BAN-KAI !!!

Global Winds & Local Waves

Part 3 of 5

A University of Melbourne Edublog assignment

under the Freshman subject "Globalisation"

Passed with High Distinction (H1)

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10 Sep 2010, 10:07 PM by Benjamin L** C.Y. (Last edited: 10 Sep 2010, 10:39 PM)

This is an age of cultural ubiquity – where cultural are artifacts widely known around the world. McDonalds and Hollywood were novelties, but not anymore. The same goes for anime and sushi – and it seems that Apple culture is following suit with a slew of Macbooks and ‘i-series’ gadgets. The wave of global capitalism and media wash these on new shores, sometimes in humorous ways. Consider this joke:

A Singaporean, two Indonesians and a Japanese citizen were waiting for dinner. The Singaporean said: “My friend once acted as a samurai. He was supposed to draw his sword and shout ‘BAN-ZAI!’ Unfortunately, the bloke blundered. As he drew his sword, he yelled ‘BAN-KAI!’" The table were nearly slain with laughter.

By the way, I’m the Singaporean & that’s a true story. Foreign novelty has become normalized and found its way into the vernacular of other countries. Does this mean that cultural proliferation has given us new common ground? Yes it has, but it brings new risks.

Florida-based Pastor Terry Jones advocated burning Korans, Islam’s holy book, to mark the 9^th anniversary of September 11^th. His legal right to do this is protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Islam, along with many other religions and ideologies, transcends national boundaries. It’s analogous to Benedict Anderson’s “imagined communities”. An assault on such communities can have severe repercussions. Here's proof:

General Petraeus, Commander of NATO forces in Kabul:

"Images of the burning of a Quran would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan - and around the world - to inflame public opinion and incite violence."

Mohammad Mukhtar, Cleric and prospective Afghan Member for Parliament:

"It is the duty of Muslims to react… When their holy book Quran gets burned in public, then there is nothing left. If this happens, I think the first and most important reaction will be that wherever Americans are seen, they will be killed. No matter where they will be in the world they will be killed."

Hilary Clinton, US Secretary of State:

"It is regrettable that a pastor in Gainesville, Florida, with a church of no more than 50 people can make this outrageous and distrustful, disgraceful plan and get the world's attention, but that's the world we live in right now,"

The world’s listening and poised to act – this is the real Bankai

References

Stacy, Mitch (2010). “Fla. minister determined to hold 9/11 Quran burn”. Associated Press, 10 September. Accessed 10^th September 2010 from the Associated Press application for iPhone.

Pictures

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2010/09/08/1225915/615173-terry-jones.jpg

http://blogs.reuters.com/africanews/files/2009/06/arms1.jpg

3 responses to: "BAN-KAI !!!"

Tomas A**** wrote:

Sat, 11 Sep 2010, 12:12 AM



An interesting point on the common ground of cultures. It is a well established but rarely acknowledged liberal ideal that cultures will expand together in harmony. So your first point is enlightening. On your second point about reaction, I must say that the views of Clinton and her humanitarian commrades is rather alarmist in perspective. I think the question to ask from your blog is: What real capacity do cultures have in reaction to threats; and more specifically; how much relative capacity do extermist groups possess?.


Sophie D***** wrote:


Sat, 11 Sep 2010, 10:05 AM



There is no doubt that this is indeed an age of cultural ubiquity and hence an age where cultural boundaries hold no barriers any more. Consequently in an instant one mans extreme  opinion can do exactly that, excite extreme reactions around the globe.  Rationality is surely what we have to mindful of at all times and aware that societites and communitites across the globe do not become overwhelmed by moral panics! We can all play a part in this. 


Shen N* wrote:

Thu, 14 Oct 2010, 2:16 AM

Really like Bleach the anime, still remember when i was watching it few years back, best and most favourite Bankai.. SenbonSakura (spelled it wrong i think), well, i can see how it shows relation to globalization, its a japanese anime, but even the subititles at the bottom are english. but, thank god for that, if not i wouldnt get to watch anime now as well, unless i have a Japanese girlfriend of course. Haha. Cheers.