Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451 - Essay Example In the futuristic society people’s main leisure activity is watching TV, independent thinking and reading are illegal, books are burned, and information given to the citizens is censored. The protagonist Montag, who burns books for a living, does not question such way of life. However, a meeting with a teenager Clarisse changes the main character’s point of view. Clarisse does not share the values of the society and prefers traditional pastimes of reading, contemplating and talking to people. Talking to her Montag starts to realize that even though advanced gadgets can make life easier, technology and mass culture can take over human lives. Fast development of technology gives the impression that we already live in the world described by Bradbury in the novel. It is evident in the fact that modern life cannot be imagined without TV, computers, social networks and instantaneous exchange of information. People have the impression that they already live in the future. Howe ver, the future based on digital technology and mass culture hides threats modern people overlook. Ray Bradbury more that a decade ago predicted what the course of development taken by our society could bring. In the novel Bradbury warns us about the danger of: abuse of technology that can distort reality and isolate people; consumerism that lays the foundations for the uniform pleasure-seeking society; manipulation through mass media that can result in the loss of free will. By describing the damage caused by lack of human communication, fascination with superfluous entertainment and media manipulation, Bradbury’s purpose is to prevent such conditions before they occur. For one thing, the more people rely on machines, the less they value and notice humans. As a consequence, in digital society, people are lonely and isolated from real world connections. Through the persona of Faber, English professor made redundant in

HAS THE DUBAI FINANCIAL CRISIS LED TO A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN THE Essay

HAS THE DUBAI FINANCIAL CRISIS LED TO A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN THE ISLAMIC SUKUK - Essay Example Also, Aljarhi (2008) mentions that sukuk can be a good solution to help the sub-prime crisis, but what happened in Dubai with Nakheel’s sukuk perhaps changes all previous concepts because investors have been informed that Nakheel cannot pay off its profit. Research Objectives and Questions Objectives 1 Analyze Islamic financial instruments and research the mechanisms of Nakheel Sukuk 2 Research the factors that caused the Dubai financial crisis 3 Analyze how the Dubai crisis impacted the Sukuk investing in Islamic Financial institutions Questions What factors influenced investors’ confidence in Islamic financial instruments? For this questions to be answered a research and analysis of corner Islamic finance principles as well as performance of Islamic finance institutions as for Islamic instruments effectiveness will be carried out. The data will be majorly based on financial and other statements of Islamic financial institutions. 1 What is Sukuk and their elements that have added to the popularity of Financial investing instruments? 2 What are the mechanisms for Nakheel Sukuk to work effectively in financial markets? Sukuk instrument will be analyzed and against its performance. 3 What were the causes of the Dubai financial crisis? To answer this question an extensive research of data in regard to economic states, economic activities and other factors will be undertaken to learn and analyze events that caused the Dubai financial crisis. 4 What was the role of sukuk in the Dubai financial crisis? Analysis of Nakheel Sukuk in 5 How did the Dubai crisis impact Islamic financing? Analyze the use and performance of Islamic finance in aftermath of the critical times in Islamic finance. Literature Review The literature reviewed in this proposal critiques many writers who have written about Islamic bonds - sukuk. The research aims to show the gap of knowledge concerning confidence in Islamic bonds (sukuk) after the Dubai financial crisis. There are three types of literature that have been discovered: firstly, literature about the causes of the financial crisis which has happened in Dubai; secondly, literature about the impact on sukuk after the Dubai financial crisis; and finally, literature concerning the theory of sukuk which is based on the Islamic financial system. Klomp (2009), in his journal about the significant causes of the banking crisis, says that the absolute important factors that affect directly on a financial crisis are: 1) High credit growth 2) Negative GDP growth 3) High real interest rates. Lewis (2010) has other points in his journal that say that the causes of the financial crisis include individual and cognitive psychology, social influences, psychology used by economists, the good society, and culture and human agency. Rotheli (2010) believes that the causes of the financial crisis can be summarised as risk misperception, policy mistakes, and banks’ bounded rationality. He agrees with Klomp (2009) in a credit cycle in which banks increase their credit supply and stop lending during recessions. That puts banks in a troubled situation in the future, where investors can pay their debts. The financial crisis of Dubai, as mentioned by Bassens, Derudder and Witlox (2010), started in November 2009 when the latest news informed that the largest development agency in Dubai,

Transformers I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Transformers I - Essay Example Apparently, Sam Witwicky, the grandson of Captain Witwicky, buys a new car only to realize that the car was actually Autobot Bumblelee. This discovery shocks him since it was unimaginable in the human world for someone to transform into a machine or robot. However, Sam Witwicky later learns that Autobot Bumblelee was actually protecting him from the Decepticons (Transformers). After realizing that the Autobots were actually not harmful to humans, Sam Witwicky and his girlfriend Mikaela stop fearing them. Instead they start working together. They learn that Autobots are harmful when Bumblebee actually helps Sam to woo Mikaela. Moreover, Sam later realizes that the Autobots are actually trying to protect him and the entire earth from destruction by the Decepticons. As they relationship between Sam, Mikaela and Bumblebee grows, Sam and Mikaela gain more confidence in Autobots. After all, Bumblebee does not harm any of them. In fact, he comes to their aid severally helping them escape from potential harm by the Decepticons (Transformers). On the other hand, Decepticons arrive and unleash terror on the planet earth. Their first landing is at a US military base in Qatar. Two Decepticons, Scorponok and Blackout try to hack into computer files at the military base without success. The base commander, William, acts first to prevent the Decepticons from accessing the files. Apparently, the Decepticons hoped to access the files that would help them locate where the AllSpark and their leader, Megatron, were. The captain and his platoon manage to escape from the military base. When the US government learns about this invasion by the Decepticons, they send a special unit to capture all the aliens. The government’s reaction was hostile towards the transformers, which were considered to be aliens. In fact, when the government learns about the presence of Autobots, they also take the same approach and try to capture them. When Sam and Mikaela and taken by a

HAS THE DUBAI FINANCIAL CRISIS LED TO A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN THE Essay

HAS THE DUBAI FINANCIAL CRISIS LED TO A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN THE ISLAMIC SUKUK - Essay Example Also, Aljarhi (2008) mentions that sukuk can be a good solution to help the sub-prime crisis, but what happened in Dubai with Nakheel’s sukuk perhaps changes all previous concepts because investors have been informed that Nakheel cannot pay off its profit. Research Objectives and Questions Objectives 1 Analyze Islamic financial instruments and research the mechanisms of Nakheel Sukuk 2 Research the factors that caused the Dubai financial crisis 3 Analyze how the Dubai crisis impacted the Sukuk investing in Islamic Financial institutions Questions What factors influenced investors’ confidence in Islamic financial instruments? For this questions to be answered a research and analysis of corner Islamic finance principles as well as performance of Islamic finance institutions as for Islamic instruments effectiveness will be carried out. The data will be majorly based on financial and other statements of Islamic financial institutions. 1 What is Sukuk and their elements that have added to the popularity of Financial investing instruments? 2 What are the mechanisms for Nakheel Sukuk to work effectively in financial markets? Sukuk instrument will be analyzed and against its performance. 3 What were the causes of the Dubai financial crisis? To answer this question an extensive research of data in regard to economic states, economic activities and other factors will be undertaken to learn and analyze events that caused the Dubai financial crisis. 4 What was the role of sukuk in the Dubai financial crisis? Analysis of Nakheel Sukuk in 5 How did the Dubai crisis impact Islamic financing? Analyze the use and performance of Islamic finance in aftermath of the critical times in Islamic finance. Literature Review The literature reviewed in this proposal critiques many writers who have written about Islamic bonds - sukuk. The research aims to show the gap of knowledge concerning confidence in Islamic bonds (sukuk) after the Dubai financial crisis. There are three types of literature that have been discovered: firstly, literature about the causes of the financial crisis which has happened in Dubai; secondly, literature about the impact on sukuk after the Dubai financial crisis; and finally, literature concerning the theory of sukuk which is based on the Islamic financial system. Klomp (2009), in his journal about the significant causes of the banking crisis, says that the absolute important factors that affect directly on a financial crisis are: 1) High credit growth 2) Negative GDP growth 3) High real interest rates. Lewis (2010) has other points in his journal that say that the causes of the financial crisis include individual and cognitive psychology, social influences, psychology used by economists, the good society, and culture and human agency. Rotheli (2010) believes that the causes of the financial crisis can be summarised as risk misperception, policy mistakes, and banks’ bounded rationality. He agrees with Klomp (2009) in a credit cycle in which banks increase their credit supply and stop lending during recessions. That puts banks in a troubled situation in the future, where investors can pay their debts. The financial crisis of Dubai, as mentioned by Bassens, Derudder and Witlox (2010), started in November 2009 when the latest news informed that the largest development agency in Dubai,

Westfailure System by Susan Strange Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Westfailure System by Susan Strange - Essay Example On social sphere, strong connection of social suffering with economic inequality causes wide gap between rich and poor classes, which potentially leads to uprisings. Thus, current power balance in terms of state sovereignty cannot manage all the domestic and global challenges the world faces today. On another hand, Mearsheimer’s ‘E.H.Carr vs. Idealism: The Battle Rages On’ (2005) discusses the role of power from both realist and idealist perspectives. Precisely, the author wants to draw the line and find possible compromise in describing state’s nature between its realist willingness to obtain power and proclaimed liberal ideals. Moreover, the author raises deep concern on neglecting of realist thinkers in contemporary academic circles. Even though states during post-Cold War world justify their actions by idealist rhetoric, Mearsheimer by citing Carr blames them to hide the real power interests behind them. Thus, explaining contemporary states and their be havior on international stage in only liberal terms is the wrong way of understanding global reality.2. State and power arguments in the presented articles and commonalities between themSpecifically, both authors construct their arguments by using concepts of state and power in different environments. In this section, there is a detailed description of the arguments presented in both researches with summarizing commonalities between them.As for Strange, she sees state in the broader context than only through appearance as political entity.

My Counseling Style Essay Example for Free

My Counseling Style Essay When I first read the explanation of the assignment, I immediately thought of what my parents had instilled into me at a very early age. They would always say that God put us here on this earth to do a job and that was to help others and love each other. That really never made a lot of sense to me until I started working in the non-profit world over twenty seven years ago. I realized then that my parents had taught me to believe that every human being on this earth deserves to be loved and to be happy in their lives. I believe every person should be treated with dignity and respect no matter what their situation is. I believe that your family should come first in all aspects of your life and that each of us make conscious decisions everyday that mold our lives into what they are. I also believe that there is good in everyone, sometimes they just don’t know it. The values I live by go along a lot with my beliefs in that by putting my family first and having that closeness with people I love and care about, makes me the person I am today. This started with my parents and my grandparents that are now deceased to my husband, children and grandchildren that make up my life now. My values were planted at a very early age and have grown and matured as I have. My grandmother and mother were instrumental in teaching me and showing me that every person we meet has value and should not be dismissed. From a very early age I learned that helping others was expected of me and not just something that I could do if I wanted to do. I attended Sunday School and Church with my family on a regular basis and the Christian values and principles that I was taught parallel with what I was learning at home. These things have always been a part of my life and I hope I have instilled them into my children and can be that inspiration to my grandchildren that my grandmother was to me. I believe that every person you meet has love and goodness within them but events in their lives may have tarnished their outlooks. As a counselor I hope that when those people come to me that I can help them find their way back to loving themselves again. My grandmother always said that your character speaks volumes about you. Also my mother’s special saying to all of us was, â€Å"The Golden Rule†. If everyone followed that one thing, Do unto others as you would have them do to you, this world would be a much better space. It sounds so simple but many find it very difficult to abide by. I find myself sometimes having a hard time following this but have found that when I do let myself I am usually blessed by the outcome. I see my character as a reflection of my beliefs and values that I have learned and nurtured from my family and church as I grew up. This along with following my mother’s advice and using the Golden Rule are the basis for most of my decisions and have become a valuable resource to me throughout my life. These beliefs along with the values that my family taught me that were i mportant, integrity, honesty and respect for others, have brought me to where I am today. They are the roots to my tree of life. I recall a book that my mother would read to me as a child, â€Å"The Engine That Could†. She would always tell me after reading it that I could do or be anything I wanted if I would just believe that I could. Just like that little engine, I find myself repeating the saying, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, whenever I let doubt come into my mind that something cannot be accomplished. I use this in all aspects of my life. I also read that story to my children and my children. I truly hope and pray that they will use that thinking in the decisions they make throughout their lives. It has worked for me! I tell them the same thing that was told to me, that anything is possible, you just have to work hard at it and believe that you can do it. My father also had a huge impact on what my values and beliefs are as an adult. My dad worked many hours at two jobs so that my mom could stay home with us kids, which meant he was not around a lot. The time he did spend with us was very special. I remember a time in Jr. High when I was struggling with my weight and how people perceived me. He would tell me, â€Å"You are what you believe†. If I believed what people were saying about me then I would become that person and if I believed I could do something then I would accomplish it. You cannot just let life happen. You have to know what you want and believe that you can have it. Then you set goals and work hard to get there. By doing all these things I have mentioned you form your own unique and special personality that shines because of your values and beliefs. My philosophy of counseling is that when working with a client you need to think of them as a whole person and that to help them in any area you need to include what they need for mind, body and spirit. All three of these are important areas to explore because you never know where the problem stems from that they are coming to you for. You must integrate life meaning into your counseling. You have to work within the beliefs of the client and respect where they are coming from. You treat each client as though they were your only one. As my mom would say, treat them like you would want to be treated. Be willing to listen and change whatever methods you are using to meet the needs of the client. There are many reasons that a client comes to you hurt and broken. It is up to me as a counselor to find out where that hurt is coming from and help the client figure out how to fix or change that area of their life. I think I would draw techniques from many models of therapy. I think that the most important thing is to develop a good relationship with the client. Then let the client choose how their own values will guide their behavior. I see myself as being flexible, versatile and having a genuine interest in helping the client. This is all based on how I was raised and truly believing that everyone has good within themselve s and really want to be happy. You just have to be willing to understand the world of the client and respect where they come from. The theory of counseling that comes closest to my way of thin king and my philosophy would be a combination of the Adlerian Theory and the Cognitive Behavior Therapy. The Cognitive Behavior Theory deals a lot with a person’s belief system and hands on types of therapy. This fits well with what my style of counseling would be because of my belief that what you learn early in life effects everything you do unless you choose to change it. I like this theory a lot because it is an active, structured therapy. Therapy is a learning process, acquiring new skills and maybe a new way of thinking. At the same time this therapy is also very present-centered. Everyone has a past but there is nothing you can do to change those things that happened throughout the year. I believe that this therapy allows the client to gain insight and actively practice changing their lifestyles if needed. The Adlerian Theory leans towards the importance of life goals. It challenges the client to make goals and accomplish them in a variety of ways. One of the key values that I had growing up was that you decide what you want, set goals on getting there and then work hard to make it happen. Anyone can do this if they really believe they want to change. This therapy stresses that all humans are motivated by social interest and one must deal with what life deals you. The difference is in how each person deals with this. This therapy uses the techniques of gathering family history and looking at the life experiences of the client. I believe that you are shaped and made up of those experiences. They are important to who you are. I also like that this therapy is one built on joint responsibility, mutual trust and respect between the therapist and the client. There is a true emphasis on equality and not one where the therapist is better than the client. This works very well with the collaboration idea of the Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I think that you need both the past and what is happening in the present to be able to look at what your problems are and figure out how to deal with them. I am sure that I would probably pull other techniques out of other types of therapy but I see myself staying true to the two above and using them in some type of combination. They seem to work best with my way of thinking and my personality. If I am comfortable with the style of counseling that I am using then my client will be the one to benefit in the long run.

Media Essays Media Traditional Television

Media Essays Media Traditional Television Media Traditional Television Media convergence is inevitable as new media challenges the dominance of traditional media and traditional media reacts to this challenge. Discuss. Introduction Media convergence has become an issue over the last ten years as new technologies such as the Internet and computers have become intermingled with ‘traditional media’ such as television and newspapers. This media convergence transcends social, cultural, economic, technological and industrial changes, all of which will be discussed in the dissertation (Jenkins, 2006, pp. 3-5). This convergence can happen in a number of ways, but the main focus is on the convergence of types of media technology in society and within the media industry itself (Bell, 2006). This is generally thought of as ‘new media’ such as computers colliding with ‘traditional media’ such as television and print media (Franklin, et al, 2008). Apart from the technological convergence, the dissertation will also look at how audiences are engaging and making sense of these technologies. This is often referred to as ‘cultural convergence’ within media (Jenkins, 2008). The problem to be addressed here is whether or not media convergence within technological and cultural terms is inevitable as new media pushes forward and challenges traditional media forms. Although it is clear that technological convergence is occurring, the problem is more complex than this and also includes transitions within culture, the media industry, markets, genres and audiences (Jenkins, 2004, pp. 37-41). Therefore, the problem posed here is how to look at the challenge to traditional media from new media, and how the traditional media is responding. Is this pattern of challenge and response leading to an inevitable convergence of media in all aspects? Methodology In order to answer this question, the researcher will use the method of document analysis throughout the dissertation. Document analysis is a qualitative method of reviewing the content and meaning of texts, and is appropriate in this case because of the accessibility of documented evidence and opinion on the subject of media convergence. A qualitative method is needed in a subject like this because the key elements of research are focused around cultural trends and opinions, technological changes, and not around specifically quantitative elements. Furthermore, as cultural phenomena, texts are the ideal way to review cultural changes within media (Stokes, 2003, pp. 52-54). However, as a subjective medium it can be difficult to use textual analysis, because a hypothesis needs to be formed before beginning the analysis. This will not be a problem in this case though because the problem of media convergence and its supposed inevitability has already been identified as the focus of the dissertation through initial research. Document analysis also allows the researcher to look at the specific cultural and social context of media documents, as well as using primary, secondary and general documents to create a full picture of the research problem. There will be a large focus on primary documents regarding media convergence, media culture and technology within the research (Altheide, 1996, pp. 3-6). Aims and objectives The aim of this essay to give an answer as to the inevitability of media convergence in light of the challenges from new media to traditional media as well as the response from traditional media to this challenge. Firstly, this will involve fully defining media convergence in its various guises and what media convergence on an industrial, cultural, technological, market-based and audience-based level would constitute (Durham and Kellner, 2006). Then there will be a review of the literature on the emergence of new media and its challenge to traditional media in a technological, industrial and cultural sense (Thorburn, Jenkins and Seawell, 2003, pp. 281-314). The section after this will look at the reaction from traditional media to this challenge, and how this has reshaped traditional media fields such as television and print media (Lawson-Borders, pp. 27-43). A section will then examine the issues of media convergence in light of the challenges and responses between traditional and new media. To illustrate some of these challenges in a real-world setting, the case of China’s media climate will be examined. China has undergone a large number of reforms in media over the last ten years and is the issues of convergence are particularly relevant to such a setting of technological, social and industrial change (Hong, 1998, pp. 41-53). From these chapters a conclusion will be drawn with regards to the future inevitability of media convergence in a variety of contexts – technological, cultural, industrial, market-based, and audience-based. Literature Review The emergence of new media and its challenge The major challenge from new media has come from technological innovation over the last ten years, with the emergence of computer technology and the Internet. For the purposes of this dissertation, there will not be a lengthy discussion about what constitutes ‘new’ or ‘old’ media as put forward by Manovich (2001), but rather it will be content with the idea that new media includes computers, the Internet and digital mobile devices as the standard, whereas ‘traditional’ media encompasses print media, television and radio as standards. This new media has significant functional equivalence with traditional media such as print media and television, and is therefore taking some of this market (Adoni and Nossek, 2001, pp. 76-81). Consequently, the competition for audience numbers and cultural significance began. The old ideals and concepts of traditional media have been put under pressure by the flexibility, innovation and new approaches of new media (McQuail, Siune, and Euromedia Research Group, 1998, pp. 1-3). New media forms such as mobile device streaming (Nilsson, Nulden and Olsson, 2001, pp. 34-36), the Internet (Lister, Dovey and Giddings, 2003, pp. 35-37), and news websites and feeds (Digital Spy, 2008) have changed the parameters of what constitutes media in today’s world. Not only has new media changed the technological parameters, but it has changed the market and cultural climate of media as well. There have been questions about how the market needs to respond to new media in terms of regulations –for example how broadband services should be monitored or regulated in media terms (Blackman, 1998, pp. 166-169). Broadcast licensing rules have had to be adapted or reviewed in light of the explosion of new media sources and types around the world, which has caused controversy and disagreement as to how to handle these new mediums (Weare, Levi and Raphael, 2001, pp. 47-55). There has been a change in the way audiences are now viewing media, and with the media and social culture so closely linked this has helped change social attitudes. The likes of MySpace and YouTube are good examples of the way in which new media is challenging social norms generated by traditional media forms. This has stretched to the realm of politics, where new media is now seen as a potentially more effective tool for furthering democratic process than traditional media, despite the conceptual difficulties of putting this into practice (Barnett, 1997, pp. 211-216). Another area that has been changed by this new media challenge is the actual teaching of media and journalism. New media has meant that journalists in traditional media need to understand the new ways of broadcasting and delivering information effectively, particularly in light of how politically controlled the finances and content are of many traditional news media organizations. The education has shifted from traditional media to multi-media (Quinn, 2001, pp. 84-87). Education in other areas is also being influenced by the challenge of new media to traditional media, and has been particularly influential in the field of interactive learning programs (Fallahkhair, 2003). These challenges to traditional media by new media have occurred rapidly, and the effects are wide-ranging. The traditional media world has had to respond to this challenge in order to survive. The reaction from traditional media The reaction from traditional media has not been one of competition or rejection of new media, but an understanding that this type of media is now part of the landscape and needs to be embraced. This is what has led to the so-called ‘convergence’ of media throughout the world over the last ten years. Initially the response from traditional media was one of technological convergence – this was inevitable in the sense that new technologies that can give a competitive edge are always adopted in such an industry where possible. In this case the technological driver was digitalization in terms of television, and the spread of Internet news within printed media (Henten, Falch and Tadayoni, 2003). However, as technology progressed so did cultural and social changes, as well as market changes within the world of media. In order to stay relevant and part of the cutting-edge of culture, traditional media has had to adapt to and converge with new media in terms of policies, techniques and attitude in some area in addition to the technological convergence. The structure for storing media and content has changed as ICT has progressed, and has created the need for traditional media to be more instant in its deployment of content and services (Lindqvist and Siivonen, 2002). Established print media firms have embraced the new media to help expand their services and reach untapped audiences. For example, The Guardian now has a full online media section that allows it to reach a far larger and more varied audience than previously possible through its traditional print publications (Guardian News and Media Limited, 2008). It has also allowed traditional journalists to cover more content than before and express their own views with other journalists. Rather than being run by big business, convergent press forms such as journalism sites are now run by journalists themselves (European Journalism Centre, 2008). The resources available for the consumers and journalists have increased drastically, as has the ease with which information can be accessed (ABC, 2008, and Future Foundation, 2008). This is not simply down to the emergence of new media, but the convergence of new and traditional media. The nature of traditional media advertising has also been changed, with print media companies now creating websites and online services to complement their traditional print forms (WARC, 2008, and Zenith Optimedia, 2008). The industry has also responded by broadening the scope of its regulations and research to encompass these new media types (Advertising Research Foundation, 2008), and in some cases create whole new sites and companies devoted to media convergence and advertising (Haymarket Media, 2008). Media advertising has moved from the realms of print and television to become an interactive, digital and global source online (European Interactive Advertising Association, 2008). The traditional media of television has also responded by converging with new media technologies and attitudes. OFCOM now has a website, and deals with not only traditional TV and radio regulations but now has newer wireless and online communications regulations in place (OFCOM, 2008). Perhaps most crucially the convergence has allowed for television audiences to be more widely recognized and understood. It is now easier to monitor audience trends, and this information is now available not only to traditional media industry professionals but new media consumers, users and creators as well (BARB, 2008, and Screen Digest, 2008). The response from traditional media has not been to fight back on its own, but to merge with new media in order to take advantage of its benefits. Issues of media convergence As can be seen, media convergence is and was inevitable in technological terms because of the need of traditional media to compete with the innovations of new media as well. However, it is not yet clear how far this convergence goes, and whether or not full media convergence on a cultural, market-based, audience-based and industrial level is occurring or will occur. The bar has been set by new media companies in terms of innovation, and it seems that although a number of companies within traditional media are following this example (Lawson-Borders, 2003, pp. 98-99), the traditional media industry itself is perhaps more focused on technological convergence than a complete convergence of attitudes and processes. The major effect of convergence at this time appears to be the digitalization of traditional media. Although this has not completely changed the way in which traditional journalism is handled, it has changed its presentation and also blurred the lines between larger corporations and smaller entities (Kawamoto, 2003, pp. 5-12). Evidence of this can be seen in recent worldwide news stories where new and traditional Medias became visibly interdependent. The Virginia Tech massacre is one such example, perhaps the first of its kind. In this case the new media and traditional media fed off each other for information and opinion, and not just in a technological sense. Whilst some question the strain in ethical boundaries such convergence causes, it is clear that convergence can and will occur in more than just a technological form (Garofoli, 2007). However, it is still not clear whether complete media convergence is in fact inevitable. It seems that much might depend upon the consequences of such a convergence (Anderson and Elckelman, 1999), as well as the reaction from audiences and culture as a whole (Wilkinson, 2008). China, media and convergence China is a good example of how convergence has come about in a real-world setting. As with other areas of the world, China’s convergence issues are seen as convergence of technologies to create multi-media networks (Ure and Xiong-Jian, 1999, p. 17) However, the pace of convergence and change has perhaps been more rapid than in places such as the UK or US, with tighter government controls on media in place. In order to maintain a balance between the traditional and new media, China has had to move further towards complete convergence than some other countries. However, there is still a long way to go in China with regards to convergence, particularly in terms of cultural issues such as the heterogeneous development of cultures and attitudes. China shows that whilst technological and market-driven media convergence may be inevitable, the inevitability of complete convergence depends upon political and cultural issues associated with audience reactions and needs as well as the slow-changing institutions of power behind traditional media (Donald, Keane, and Hong, 2002, pp. 3-7). Although perhaps not as extreme as the Chinese situations of ‘dissident vs., state’, it is true that convergence on levels other than technological and financial is perhaps not inevitable, even it is seems extremely probable at this point (Akhavan-Majid, 2004, pp. 553-555). The next step for media convergence is certainly to create a regulatory system that allows traditional and new media forms to combine in a way that allows not only technological innovations but differing attitudes, viewpoints and market goals to converge (Tan, 1999, 271-275). Bibliography ABC., 2008. ABC Website. (Online). 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