The parties that issues communication following the China incident were Chile, the U.K., Kenya, Myanmar, the U.N. and China. Each party that issued communication in this case had an established relationship with China. Kenya sent the message to China and Chinese allies to show their allegiance to China based on their economic beneficence. Chile was sarcastic and its message was directed to other nations in jester of Chinese’s response to handling the disaster. The U.K.’s message was in criticism of China’s adherence to fracking method despite its alleged effects on the stability of the earths tectonic plates. China’s message was to the world in general, and it was intended to show effective response and recovery following the disaster. Myanmar, though critical, treaded carefully not to insult China due to their interdependence and border proximity. The U.N.’s message was also neutral and was a mild response to the incident and it was sent to the world.
Consider carefully whether each media message has elements of political responsibility:
Are there intercountry relations that are relevant?
Each media message had elements of political responsibility. Kenya’s message, both written and in picture, portrayed China in a positive light, thus solidifying their political relationship with China. U.N.’s message, though neutral, referred to the happening as a ‘tragedy’ showing that they expected China to take responsibility and precautionary measures. Myanmar’s message focused on the economic relationship with China and the echo of political concerns were immense. Their efforts were not to hurt China-Myanmar political and economic relations in any manner.
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Are there issues internal to the country that are relevant? For example, are the civil rights of citizens being upheld or trampled on?
The intercountry relations that are relevant to the case are the evidence of concern by all nations relating to the event. The issues internal to the country that are relevant are the management of media and media relations within China, and how these relations relate with the promotion of human rights. China’s statement, for example, was released after the scenario was handled. Furthermore, the focus was not on the victims, but on the efforts of the leaders in handling the issue. This is evidence that the media has no autonomy, and the government directs what should be aired to promote their international relations.
Consider carefully whether each media message has elements of environmental responsibility:
Are there any sustainability issues? For example, any problems with nonrenewable resources?
The messages have various degrees of environmental responsibility. U.N. and U.K.’s response criticized fracking as an environmental threat and cited France’s efforts to ban the process. Myanmar’s, Kenya’s. China’s and Chile’s responses lacked environmental concerns, but praised China’s response, while Chile responded sarcastically.
Are there any specific issues that deny the interdependence of people and the land they live on? None
Are there any disagreements with the importance of natural capital?
Although there were no issues relating to interdependence, U.K.’s concern over the instability of the tectonic plates caused by fracking was an inference to its disagreement with China and the stress to the importance of responsibility as China exploits its natural capital.
Consider carefully whether each media message has elements of social equality:
Is there inequality of race, gender, or other groups? None.
Is there upholding of basic human rights for all parties?
There is evidence of upholding basic human rights from the U.N. and the U.K. The U.K.’s headlines focused on the effect of the accident to the victims, thus showing the importance
Is there a fairly even distribution of wealth, where people can provide for themselves? None
Assess the messages for the delivery method as well as changes that could be made to make them more in line with global citizenship.
Assess each delivery method for timeliness, dissemination techniques, and intended audience. Analyze which are effective, and explain why or why not.
U.N.’s delivery method and timeliness was commensurate to their intended audience: the global audience. The U.N.’s report sort ambiguity and was a message of hope, thus saving their face from making claims that were either unsubstantial and also not yet proven. Their message was before the rescue efforts was over. Myanmar responded on the day that the seven survivors were saved. They however, then focused on their business relationship with China, not the actual incident as it occurred. Their efforts were noted, but shallow, yet suitable, since their intended audience was China. Kenya’s message was to China, based on their show of China’s heroic acts, not the problem on the ground. Their message was also after the rescue was complete. The Chinese newspaper reported the incident after the rescue was complete, and their emphasis, like Kenya, was on the success of their leaders in managing the situation. Chile did not respond appropriately, but U.K.’s assessment was victim-centric, and posed a challenge to China to address the environmental concerns of fracking.
Choose 1 to 3 messages that do not fully align with global citizenship. For each of the main categories (social equality, environment, and political issues), draw on your knowledge of intercultural communication techniques to suggest a change. This change should bring the message in line with that element of global citizenship. Note: It does not need to cover all aspects of global citizenship, just the one you are targeting.
Kenya and Chile’s messages did not fully align with global citizenship. The concept of global citizenship asserts that one’s identity is not limited to geographical and political borders. This concept builds upon the issue of humanity and humane treatment of people. Kenya’s message was in simple praise of China, while Chile used a meme to ridicule China despite their positive relations. These responses show that the relationship between nations and their concept of global citizenship is laced with political, cultural, and economic issues that determine how they relate in appraisal, or in critique of one another.
China’s message can be changed to align with global citizenry to reflect social issues, environment, and political issues. In their message, their headline should focus on the effects of the accident on the victims. This would show concern about the victims, thus showing their social concern over the accident. Secondly, the analysis of the situation should reflect the dangers involved by use of fracking as a mining technique to show environmental concerns. The message should also acknowledge their fault and attempt to mend their political relationship with the citizens and families affected by the accident.
