Recently I set out to investigate the concept of a “Cosmopolitan Canopy” and whether this idea was present in Second Life (an online virtual community). My chosen location, China, was set to be the area in which I would observe this phenomenon occur. During one of my many visits to virtual China I met a man by the name of yuugiri icerose in Legend of China (one of the small subareas of virtual China). Our conversation is as follows:

How did you find out about SL?

Rumors of people

What do you think about this location and what made you want to visit here?

Distortion of the mass media is no exception in second life.

There is a reflection of the real

Is that why you wanted to visit here?

I like the Chinese character cultural sphere

If, you don’t mind my asking, are you from China? Also what do you like about it?

I am Japanese

I have rebelled against English language Imperialism

Do you think that your second life avatar is an accurate portrayal of yourself?

I hope so but,,,

avatar is avatar 

Is this why you are at this particular location?

What is “THIS”?

Ooops sorry

I have Chinese clothes

I didn’t clarify my question enough…

No problem

Have you ever had trouble with language barriers on Second Life?

Very often

Do you often interact with people from other cultures?

It is not too much to meet with Japanese

As if I’m travelling abroad

Do you consider everyone on SL to be part of one culture? Or would you say that the divide between cultures remains ever present?

I am speaking English at least

Thank you once more for that.

I don’t talk English at real life

Do people often attempt to converse with you in your native language?

If they are Japanese

Do you have any questions that you would like to ask me?

I want you to cooperate in the development of SL

(Got permission to take a photo with him)

Thank you so much for your help!

You are well come

Do you like Chinese culture?

I do!

Good.

And Japanese?

Of Course.

Good.

Through my interactions with yuugiri icerose I have discovered that there is indeed a cosmopolitan canopy. This is primarily due to the nature of his response and how willing he was to help me (as I was a stranger from a different country). As a Japanese man he could easily avoid people of other cultures (feign ignorance of them or pretend that he did not speak my language) but he didn’t. He even asked me what my opinions of his culture were and seemed pleased that I liked them too. His actions of helping strangers and being friendly to all illustrate the key ideas of a cosmopolitan canopy and how it can be applied in real life situations.

Me and yuugiri icerose