Electronic Communications Theory and World System Theory

McPhail's analysis of the electronic communications theory and the world systems theory are excellent depictions of the world around us. I think McPhail hit the nail with the hammer when he showed how nations outside of the US react to the influx of American media and culture by almost turning inward, becoming extremely nationalistic and aiming for a return to basic cultural values.

It is interesting that in the US, many on the far right wing believe that our media is corrupting American society, and that we as an American people need to return to basic American values and morals. Does the media do any of us in the world any good whatsoever???

McPhail's writing indicates how responsible the media needs to be operating in a global climate. While the media has done a respectable job respecting cultural and religious differences in its reporting, perhaps the media needs to advocate more for third world and developing nations, highlighting their problems and successes more so that we and they can gain a greater understanding of the common world we live in. More thoughtful and more in-depth reporting may be needed to achieve this....through what medium, though, remains to be seen. In the age of profit-driven media, what media can step up to the plate and take on this challenge?