Global Media Project

The Sydney Morning Herald is a daily compact newspaper published by Fairfax Media in Sydney, Australia. It is the oldest newspaper continuously published in Australia and a national online news brand. It is published six days per week and has national coverage except in some Northern Territories. John Fairfax purchased The Sydney Morning Herald in 1841. Several generations of the Fairfax family continued to control the company. Fairfax Media was founded by the Fairfax family as John Fairfax and Sons, later becoming John Fairfax Holdings.

Marriage is a blessing between a man and a woman and should remain so. In due regard to the above definition, I might intend to vote no to the definition as it is stated. I am very sure that readers have made up their minds and think that the definition sways them from reality. Any opposition to the redefinition of marriage is obstructionist at best and driven by prejudice. A teen who was fired from their job as a result of supporting the same-sex marriage survey had a claim on an act of discrimination. In Christianity, and as followers of Christ, teachings uphold that every man was made in the image of God and needs to be recognized. The question is, how can you vote no to the definition and still uphold Christian teachings and values?

Those in marriage can testify to the importance of marriage in our society. Despite the challenges experienced by those whose marriages did not work well, marriage plays a critical role in procreation and therefore should be encouraged in society. Marriage between a man and a woman brings about the beginning of a family and a lifelong commitment. It encourages selfless growth when a man tries to take care of his wife and children. Marriage is more than a physical union because it creates emotional and spiritual oneness which emulates the union of God and His church. Marriage also creates togetherness and an everlasting bond between a man and a woman. Once couples marry, they become one, hence creating oneness. Marriage is designed for purity because we are usually exposed to a torrent of temptations everywhere. Bonding gives us support that helps us to control these temptations by expressing satisfying love to your man and woman. Through this, purity is created. Marriage also leads to parenting, once a family is blessed with a child, either by birth or adoption, the family becomes united and stronger. Roughly 40% of children are in homes without fathers.

Most of these children suffer from mental and behavioral disorders, criminal activities, and social abuse, but a child brought up by both parents experiences healthy parenting. Marriage is designed to mirror unconditional love for all. When a man and woman express this unconditional love to one another, contentment follows and joy abounds. In due regard to this social issue of marriage, a debate arises because different parties and individuals have different views and understandings concerning marriage. Actually, a debate by different individuals has created a yes or no vote concerning the definition of marriage, as illustrated above. Parties have been divided on the issue of allowing same-sex marriage. There are those proposing and those opposing the motion. The issue in debate is the equality of all humankind. Dr. Kevin Donnelly, a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Catholic University and author of The Culture of Freedom, has been at the forefront of the vote against same-sex marriage and firmly defends marriage between a man and a woman.
It is also true that 98% of Australian citizens agree to this, but only 2% of the citizens oppose. Tony Abbott, who is an American, has shown that same-sex marriage will completely change society. He goes ahead and argues that he wants a country where everyone is treated equally regardless of race, political opinion, gender, religion, and sexuality. He also states that people need to be appreciated for their achievements and for the quality of their character, not pigeon-holed and dismissed on the basis of prejudice. Considering the above, Americans are seen to support gay, homosexual, and heterosexual relationships, which is opposed by the majority of other nations and Africans in general. In reality, marriage should be taken as a procreation tool, not on the basis of equality. Therefore, I really oppose the American point of view on marriage.

I have also acknowledged the issues of cultural differences coming in. Australia portrays a different culture as compared to America. This aspect of every country’s culture as portrayed in each country brings different cultural contexts regarding their communications and media they use to convey their information. The concept of high context or low context refers to how people communicate in different cultures. The difference between high context and low context can be understood by the extent to which meaning is transmitted by the actual words used or implied in the context. The general terms “high context” and “low context” (popularized by Edward Hall) are used to describe broad-brush cultural differences between societies.

Low context refers to societies where people tend to have many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason. A low-context culture means that the communicative messages lie in the verbal messages as opposed to nonverbal. However, Australians tend to need a lot of background information on someone. I have identified The Sydney Morning Herald as a low cultural context because of the following features I’ve identified in their communication mode: relationships begin and end quickly; productivity depends on procedures and paying attention to the goal; the identity of individuals is rooted in themselves and their accomplishments; social structure is decent; nonverbal elements are not significant; verbal messages are explicit, and communication is seen as a way of exchanging information, ideas, and opinions. Disagreement is depersonalised – the focus is on rational (not personal) solutions. An individual can be explicit about another person’s bothersome behaviour. Space is compartmentalised and privacy is important, so people stand farther apart. Events and tasks are scheduled and to be done at particular times. Change is fast, and time is a commodity to be spent or saved. One’s time is one’s own. One source of information is used. Thinking proceeds from specific to general. Learning occurs by following the explicit directions and explanations of others. Individual orientation is preferred, and speed is valued.

The coverage of The Sydney Morning Herald is similar to that of America. There is no difference at all. They both have a low cultural context as briefed above. This research work has enhanced and diversified my knowledge and understanding in regard to global leadership. It has even motivated me to always have an in-depth understanding of things, rather than a superficial understanding.

References

• Fernandez, U.T., Hogan, E.K., & Gamboa, S. (2014). Top of Form
• Changes, conflicts and ideologies in contemporary Hispanic culture. Bottom of Form.

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