The ways in which Hofstede describes the "software" of the mind is an interesting concept to me that seems to make sense. I'm not sure if this is because I am oriented towards the implementation of technology in our society. However, the ways in which Hofstede explains that as children we are raised in certain contexts with certain people around us which we have no control over is definitely an idea that I ascribe to. In this way, we are all inscribed/programmed in such a way that there are certain values that we cannot rewrite completely (the onion model). However, as I said in class I like that Hofstede differentiates humans from the idea of the computer by saying even though we are programmed in certain ways that in other ways we are flexible (practice, ritual, language). I'm drawing a link here between the "Onion" model and the metaphor for the software of the mind because I think by using these two concepts we can observe a culture more perceptively and move in to the more ethnorelative realm that Bennett describes.
As far as my reflective essay, I'm editing a chapter on how using the cloud composing software Google Drive is tied to globalization but is still firmly rooted in a localized practical use. Hofstede comments on the internet molding our world in to one "global village" and I disagree. The ways in which people use the internet and communication technologies are still localized. Composing in a digital age makes it much easier for people from two separate parts of the world to communicate, but the ways in which culture work, according to Hofstede's models, seem to make it impossible for us to all reside in the same "village" culturally. Although, I think that the embracing of these differences is very important. While we may not be able to resolve difference (nor should we) it is in the areas where cultures clash that seem to yield the most enlightening experiences and knowledge. I think my reflective essay will center around how the argument is made in my chapter concerning technologies that allow us cross communication and composing, but are still localized due to the nature of the way that culture is constructed. The values that are held individually aside from culture will always be present and separate and conjoin us. I wonder though, if software like Google Drive is a step towards helping people realize and negotiate cultures more readily than in the past.
Does the notion of a village even hold anymore in a global our society? I wonder if another way of looking at half studies programming of the mind is necessary with today's communication technologies in place.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic to edit for it sounds like. I think that because we are still in this transition of globalization it's hard to predict where it will end up. I do agree with you that Hofstede's argument is mute now. I think that maybe if he had said "global villages" I could maybe get on board. I do think that even though more and more people globally have access to the internet, our practices are still localized like the article your editing claims. But then again, I cannot say whether or not it will stay this way continuously.
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