The Role of Media in Cross-Cultural Communication

Sharaf Rehman, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Abstract

This short, position paper starts out by examining the need for global understanding. The author explains what may happen if the need for such an understanding was ignored. Several ways and means of increasing international understanding are presented. The author also describes some of the work that is being undertaken at various universities in the United States of America. The potential of mass media as vehicle for global understanding is briefly discussed. This is followed by some warnings about the over-reliance on mass media. The paper concludes with some suggestions for action by media professionals, teachers and artists.