POLSAM | POLİTİK STRATEJİLER ARAŞTIRMA MERKEZİ
Independent Academic & Researcher
An Evaluatıon In The Context Of Cultural Identity
Nowadays, especially with the pandemic, digital platforms have become important for watching movies and TV series. Digital platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have the potential to bring local productions to a global platform. Although this situation seems to provide economic contributions to local cinemas, the shaping of content according to platform strategies can lead to the loss of value of cultural essences.
Based on the views of globalization and cultural hybridity theorists Homi H. Bhabha and N. Garcia Canclini, it can be said that this situation creates “hybrid narratives”. According to Bhabha, Western rationality creates its own system of cultural values and norms through “dual thinking.” In his 1994 work, “The Location of Culture,” he states that cultures are never monolithic, in other words, homogeneous, and therefore do not consist of simple dualities that can be reduced to the level of “self” and “other.” At this point, hybridity is a “third space” in which elements meet and transform together.
We can see hybrid cultural structures especially in Korean and Indian dramas broadcast on Netflix. While their unique cuisines and belief systems are seen in Korean and Indian dramas, these are presented in a syncretic structure by being blended with other dominant cultures and religions. In this respect, national cinemas are made visible through international platforms like Netflix, where local cultures meet in a universal language.
What are the Positive Effects of National Cinemas on Cultural Identities on International Digital Platforms?
Thanks to platforms like Netflix, national cinemas can reach a global audience they could not reach before. Local cultures can be reinterpreted with new narrative forms and themes. It ensures an increase in visual quality and production capabilities.
What are the Negative Effects of National Cinemas on Cultural Identities on International Digital Platforms?
Herbert Schiller’s approaches to cultural imperialism and soft power also question the potential of these platforms to impose Western values. Because of all this, a tension arises between the originality of national cinemas and global tastes.
Local originality is lost as the script, casting, and narrative style are shaped according to the dominant global taste and therefore the Netflix algorithm. Local codes take on different forms and become blurred. In addition, these productions can become a tool of global power politics.
What are some examples of productions related to this topic? How can they be analyzed?
For example, “Squid Game,” one of the most watched series in South Korea, depicts deep class inequalities,It addresses structural problems specific to Korea, such as the debt spiral. However, the narrative style, visual aesthetics, and “survival game” structure have been adapted to the Netflix platform. It appears as a series that exemplifies how Korean culture has become a cultural commodity while globalizing it.
In Korean dramas, Christian religious elements and Christian celebrations are frequently seen. Furthermore, a syncretic, or “hybrid religion,” appearance, consisting of a mixture of various religions, is prevalent.
The following monologue from the series “The School Nurse Files” is striking in demonstrating religious syncretism:
School nurse Ahn Eun-young: “If I use henna-painted nails, an Egyptian ank, a Vatican rosary, prayer beads from Buseok Temple, and an amulet from Kyoto Temple to ward off evil spirits, I can fire up to 28 bullets a day.”
Korean shamanism and Buddhist elements and influences can be read in the subtext of the series. However, these elements are packaged and presented as a “youth series” or “fantasy series” with a metaphysical and fantastical narrative. Therefore, the series serves as an example in terms of Bhabha’s theory of cultural hybridity.
Examples can also be given from Indian cinema. Indian cinema is mostly known as Bollywood. On the other hand, it also has regional cinematic traditions such as Tamil and Malayalam. Netflix uses this diversity to integrate it into its own global socio-political system.
For example, the Indian series “Delhi Crime” deals with a real rape case. Local issues such as gender and justice are addressed. Netflix has transformed the local narrative into a global format with its HBO (Home Box Office) style crime drama genre.
Character analyses are explored in depth in the HBO style. In “Delhi Crime,” the main character, Vartika Cahaturverdi, is presented not only as a police officer but also as a mother, wife, and a profile trapped within the system. All these identities she carries during the events experience a conflict. The conflict between his professional life and his human side is intensely portrayed in the series. It doesn’t contain HBO-style police action. It progresses at a slow pace. You can see this slow pace in the “Delphi Crime” series.”If I use prayer beads from Buseok Shrine and an amulet from Kyoto Shrine, I can fire up to 28 rounds a day.”
The series subtly incorporates elements and influences of Korean shamanism and Buddhism. However, these elements are presented as a “youth series” or “fantasy series” with a metaphysical and fantastical narrative. Therefore, the series serves as an example of Bhabha’s theory of cultural hybridity.
Examples can also be given from Indian cinema. Indian cinema is mostly known as Bollywood. On the other hand, it also has regional cinematic traditions such as Tamil and Malayalam. Netflix uses this diversity to integrate it into its own global socio-political system. For example, the Indian series “Delhi Crime” deals with a real rape case. Local issues such as gender and justice are addressed. Netflix has transformed the local narrative into a global format with its HBO (Home Box Office) style crime drama.
Character analyses are explored in depth in the HBO style. In “Delhi Crime,” the main character, Vartika Cahaturverdi, is presented not only as a police officer but also as a mother, wife, and a profile trapped within the system. All the identities he embodies during the events clash. The conflict between his professional life and his human side is intensely portrayed in the series. It doesn’t contain HBO-style police action. It progresses at a slow pace. You can see this slow pace in the “Delphi Crime” series.”If I use prayer beads from Buseok Shrine and an amulet from Kyoto Shrine, I can fire up to 28 rounds a day.”
The series subtly incorporates elements and influences of Korean shamanism and Buddhism. However, these elements are presented as a “youth series” or “fantasy series” with a metaphysical and fantastical narrative. Therefore, the series serves as an example of Bhabha’s theory of cultural hybridity.
Examples can also be given from Indian cinema. Indian cinema is mostly known as Bollywood. On the other hand, it also has regional cinematic traditions such as Tamil and Malayalam. Netflix uses this diversity to integrate it into its own global socio-political system.
For example, the Indian series “Delhi Crime” deals with a real rape case. Local issues such as gender and justice are addressed. Netflix has transformed the local narrative into a global format with its HBO (Home Box Office) style crime drama.
Character analyses are explored in depth in the HBO style. In “Delhi Crime,” the main character, Vartika Cahaturverdi, is presented not only as a police officer but also as a mother, wife, and a profile trapped within the system. All the identities he embodies during the events clash. The conflict between his professional life and his human side is intensely portrayed in the series. It doesn’t contain HBO-style police action. It progresses at a slow pace. You can see this slow pace in the “Delphi Crime” series.
HBO’s crime dramas are characterized by minimal music and intense silence. In the series Delhi Crime, silence is particularly prominent during interrogation scenes, night walks, or moments of media pressure. An atmosphere is presented that directly conveys the weight of the events to the viewer.
Another example of an Indian series, Sacred Games, incorporates local elements such as Hindu mythology, the underworld, and political corruption. However, themes like violence and drugs are presented in a way that appeals to the audience, making it “marketable to a global audience.”.
In conclusion, digital platforms like Netflix, while increasing the visibility of national cinemas, also integrate them into their own global economic and political systems by transforming them into hybrid structures.
Photograph: Anadolu Agency
