Nationalism Portrayal in the Media

The system of nation-states exists by mutual recognition among states (Karim).  The idea of the nation, as well as nations themselves  is a fairly recent phenomenon in human history.  Communication, and continued linkages between people from different regions has played a major role in the development of an international system; and the emergence of globalization.

In harnessing communication to suit the needs of pre-modern societies, the idea of national cultures (Waisbord) occurred.  In looking at the effect of nationalism and  development of nation-states today, there is a communal set of shared practices, values, and rituals.  These nationalistic traits are continuously portrayed in the media, as a form of influence and promotion.  In essence, the media  nurtures a sense of collectivity and community linked to nationhood (Morley, 2000). 

This can be seen around the world in how the national media outlets (e.g. CNN, ABC, NBC, etc.) provide a shared media experience on the present 2012 presidential elections, but depart on views  when discussing the two presidential candidate parties, by portraying a sense of inclusion and exclusion when highlighting differences between both two candidates.  

For defining national-cultures, a continuum of commonness and difference is needed.  This is because nation-states  have a future as long as human beings require a basis to establish unity and difference from each other; and a group identity based on inclusion and exclusion (S. Hall, 1996).  Based off of this argument brought forth by Waisbord, nationalism portrayal in the media establishes various forms of cultural differences.

Whether positive or negative, these cultural differences portrayed within the global media, can induce and perpetuate long term cultural transformations.  While there is 
"no persuasive evidence" (Waisbord), global exposure can assist in not only helping to shape a national culture, but promote its growth as was seen in the development of global media events, such as international sport tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic games.  For both of these events, the selected host countries receive much global media attention, which highlight the nation and its uniqueness. 

 The global media portrayal of the nationalistic characteristics of a state, which express a  community linked to nationhood (Morley, 2000) is often times viewed positively.  However, this is not always true if national culture differences of a nation-state, are viewed negatively, which remains presently the case of Iran and North Korea (deemed the 'axis of evil' powers by Former Pres. Bush).