Cultural Differences in Concepts of Life and Partnership (Ukázka, strana 99)

nology and media (newscast satellites, video, cable TV, the first PCs). The transmission and distribution of news became increasingly faster and the content became more international and global. New information technology and media further influenced education, learning processes, and our perception in general (for example our understanding of time and space) (Schäfers 1998, p. 239). New media and communication technologies opened up new possibilities for everyone, yet, at the same time, they asked for new skills and qualifications. The expectations and the pressure to perform grew accordingly. New communication technologies were the catalyzer for the West German performance society. The production and distribution of media grew tremendously and lead to increasing competition and growing pressure to perform. At the same time, this development was the material-technical base for further automatization of the individual and offered new possibilities if the necessary qualifications were met. In addition to the “hardware” of new communication technologies that opened up new possibilities and conditions, the “software” of the democratic constitution of the FRG also played an important role. First and foremost, freedom of expression and freedom of press were protected by the constitution. Even if Michael Gehler (2011, p. 194) argues that West German media was not entirely free and independent of political interests, and that it was actively involved in the cold war between West and East, West German media, the cultural scene and the arts developed comparatively independent from influence or control by the state. An independent media scene is crucial for a public discussion of social affairs, it is important for free and critical opinion formation and is the base for the development of an “emancipated citizen.” Just as new communication technologies were an important material-technical premise for the automatization of the individual, a functional and independent information and media scene were a crucial premise for the development of an “emancipated citizen” who is capable to develop an autonomous and independent opinion. At the same time, it became more difficult to live up to the growing expectations. Up to day, we are expected to accumulate knowledge in all different social sectors, to permanently keep that knowledge up to date, and to critically discuss our own profound opinion, meaning to act as “emancipated citizens.” More and more people are unwilling to meet that demand, partly because of the fast-paced and confusing information flood. The economic and social state of the FRG was such that we can talk about a knowledge-based information society starting with the 98 Ukázka elektronické knihy, UID: KOS276415