ABSTRACT
The child of the 1990s may begin her day with a news report on a war somewhere in the world, graphically illustrated with explicit scenes provided by a CNN international camera. As she munches her international breakfast of products from faroff places she may switch to EuroNews for an update on the latest decisions taken at the European Parliament. But not for long: a quick flick of the wrist and a Japanese cartoon, dubbed into English, will hold her attention for a fleeting ten minutes. As she sits on her German-built school bus some fruity chewing gum, straight from friends in the USA, is passed around. The school day begins with assembly and finishes with the final bell. Between these two daily markers the extended outside world has been reduced to a single geography lesson. Back home, in the evening, 15 minutes' French homework is quickly completed to leave time for a computer game, set in 'darkest' Africa, while a Johnny Clegg and Savuka compact disc blares rhythmically in the background. The evening meal pizza (Mum's been to the supermarket again) provides family focal time for a discussion on the forthcoming holiday in the Caribbean. A final 30 minutes' TV, an adventure film in Urdu, and another international day comes to an end.
