Video Propaganda
In response to the invasion of other cultures through video and the possible uses of videotape, some nations have made laws concerning video technology. International travellers are warned that Islamic Sharia Law, which is enforced in most of Afghanistan, prohibits video tapes and television, among other things. In Ghana, travellers with video cameras must pay a refundable deposit. Most countries in the Middle East and North Africa prohibit travellers from bringing in pornographic video tapes. Some of these countries also do not allow entry of certain goods from Israel (possibly video).
The problem of perserving cultural identity in the modern world is intensified by the availability of video images. In Bermuda, many people purchase satellite dishes in order to receive American television. This has caused problems for the local television systems in Bermuda. In Europe and Canada, there has also been concern about protecting the population from American television (Serfaty). Satellite and cable technology allow American culture to enter other countries easily through videotaped news shows and entertainment as well as film. Video technology changes the way people of different nation's view one another, as well as the way they view themselves.
Sources:
--American Propaganda Abroad by Fitzhugh Green (1988).
--The Media and Foreign Policy, edited by Simon Serfaty (1990).
--CNN
--ABC NEWS
--Reauters World News Digest
--US STATE DEPARTMENT
--GO-GLOBAL
--UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
