Proceedings of the 29th International Academic Conference, Rome

VIRTUAL SPACES AND THE CULTURES OF MODERNITY: REFLECTIONS ON THE CENTRALITY OF CULTURE AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING

TALEB ELI

Abstract:

In human history, the power of storytelling and the artistic quality of the literary works had always been very influential when it comes to sharing stories with youngsters and more importantly having them around. More specifically, the fairy tale as a literary genre—though it`s an imaginary story—had captured the hearts of millions with its magical overall themes and moral objectives. Whether it features fantasy characters, the art of storytelling had always been a considerable strategy not only for teaching moral lessons or transmitting the cultural heritage of one`s nation, but a fantastic way to entertain youngsters and keep them home and more importantly away from many trivial things. However, the advances in science and technology have led to the creation of what is called now `virtual communities` in which Facebook, WhatsApp and Snapchat are very signatory. Thus, the immense and unprecedented use of these social media networks has given birth to new spaces and new modes of entertainments different from the ones created by the art of narration or storytelling where the voice of one`s parents and grandparents played a significant role. Apparently, and particularly in the developed countries or in countries where the technological boom is thriving and taking place, the survival of one`s cultural heritage becomes a crucial issue for anyone interested in the cultural heritage and oral literature in general and the art of storytelling in particular. Thus, Virtual Spaces and the Cultures of Modernity: Reflections on the Centrality of Culture and the Art of Storytelling does not pillory or criticize social media and technology, because no one can deny the positive side of it. Rather it endeavors to emphasize the fact that people nowadays seem to be digitally oriented. This latter does not only marginalize the importance of culture and literature, but more specifically it relegates the literary and cultural legacies of nations to the periphery.

Keywords: Virtual Communities, Culture, Literature, Globalization, space

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2017.029.011

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