Virtual worlds provide us with an alternative to real, face to face life. These worlds simulate life in such a way that doors of communication can be opened, but what we see when these doors are opened is the debated question as well as the question, are we willing to walk through those doors? Can virtual worlds open lines of communication between cultures and therefore change the way we view each other once back in the real world? A virtual world of diverse cultures certainly has its benefits and its limitations.
The benefits of communicating across cultures in a virtual world are that at first sight, everyone chooses to display the image, character and/or characteristics of their choice. Their appearance does not necessarily reflect their true culture, gender, race or ability which in turn has the capacity to free us from initial impressions that may include damaging or disabling stereotypes. An even playing ground does facilitate more open communication channels because virtual people are not hindered by preconceptions or fear of the unknown. It is often our fears that prohibit us from engaging in conversation with people of other cultures. When a virtual world eliminates that fear we allow ourselves to be more honest and more curious.
It is our curiosity that can lead to intercultural communication that will bridge the gap between cultures and help people to move past the typical “noise” they experience in face to face communication. When not presented with our differences we can think more clearly about other cultures and see the people first rather than those differences. When we are allowed to learn and understand each other we become better people, better in that understanding leads to a more positive attitude in a spiraling effect toward a more peaceful coexistence.
The limitations of a virtual world are who they attract to these worlds since they are created with the intention of facilitating an environment for learning about other cultures. The people who need to learn, who need to understand, who need to change are not likely to engage in these virtual experiences. Where is the motivation to enter into a world of deceit? People who fear the unknown do not want to be surprised by someone they fear and they are even more unlikely to want to learn that their line of thinking toward that culture may be wrong.
This virtual world of cultural education may be embraced by a world of sophisticated, already culture-appreciating individuals, but it does not extend its reach to Islam fearing Americans and therefor the channels of communication between cultures is only touching those who already wish to be reached. The average online gamer is not online seeking out a better understanding of the Islamic culture. I would argue that Virtual Worlds dedicated to creating new channels of communication are only doing so for those who have previous interest in doing so and may open that door to others who didn’t initially, but it is not turning the ordinary person into a cultural revolutionary. If “peace is not the absence of conflict but one’s attitude toward it” than how are we changing the attitudes of those who need changing (Fouts, & King, 2008-9)? The ordinary person is entering a virtual world to escape a life they clearly cannot manage as it is so the idea that they would log on to sympathize in the struggles of another or take an interest in the lives of another is probably not a high priority for them.
Overall, I see these virtual learning worlds opening new lines of communication primarily for those willing and vested in learning about other cultures, and therefore the result and impact of this project isn’t likely to be as tremendous as the creators of these worlds may have aspired. I do see the benefits in giving people the opportunity to learn about other cultures, but the big debate is whether they will take it and seek it out. I think the first step toward communication, the first step toward learning and understanding cultural differences and the first step toward a more peaceful world is when an individual makes the decision to initiate that line of communication and it is something they must do for themselves. It doesn’t hurt to provide a new avenue for that sort of learning, but it is not until a person has the motivation to risk change that they will act.
Reference
Fouts, F.S., & King, R.J. (2008-2009). Understanding Islam through virtual worlds. Carnegie
Council: The Voice for Ethics in International Affairs, Retrieved from http://www.cceia.org/programs/archive/002/index.html
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