From the November 2017 IBDP History Paper 2 exam:
“The maintenance of democracy was dependent on freedom of expression in the arts and media.”Discuss with reference to two democratic states, each from a different region.
From the November 2018 IBDP History Paper 2 exam:
Examine the impact made by democracy on the arts and media in two states, each from a different region.
Art and media are fundamental to the fabric of societies, reflecting cultural values, shaping public opinions, and often acting as a bellwether for political change. As the political landscape evolves, the influence on arts and media is considerable, engendering shifts in creativity, production, and reception. This essay aims to investigate the impacts of democracy on arts and media in two states: the United Kingdom, and South Korea from East Asia. This inquiry will address the multifaceted interactions of democratic governance with the arts and media, their subsequent transformations, and the broader societal implications.
The United Kingdom’s ancient establishment as a democracy has markedly influenced its arts and media, evident in the diversification of content and accessibility. In the late 19th century, the UK began to make significant strides towards a truly democratic state, a shift concurrent with significant developments in the arts and media sector. Thompson (1978) posits that these changes were not incidental, but directly linked to the democratic expansion. A key feature of this transformation was the broadening of artistic and media subject matter. Dickens's novels, for instance, brought the realities of the working class into popular literature, effecting a revolutionary break from the previous upper-class-centric narratives. Orwell, reflecting on the same trend in the mid-20th century, argued that this was a direct product of democratic expansion, which allowed diverse voices to flourish. A parallel shift in media is discernable in the evolution of newspapers. Hobsbawm's analysis (1987) of the period outlines the increasing focus on reporting aimed at the wider populace, reflecting democratic values of transparency and accountability. The London Times in the 19th century, for instance, started including more local news, covering a wider range of topics, and presenting information in a more accessible language. Moreover, the growing prevalence of investigative journalism, as seen in the work of W.T. Stead at the Pall Mall Gazette, underscored the press's role in holding authorities accountable, integral to a functional democracy. Democracy's impact is also discernable in the growth of public art institutions. Prior to the 19th century, art was largely the preserve of the elite. However, democratic principles of equality and accessibility precipitated changes, evident in the 1824 founding of the National Gallery in London, predicated on making art accessible to all. This development, Anderson (1983) notes, reflects the democratization of cultural participation. Further indicative of this trend is the introduction of the Public Libraries Act of 1850, underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring wide-ranging access to knowledge and literature. In summary, democracy's advent in the UK led to a significant broadening of arts and media, both in terms of content and accessibility. This was manifest in a shift towards more inclusive narratives, greater focus on mass reporting, and wider cultural participation. These changes not only reflected democratic ideals but also helped further their entrenchment within society.
The influence of democracy on the arts and media in South Korea has been significant, becoming especially noticeable after the democratic transition in 1987. In contrast to the UK, where democracy gradually influenced cultural spheres over centuries, the Korean context presents a more abrupt, but equally profound transformation. The advent of democracy prompted a remarkable expansion of creative expression in South Korea. Park (2001) highlights how literature, which during the authoritarian regime had been heavily censored, began to explore themes of democracy, freedom, and human rights in the democratic era. A prime example is Hwang Sok-yong's novel "The Guest", which discussed the Korean War's atrocities, a subject taboo under the previous regime. Such exploration of critical socio-political themes underscores the correlation between the democratic environment and artistic freedom. Similarly, Korean cinema experienced significant changes. In the post-democratization era, directors gained greater liberty to criticise socio-political issues, as evidenced by films like "Peppermint Candy" (Lee, 1999), reflecting on the military dictatorship's traumatic legacy. Furthermore, Chung (2005) notes the proliferation of independent films, like "Old Partner", challenging the dominance of major film studios and enriching the cinematic landscape. These changes point towards the democratisation of creative expression, reflecting the political shift. Democracy's impact on the media in South Korea was no less significant. Cho (2008) notes how the lifting of press censorship in 1987 marked the beginning of a more independent, critical journalism culture. Instances such as the 1996 exposure of former presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo's slush funds by the Korea Times attest to this change. The emergence of an independent press, holding the powerful accountable, mirrored the UK experience, highlighting democracy's universal influence on media practices. Interestingly, the rise of digital media platforms in the 2000s, parallel to the consolidation of democracy, further transformed the media landscape. Lee (2011) points out that citizen journalism platforms, like OhmyNews, turned consumers into producers of news, epitomising democratic participation. In conclusion, the democratic transition in South Korea profoundly transformed the arts and media, resulting in greater artistic freedom, critical journalism, and participatory digital media practices. Similar to the UK, the changes mirrored and reinforced democratic principles, demonstrating how political structures and cultural practices mutually shape each other.
While examining the impact of democracy on the arts and media in the United Kingdom and South Korea, some striking similarities and differences emerge. Notably, both states saw an expansion of subject matter in arts and a rise in critical journalism reflecting democratic values of freedom, transparency, and accountability. Yet, the contexts in which these transformations occurred were distinct, reflecting unique socio-political landscapes. In the United Kingdom, the shift was gradual, evolving over a century, and paralleling the progressive extension of democratic rights. Consequently, these changes manifested over an extended period, becoming embedded within society. South Korea, on the other hand, experienced a sudden transition to democracy following decades of authoritarian rule. This abrupt shift precipitated a rapid cultural transformation, yielding a critical, politically engaged arts and media culture. In both cases, the advent of democracy widened access to cultural goods, with the UK establishing public libraries and art institutions, and South Korea encouraging independent films and digital platforms. These developments embodied democratic principles of equality and participation, reflecting how political change can drive cultural inclusivity.
The examination of the United Kingdom and South Korea vividly illustrates how democracy has an indelible impact on arts and media. In both states, democracy led to a diversification of narratives, a shift towards critical reporting, and an expansion of cultural participation, all underscoring the profound interplay between politics and culture. However, it is essential to recognise that these transformations are not mere reflections of democratic governance but act as agents of change themselves. By amplifying diverse voices and promoting transparency and accountability, the arts and media play a critical role in furthering democratic values. This two-way influence between politics and culture underscores the dynamic nature of societal development, where political shifts and cultural transformations are inextricably linked. The exploration of the UK and South Korea serves as a testament to the power of democracy, not just as a form of governance, but as a catalyst for cultural and social change. This intricate relationship between democracy, arts and media suggests a broader understanding of democratic impact, one that encompasses societal and cultural realms beyond the political sphere alone.
