|
Construction of Kurdish identity in the
context of globalization
31.1.2006
By Siawash Goudarzi
|
|
|
|
A study of Kurdish satellite televisions impact
on Kurdish identity Building
...Ethnicity in the global world is a complex
phenomenon where local, national and global
processes are interacting i its formation. Ethnic
groups have made themselves heard through media as a
consequence of the globalization process.
They can be seen and heard in their own language and
on the basis of their own cultural context. Media,
and above all, broadcasting through television,
which earlier has been monopolized by nation states
and actors in the free market, has become accessible
for ethnic groups that previously had no power.
Kurds were among the first groups in the world that
took advantage of the new mediums in order to
achieve their national goals. Even though the
Kurdish nationalism is much older than the
globalization process, the Kurdish ethnicity has
been put in a whole new context since the birth of
the Kurdish satellite stations. |
Siawash Goudarzi |
Bearing in mind the fragmented state of Kurdish
groups , with different dialects and sometimes also
different culture, since they live within four
different states, the Kurdish channels play a large
role in creating a Kurdish identity that ought to be
unique for Kurds. The Kurdish satellite channels
have in many regards sped up the process of creating
a Kurdish identity.
The Kurds tried to create a collective cultural
identity that was going to be different from other
identities (Turkish, Persian and Arabic) from afar
through media, and thus creating their own identity.
The Kurdish culture, music, national costumes and
food, that are shown through television broadcast,
is about self definition and is a clear boundary for
the Kurds in that process.
The symbols that are shown by Kurdish television to
maybe as many as 20 million Kurdish viewers have
values associating national awareness. Kurdish
satellite televisions have made a great effort to
find cultural, historical and political symbols that
are typical for the Kurds.
The Kurdish map, flag and the national anthem are
among the most important national symbols that are
shown daily on the Kurdish televisions. By retelling
Kurdish mythology and history they are trying to
make the viewer aware of their history. This is the
reason why some old traditions have become modern
and celebrated as national celebrations, and some
tragedies have become national mourning ceremonies.
The Kurdish identity structure is being reproduced
and renewed every day by Kurdish media.
Through the Kurdish satellite stations the Kurdish
language has moved from the rural areas into the
cities. The Kurdish language have got a chance to be
reformed and the differences between Kurdish
dialects has become lesser and the Kurdish language
has moved towards a standardization.
The emergence of the Kurdish satellite channels can
be related to the political strategy that has been
formed by Kurds in Diaspora. A public debate through
modern technology can be seen as a progress.
The Kurdish struggle has been distinguished by
warfare. Instead of such methods they have now the
possibility of using other methods in order to
continue the struggle. This can be seen as a part of
the process of democratization. Furthermore, the
women in the oppressing patriarchal Kurdish
societies now have the chance to make themselves
heard and seen through Kurdish me.
http://rojtv.blogspot.com/
Top |
Kurd Net
does not take credit for and is not responsible for the content of news
information on this page
|
® 