Asian Values, Asian Journalism: Disciplining journalism in the name of culture

• In Event: Top Papers in Association for Chinese Communication Studies

Abstract

Through the Asian Values movement, Southeast Asian governments have succeeded in transforming academic and popular discourse, namely from one that valued investigative journalism to one that is harmonious (“Asian Value”) and that supports state/party-building. The movement succeeded because it presented itself in a way that few self-respecting intellectuals can resist – protecting indigenous cultures against imperialism. But who benefits from this culturalization and what social institutions are marginalized in the name of culture?

Author

• Soek-Fang Sim, UC San Diego