement with issues of global citizenship and development education

Why We Need Diverse Methods for Assessing Cultural Identity: Introduction to the Special Issue

In this introduction to the special issue on diverse methods for cultural identity, we begin by addressing the evolving complexities of defining oneself amidst modern globalization and immigration. We then preview the current collection of papers, which collectively showcase the complexity of cultural identity by exploring how people, especially adolescents and young adults, navigate a plethora of cultural influences—whether through direct migration or the pervasive impact of global cultures—as they psychologically manage diverse and sometimes conflicting allegiances and worldviews. The studies featured in this issue employ a range of methodologies, from qualitative analyses to mixed-methods approaches, to expand our knowledge of the constitution of contemporary cultural identities beyond common quantitative metrics of self-categorization and group belongingness. For instance, research on Jamaican American adolescents highlights how cultural identity is formed through reciprocal socialization processes and systemic factors such as racism. Similarly, studies involving Hmong American youth and Guatemalan adolescents reveal tensions and creative harmonizations in identity management, challenging notions of a homogenized global culture. We conclude by underscoring the need for future research to take a nuanced, intersectional approach to the study of cultural identity, to explore creative measurement tools that are sensitive to local meaning-making among diverse groups around the world, and to attend to the impact of power dynamics in shaping one’s sense of self in relation to their cultural group(s).

CULTURAL GLOBALIZATION OF TOURISM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE BEHAVIOR OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN KARBALA GOVERNORATE

The research aims to identify the extent of the impact of cultural globalization of tourism on the behavior of the local community in Karbala Governorate. It underscores the importance of knowledge exchange as a key strategy in addressing the challenges posed by cultural globalization. The study assumed a positive and significant impact relationship of cultural globalization of tourism on the behavior of the local community. To achieve its objectives, a questionnaire was designed that included (17) paragraphs to collect data from the research sample of (75) individuals. The descriptive analytical approach was adopted when the data was collected. Hypotheses were tested using a set of statistical methods with the help of the statistical program (SPSS. V.23). After conducting the statistical analysis; the research concluded that there is a significant statistical correlation between the cognitive dimension and the behavior of the local community, and accordingly, there is an impact. The most important recommendation was to work on exchanging ideas, opinions, information, and experiences to increase knowledge of the importance of tourism and its development. This call for knowledge exchange invites the audience to be part of the solution, fostering a sense of engagement and shared responsibility.

The Periodical as Political Educator

Abstract This essay discusses how forms like political magazines, cultural journals, and party newspapers produced by twentieth-century anticolonial, left, and oppositional movements instituted practices of alternative pedagogy and political education across the Global South. These “revolutionary papers” served as a pedagogical infrastructure encompassing a critical curriculum drawn from ongoing movements, alternative histories, and regional literary production, to be used for collective practices of debate and inquiry. The essay introduces a series of digital teaching tools featured in the issue that study revolutionary periodicals such as the Cairo-based Afro-Asian literary magazine Lotus and underground pamphlets from the Mau Mau movement in Kenya. These teaching tools are accessible, interactive resources that provide archival, literary, and historical insights on movements and associated print cultures and are designed as pedagogical aids for the classroom and for political education in community settings. Along the way, the essay reflects on anticolonial periodicals as a resource for ongoing debates around decolonizing the university, and the possibilities presented by digital humanities approaches for the study of anticolonialism and Global South cultures.