Reflection of ‘Reading the National Geographic’

1

Reflection of ‘Reading the National Geographic’ ‘Reading National Geographic’ studies how National Geographic portrays nonWestern cultures, and how this, in turn, affects people’s opinions of foreign cultures. In the book, Lutz and Collins examines the process that National Geographic uses to select the topics for coverage and how it determines the topics it considers worthy of selection. In the early years of the magazines’ publication, Western anthropologists used it to assess thirdworld nations’ cultures in the context of the evolutionary stages that Western cultures had passéd through to achieve civilization. In its years, the magazine portrayed the cultures of developing countries as being less evolved.

Buy this excellently written paper or order a fresh one from acemyhomework.com

2

Published in 1993, ‘Reading National Geographic’ studies the photographic content of National Geographic since the 1950s and it seeks to make a distinction between ‘classical humanism’ that is contained in the magazine ‘National Geographic’ and the ‘progressive humanism’ of Barthes, Lutz and Collins. Divided into nine chapters, the book examines issues of gender, race, progress and modernity through National Geographic’s portrayal of nonWestern cultures (Lutz & Collins, 1993). The book, through several interviews with readers, also studies how the magazine’s cultural narratives are developed and whether the authors of these narratives seek to achieve balance and objectivity in their stories of third-world cultures.

The way these stories are shaped determines how they are received and interpreted my middle-class Americans, and ultimately, this shapes their thinking of cultures that are different from theirs (Houghton, Furumura, Lebedʹko & Li, 2014). In this paper, I will discuss how the book as well as the course have helped me changed my view of, and better understand cultures that are different from my own.

Reflection on ‘Reading National Geographic’ Non-western countries, like the rest of the world, have a culture that dates back many years. There are many different races in the world each having its unique set of cultural beliefs. Despite this distinctiveness, the overall outlook of non-western cultures in Western media reveals a consistent trend. Their cultures are simply portrayed as exotic and sometimes, even strange. There is little research into their everyday lives and the things that make them different from and similar to each other. As a result, photography and literature written on non-Western cultures perpetuates the wrong stereotypes about cultures that differ from the mainstream ones. In the wake of modernity, there are many non-Western writers, singers, poets, and painters that provide a more accurate representation of their own cultures. Books

3

have also been written to similar effect. Non-western cultures continue to churn out people who advance its culture by putting it into perspective in the wake of the misrepresentation that are sometimes present in publications such as the ‘National Geographic’ (Houghton, Furumura, Lebedʹko & Li, 2014)..

From ‘Reading National Geographic it is evident that the third world today is under transformation and the cultures expressed are also changing with time. Much of their rich traditional cultures has been lost because of colonialism and neo-colonialism and much will continue to erode due to globalization. However, ‘Reading National Geographic’ provides a record of the changes that third world cultures have experienced over the years. Studying cultures is an important practice, because despite any changes that may occur, cultures are still a relevant aspect of human life. For example it is important to study how modern education and cultures in non-Western societies are interacting. Issues like the cultural effects and consequences on the formal schooling continue to transform cultures and this should reflect in how the third world is portrayed by magazines such as the National Geographic In Reading National Geographic, various cultures are represented. This course has helped me understand the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism in the world. Diversity is a quantitative concept about the differences that exist within the people (Houghton, Furumura, Lebedʹko & Li, 2014).. The differences include but not limited to race, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, background and much more. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, is qualitative and an evolving idea. I have learned that around the world, people exist within their cultures but are also unique and different individually. A single cultural norm no longer can no longer be used to define people. The book has helped me to understand that we exist in a multicultural world where there is a wide range of cultural differences

4

existing from country to country, and none should consider itself more superior than the other.

I have also learned, in the course of studying ‘Reading National Geographic’ that in as much as there are minor and major traits used in the depiction of cultural differences, the most widespread attributes applied in defining different cultures are race and ethnicity.

My takeout, from ‘Reading the National Geographic’ is that the concept of a multicultural world is more complicated than merely taking note of differences that exist within the society. Understanding different cultures without applying biases or stereotypes should focus on understanding, and acknowledging the similarities and differences between my own culture and others. To truly exist in a multicultural world is therefore about eliminating the preconceived ideas that I have about people who I consider to be different from me, especially if they are negative.

In Chapter 6 of the ‘Reading National Geographic’, the book exposes the gender inequalities across the world, and particularly in third world cultures (Lutz & Collins, 1993).

Women in these countries are depicted as being responsible for the home, while the men have jobs outside the home. The book, and the course in general, have helped me understand that in most empowered and progressive societies, there is a lower degree of gender inequality. I have learned that gender inequality is a deterrent to the progress of a community. It is therefore important to ensure that both genders have equal access to opportunities, and that each has the freedom to pursue the activities they desire.

I have also learned that when seeking to understand different cultures, it is essential to be self-aware. It is important to have the right mindset so that even when reading the book and looking at the pictures, they seek to accept the concepts of multiculturalism and diversity.

Simple acknowledgment is not enough, it is also important to respect other cultures; their

5

norms, values and practices. The book has taught me that cultural differences and traditions make people unique, therefore they should not only be celebrated but also promoted.

Understanding and accepting different cultures extends beyond mere acknowledgment and emphasizes the necessity to understand and show respect to everyone. The concept of inclusion is essential in the practice of multiculturalism. By learning about other cultures with an open mind, I have become aware of the differences in culture from country to country in terms of gender, occupation, and race among others. With this knowledge the course had made me more accepting of cultural diversity and curious about other people’s way of life (Houghton, Furumura, Lebedʹko & Li, 2014). As a result, this teaches me that there are no superior or inferior cultures, they are only different from each other, and it is these differences that make them special Through this course, I have learned that cultures across the world are formed from their different experiences and ways of understanding things. The knowledge gained from the course has made me embrace the concept of diversity and I am now curious about other cultures that may have not been portrayed by the book. My old mentality and thinking about the cultures in developing countries has gone away and has been replaced with a mindset of understanding and embracing people’s differences.

In chapter 6 of the book, it is evident that the realities of the changing world, despite the presence of traditional beliefs, demand more economic, political, and social participation from women. The various changes that have occurred in the world over the years; ranging from World War II and globalization have demanded that women play a more active role in society. Societies that have a higher rate of social, economic and political participation from women tend to be more progressive and prosperous than societies where there is a higher

6

degree of gender disparity (Houghton, Furumura, Lebedʹko & Li, 2014). Through the topics discussed in the various chapters of the book, I have also learned that differences in culture takes different forms including communication techniques, the food consumed by other cultures, their dressing code, and above all, language.

The reason it is important to learn and understand other cultures is that the world is increasingly becoming a borderless environment thanks to globalism and mass education.

Therefore, it is important for people to widen their mind view to reduce minsconceptions and negative stereotypes about other cultures. ‘Reading National Geographic’ has been an eyeopened that has exposed me to diverse cultures that I had not really considered before.

Conclusion Culture can be described as customs, ideas and social behavior which define particular people or a society. Richards and Bergin (2014) define culture as a way of life of a specific people; knowledge and characteristics of a particular people who encompass social habits, religion, language, cuisine, arts and music.

In addition to learning about various cultures around the world, this course has initiated my ability to examine my own biases, prejudices, and discriminating traits. As a student , my ability to analyze the extent to which I have held untrue opinions and negative stereotypes of other races and ethnicities is important to my learning and my future career.

This course has exposed me to people’s experiences, relationships, gender norms, cultural values and fashion. In today’s globalized world, this knowledge is crucial in helping me relate better with people. By understanding the diversity in cultures, I have developed the selfawareness that will improve my interactions and relationships with the world. Through this

7

course, I have developed a higher cultural competence which will help me to avoid cultural and personal biases.

References Houghton, S., Furumura, Y., Lebedʹko, M., & Li, S. (2014). Critical Cultural Awareness: Managing Stereotypes through Intercultural (Language) Education. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Lutz, C., & Collins, J. (1993). Reading National Geographic. University of Chicago Press.