With the development of the globalization process, the main
body of national exchange also tends to become diversification. Traditional diplomatic
mode (the national government as the main diplomatic mode) gradually weakened. More and more individuals and non-governmental
organizations become the subject of diplomacy, which is different from the traditional
elite diplomacy play an important role in terms of national image building. No one
can deny that individual has become the main role of the international relations
in contemporary world, especially celebrity.
For example, in most people`s mind, the United States has already
become synonymous with “equality of rights” or “right of everyone to the
enjoyment of opportunity”, most people believe they can reflect their own
values in America if they are industrious and intelligent. Lots of talents in
the world see immigrating to America as the beginning of their success, at same
time, America has benefit. The main body of reflects “American Dream” is not
government but individuals. They are people like Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Arnold
Schwarzenegger or Rosa Parks (a black women refuse give white’s seat).
Most of countries have their own great people, for instance
China has Confucius, Mao Zedong, their legend experiences interested lots of
foreigners. However, they are too far away from us, they are too mysterious and
perfect but that is not what we need or what we want. People don't need a high
perfect image; they want someone normal but successful to encourage themselves
or give them hopeful. For example, Yao Ming become a positive sign of modern
China is not only because his basketball skills and hard-working spirit of Chinese
but also he play the kind of role in his philanthropy and public ads.
Andrews, D.L. and Jackson, S.J. (2001)
Sport
Stars: The Cultural Politics of Sporting Celebrity. New York:
Routledge.
You made a good attempt to the idea that individuals have replaced celebrities and become the main role in the world culture landscape. You have contributed an oppinion that the traditional mainstream media, especially these government-owned media has become less powerful to produce "steretype" images of individuals, but instead the new media thus become the vehicle to represent individuals. The images of individuals are no longer produced by the mainstream media through movie stars and celebrities, indivudals are now able to present their cultures, lifestyles and oppinions themsleves through the social media and web-blogs. Your second arguement is very impressive. You argued that celebrities produce "steretype image" of individuals of nation-states. For example, Chinese NBA player Yao Ming represents "Chinese basketball plays" in general. Also, you believed that famous people from history stands for the image of the nations in foreigner's eyes and you gave example of Chinese political leaders to back up your arguement. On the whole this post suggets that despite celebrities produces "steretype" images of nation-states, the economic, historical, cultural factors are also the major factor of the national identity of different nationa states.
回复删除This is fantastic post, your second argument especially on how Yao Ming came to be, in many people's eyes, a powerful representation of Asian athletes.
回复删除While your post contains focus on famous celebrities, interesting observations about 'infamous' celebrities could also have been made. Consider how Osama Bin Laden came to represent the middle east in many Amercian people's minds after September 11.
I did enjoy reading your blog you have raise a good point in your argument. Stating how individual and non-government organisation become the subject of diplomacy and the important role of celebrity to contribute to diplomacy in today nation. You have used a very good example of United States of America in relation to “equality of rights “I like the way you have describe the relationship between celebrity and public. Specially how you said that people want someone normal but successful to encourage them or give them hope. Also how you celebrity image can represent its nation in foreigners countries is absolutely true.
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