Can Virtual Worlds Really Improve Intercultural Relations?
Virtual worlds can create new channels of communication between cultures that may not have the opportunity to interact otherwise. This type of online gaming venue is the vehicle that enables interaction between anyone who chooses to play at that particular time. Because participating in these online worlds is open to anyone without restrictions, no one is excluded. The anonymous nature of the avatar levels the playing field, while existing in a nonthreatening environment. Messages presented in this arena may be more easily accepted, as well as help influence the ability to conceptualize the concept(s) presented.
Poems and songs can be used to communicate ideas in this fantasy world and can be more effective than those presented in more serious situations. Somehow, a serious topic can be turned into a whimsical vision, while getting the point across without threatening anyone. There seems to be a feeling of safeness in the anonymous nature that portraying oneself as an avatar creates. This may positively affect receptiveness, and understanding as well.
Since many people have negative views of the Islamic culture, and view Muslims poorly, the unsupported nature of these thoughts needs to be addressed. Stereotyping and bias has been perpetuated due to a few extremists who have tainted the overall image of these people. Terrorists are being linked to Islam unfairly, and it is difficult to change people’s general attitudes toward the Islamic culture. Virtual worlds and avatars can improve these cultural relations, because they reach many people and offer the information by communicating in ways that give people a chance to change their minds. Quite possibly, the virtual world is a less harsh environment that may help eliminate racial bias by replacing it with understanding, compassion and empathy, all while offering entertainment.
Though the virtual world has some limitations for improving intercultural relations, such as not encompassing those who do not play; its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. One thought is: Since these worlds revolve around fantasy, it may be difficult to present controversial topics in this arena. In my opinion, anything that improves global relations by offering a dissemination of information, while quashing stereotypical behavior, and creating more avenues to open one’s mind, is a good thing. The very thought that anyone can participate in these avatar driven, virtual worlds opens up intercultural communications. Virtual worlds simply did not exist ten years ago, and though they were intended to be a form of entertainment, the benefit of enhancing communication between cultures was not a consideration in their creation. No one could have predicted the sphere of influence that these games can achieve globally. Considering groups that are often involved in conflicts offers examples for contemplation and improvement.
“Muslims represent a growing social and political force that questions some of the west’s dominant cultural patterns, particularly the following: The relationship between God and humankind, the role of morality in human affairs, the role of technology and modernization, and the nature of progress.” (Jandt, 2010). For example: Islam does not tolerate greedy and selfish capitalism, which is dominant in the U.S., creating ongoing tension. Understanding these and other cultural differences, offers a chance at better interactions overall.
“I believe that diversity, like democracy, is a process, not an outcome. It is something that people should participate in, as they participate in a democratic society. Only together will we make good on the promise of a diverse democracy.” (Wu, 2007).
With more interaction of cultures comes tolerance and understanding, even if it happens in a virtual world. Knowledge creates flexibility, patience and an open mind to view things differently. In contrast, lack of information and communication can create racial bias and stereotyping. Propaganda can make people view things in a one dimensional fashion if they do not have any other information for comparison. The more people know and interact peacefully the better off global relations will be, while improving intercultural communications worldwide.
References ~
Fischer, A., (2004). With a foot in each culture, Wu, F., Howard University professor fights racial stereotyping, retrieved January 17, 2010 from http://www.loc.gov/lov/licib/0405- asian.html
Jandt, Fred, (2010). An Introduction to Intercultural Communication (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
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