Name: Upasna Goswami
paper: 205 Cultural Studies
Roll no: 20
Enrollment no: 4069206420220012
Batch: 2023-2024 (M.A Sem 3)
Email id:
goswamiupasna339@gmail.com
Submitted to: S. B. Gardi Department of English, maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
What is it?
Cultural identity refers to identification with, or sense
of belonging to, a particular group based on various
cultural categories, including nationality, ethnicity,
race, gender, and religion. Cultural identity is
constructed and maintained through the process of
sharing collective knowledge such as traditions,
heritage, language, aesthetics, norms and customs.
As individuals typically affiliate with more than one
cultural group, cultural identity is complex and
multifaceted. While formerly scholars assumed
identification with cultural groups to be obvious and
stable, today most view it as contextual and
dependent upon temporal and spatial changes. In
the globalised world with increasing intercultural
encounters, cultural identity is constantly enacted,
negotiated, maintained, and challenged through
communicative practices.
Who uses the concept?
The concept of cultural identity is used by scholars
in a wide range of humanities and social sciences
disciplines, including especially communication and
cultural studies, but also psychology, history,
linguistics, and regional studies, among others.
Scholars in communication and cultural studies
examine communicative means and practices as
both the results and constitutive elements of cultural
identity. Outside academia, the concept of cultural
identity is most often used by non-governmental
organisations in multicultural societies as a way to
recognize and celebrate identities of racially and
ethnically marginalised groups.
Fit with intercultural dialogue?
One's cultural identity is created in relation to others
within a unique social context. All cultural identities
are defined by recognizing others' presence and
cultural practices. Intercultural dialogue is essential
to constructing cultural identity as it encourages
individuals to see similarities with and differences
from others and define who they are. Intercultural
dialogue produces a contested space where cultural
identity is constantly redefined and negotiated
What Defines and Shapes a Person’s Cultural Identity?
Anytime a group of people unites toward a common objective, a culture begins to form. No matter how large or small the group, there are beliefs, norms, values, and behaviours that emerge.
What makes culture complicated is that many of these defining characteristics go unspoken. The group unconsciously develops certain standards for what is normal and acceptable based on social cues. Then, through our continual exposure to the group, we begin to accept these standards as part of our cultural identity.
Important parts of your cultural identity are shaped due to your affiliation with any number of groups or cultural patterns, some of which we (as a culture) assign to you at birth, such as your:
family of origin
race(s)
local community
geography
gender
religion
sexuality
generation
physical ability
nationality
language
Other contributions to your cultural identity occur as you navigate your life and the social constructs (aka social constructions) around you. As you have experiences or develop skills and interests, you join and leave certain communities because you have or lack commonality with their group members. As your life unfolds, you may become involved with many groups including:
educational institutions
professional organizations
social clubs
online communities
political or special interest groups
support groups
Why People Use Social Media?
The 21st-century generation uses social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook as a way to connect with others, make new friends, and stay current on news and trends. Others who use these social media platforms in the convenience of their homes or places of employment feel connected to people nearby and around the world. Everyone now uses social media, which influences people to find information quickly and easily.
Cultural Identity and Social Media:
Introduction:
In the age of digital connectivity, social media has become an influential platform that significantly shapes and reflects cultural identity. As individuals share their lives, thoughts, and experiences online, social media becomes a dynamic space for the construction, negotiation, and expression of cultural identity. This phenomenon is not only a product of the digital age but also a catalyst for the evolution of cultural identities in diverse and interconnected societies. This exploration delves into the intricate relationship between cultural identity and social media, examining how online platforms contribute to the preservation, transformation, and sometimes commodification of cultural narratives.
1. Self-Representation through Multimedia:
Social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, provide individuals with tools to visually represent their cultural identity. Users share images, videos, and multimedia content that showcase aspects of their heritage, traditions, and daily life, fostering a sense of connection with their cultural roots.
2. Hashtag Movements for Cultural Awareness:
Hashtags like #MyCulture, #CulturalHeritage, or specific cultural celebrations encourage users to share personal stories, traditions, and experiences. These movements contribute to a collective narrative, raising awareness about the richness and diversity of cultural identities on a global scale.
Online communities and forums allow individuals from similar cultural backgrounds or interests to connect globally. Whether discussing traditional practices, language nuances, or cultural challenges,
3. Virtual Cultural Communities:
these virtual spaces provide a sense of belonging and facilitate the exchange of ideas among a dispersed diaspora.
4. Challenges to Stereotypes and Misrepresentation:
Social media enables individuals to challenge stereotypes and counter misrepresentations of their culture. Users may use platforms like Twitter or YouTube to address misconceptions, providing a more authentic portrayal of their cultural identity and experiences.
5. Cultural Influencers and Content Creators:
Influencers and content creators on platforms like YouTube and Snapchat often play a role in shaping cultural trends and perceptions. Their content may showcase cultural practices, cuisine, and traditions, influencing a global audience and contributing to a more nuanced understanding of different cultures.
6. Cultural Appropriation and Sensitivity Discussions:
Instances of cultural appropriation often spark discussions on social media platforms. Users engage in conversations about the importance of respecting and understanding diverse cultures, fostering dialogue and awareness around the complexities of cultural identity in a globalised digital space.
7. Language Revitalization Efforts:
Social media provides a platform for language revitalization efforts. Users actively share content in their native languages, creating a virtual space for language enthusiasts to learn, practice, and celebrate linguistic diversity.
8. Cultural Challenges in the Digital Age:
The digital era brings new challenges to cultural identity, including issues of cultural commodification, digital divides, and the potential erosion of traditional practices. Exploring these challenges on social media platforms sheds light on the evolving nature of cultural identity in the contemporary world.
Examples:
1. Instagram and Visual Culture:
- Instagram, a visual-centric platform, serves as a canvas for users to visually articulate their cultural identities through images and storytelling. Users often share snapshots of cultural practices, traditional attire, and significant life events, fostering a global conversation about diverse cultural expressions.
2. Language Preservation on Twitter:
- Twitter provides a space for linguistic diversity, allowing users to communicate in various languages and dialects. This linguistic diversity contributes to the preservation and celebration of languages that might be marginalised in mainstream media, reinforcing the importance of language in cultural identity.
3. YouTube and Cultural Narratives
- YouTube serves as a platform for individuals to share their cultural narratives through vlogs, documentaries, and storytelling. Content creators can offer insights into their daily lives, customs, and traditions, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
4. TikTok and Cultural Challenges:
\
- TikTok has become a hub for cultural challenges and trends, where users participate in dances, language challenges, and cultural exchange activities. These trends create a space for users to celebrate and share aspects of their cultural identity in a creative and engaging manner.
5. Facebook Groups for Diaspora Communities:
- Facebook groups cater to specific diaspora communities, providing a virtual space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and engage in discussions related to their cultural backgrounds. These groups often serve as a support network for those navigating the complexities of maintaining cultural identity in a new environment.
6. Snapchat and Instant Cultural Exchange:
- Snapchat's ephemeral nature fosters real-time cultural exchange through snaps and stories. Users can share glimpses of cultural events, festivals, and daily life, offering an immediate and intimate view into various cultural practices.
7. Cultural Activism on Social Media:
- Social media platforms have become powerful tools for cultural activism, allowing individuals and communities to advocate for cultural preservation, challenge stereotypes, and address social issues related to cultural identity.
8. LinkedIn and Professional Identity:
- LinkedIn plays a role in shaping professional cultural identities. Users often highlight their cultural background, language proficiency, and international experiences, influencing how individuals are perceived in professional contexts.
These examples showcase the diverse ways in which social media platforms contribute to the construction and dissemination of cultural identities. Whether through visual representation, linguistic diversity, narrative sharing, or cultural activism, social media has become a dynamic space where individuals engage with, express, and negotiate their cultural identities in a globalised world.
Snap Map and Location-Based Cultural Expression:
Analyse how location-based features, such as Snap Map on Snapchat, influence the expression of cultural identity. Explore how users share and experience cultural content based on geographical locations.
WhatsApp and Transnational Communication:
Investigate how messaging apps like WhatsApp facilitate transnational communication and maintain cultural connections among diaspora communities. Explore the role of digital communication in preserving cultural ties across borders.
These examples showcase the diverse ways in which social media platforms influence and interact with cultural identity, shaping the narratives and expressions of individuals and communities in the digital age.
Examples of Digital Humanities methods, processes, and activities
Recording source materials into a database, usually from an archive.
Digitising and preserving archives.
Conducting interviews and ethnographic studies, usually coded for thematic and discourse analysis.
Transcribing manuscripts, letters etc for a digital scholarly edition, including variorum and genetic editions.
Coding data for qualitative and distant reading methods, including codebooks and domain ontologies.
Analysing large archives, such as newspapers, journals and picture libraries.
Web apps, mobile apps, websites, virtual exhibitions, online research resources, user-generated content.
Map-based approaches, such as historical GIS and walking tour apps.
Corpus linguistics, dialectology, stylometry, translation studies, and other approaches to language study (written or verbal).
Data visualisation of humanities content, such as social network diagrams and cluster diagrams.
conclusion
Cultural identity and social media are intricately connected in the modern world. Social media platforms provide a dynamic space for individuals to express, preserve, and redefine their cultural identities. They serve as powerful tools for connecting people across borders, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting diversity. However, the influence of social media on cultural identity is not without challenges, as it can also contribute to the homogenization of cultures and the spread of stereotypes. Striking a balance between celebrating diversity and avoiding cultural appropriation remains a crucial aspect of navigating the intersection of cultural identity and social media.
| Words | 2004 |
Works Cited
“An Analysis of Hall's Theory of Cultural Identity and Its Application in Flipped Class.” Atlantis Press, https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125962009.pdf. Accessed 27 November 2023.
“Cultural Identity.” Center for Intercultural Dialogue, 7 July 2014, https://centerforinterculturaldialogue.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/key-concept-cultural-identity.pdf. Accessed 27 November 2023.
“Cultural Identity in the Era of Digital Media.” Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, https://www.acsa-arch.org/proceedings/Annual%20Meeting%20Proceedings/ACSA.AM.86/ACSA.AM.86.51.pdf. Accessed 27 November 2023.
Mervic, Iztok. “(PDF) Hall S. - Questions Of Cultural Identity | Iztok Mervic.” Academia.edu, https://www.academia.edu/4362995/Hall_S_Questions_Of_Cultural_Identity. Accessed 27 November 2023.
“Social Media, Visual Culture and Contemporary Identity.” International Institute of Informatics and Systemics, https://www.iiis.org/CDs2017/CD2017Summer/papers/EA876TF.pdf. Accessed 27 November 2023.
Wilson, Victoria. “What is Cultural Identity and Why is it Important?” Exceptional Futures, https://www.exceptionalfutures.com/cultural-identity/. Accessed 27 November 2023.
%20Meeting%20Proceedings/ACSA.AM.86/ACSA.AM.86.51.pdf
https://www.iiis.org/CDs2017/CD2017Summer/papers/EA876TF.pdf
GUPTA, JAY KUMAR. “The Role of Social Media in Shaping Popular Culture and Trends.” Eat My News, 15 February 2023, https://www.eatmy.news/2023/02/the-role-of-social-media-in-shaping.html. Accessed 27 November 2023.
Crouch, Giles. “The Effects of Social Media and Global Culture.” Giles Crouch | Digital Anthropologist, 13 March 2022, https://gilescrouch.medium.com/the-effects-of-social-media-and-global-culture-febd6858b6c. Accessed 27 November 2023.
No comments:
Post a Comment