Diasporic Media in the UK: Journal #3

We discussed in Monday's class the old perceptions of diasporic communities in host countries and how they have changed, as well as the different types of media outlets diasporic communities create. One theory we discussed that seemed especially relevant on a personal level was Ulrech Becks' concept of "cosmopolitanism," the tendency of an individual to identify with a global, non-nationalistic culture. As a US transplant in the United Kingdom at a time when attitudes aren't necessarily pro-American, I have found myself detaching from my identity as an American. Though I am proud of my American heritage, I have found that I learn more in a foreign place by remaining open and non-biased to the people with whom I am speaking. While talking to an Italian friend, I found myself referring to my home country as "the US," rather than "home," a matter of speaking directly correlated with Beck's theory. As opposed to "othering," treating your home country as the basis for all other cultural comparisons, Cosmopolitanism promotes the acceptance of the "otherness" of countries, acknowledging that all are others in different contexts and emphasizing the importance of understanding for personal and national survival in an increasingly Global society. Going back to last's week's discussion, I wonder if this increase in Cosmopolitan thought is contributing to cultural homogeneity, especially for other citizens who are displaced from their birth culture like I am. How can we balance loyalty to our home countries while maintaining an open and multi-perspectival view of world policy? That question has yet to be answered.