[If only my girlfriend had that many "C"s. I'm just kidding, ladies... I don't have a girlfriend. Wonder why? Yeah, Neither do I.]
Today I was asked by my teachers to write about the current issue of global cultural integration. To be honest, I'm not really to sure
how to approach
this.
On one hand, we have the bleeding heart liberals who focus on human rights issues. I myself am focusing on individual cultures and how they are affected by globalization. Overall, it is a very detrimental force in third world societies. For example, it may sound extreme, but recent studies are showing parts of culture can and do disappear for forever. One study supposes that 90 percent of all the world's languages will disappear within the next century and another predicts that China will be the no. 1 English speaking nation in the world by 2012.
Altogether, there's nothing wrong with this in theory- the world will be a better place when everyone can communicate with each other. It's just, for some, this is an inherently evil sort of idea. It's like sometimes it seems as if a tidal wave of the worst Western culture is creeping across the globe like a giant spilled strawberry milkshake- oozing over the planet, with a flavor that is distinctly sweet, sickly and manifestly homogenous and no one wants that mess.
However, on the other hand, you have people who see nothing wrong or evil about globalization. They really couldn't care about culture since globaization is a mostly economic issue and as such should be treated in a business-like manner.
These people can only see gains in the current crisis. To them, the world is now in a position to do nothing but profit. They love to preach about the trickledown economics theory and embrace the thought of an english-speaking world. Everything is a product now and we're in control, what's not to like?
I'd imagine we'll soon find out.
globalization isn't all bad. For example bringing new farming techniques to an african village helps many people. Just a thought but would you consider spreading Christianity as globalization?
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good point and if done with a good heart, like Mr. Meyer had, then the village can do nothing but prosper. However, that doesn't mean those people will be able to compete on par with western nationals and corporations. In effect, they are not on equal footing and will never thrive.
ReplyDeleteAs for the christian perspective, yeah I think so. I've never had to answer that question before. I still think it differs from the standard onslaught of globalization, though, as it isn't thrust upon them. Christianity you always have the choice, don't you think?
In my mind, globalization is sort of like that version of Christianity prevalent among American settlers' attitudes toward the Natives: essentially, convert or die.
ReplyDeleteWe recognize that people have a choice in choosing Christianity. Globalizing forces are often thrust upon people who literally have no choice: if they try to opt-out, they will be crushed because they simply cannot keep up. Specifically, I'm thinking of examples such as the hundreds of thousands of Chinese villagers who were displaced or killed due to the building of the Three-Gorges Dam. They refuse to adapt, but the Westernization of China rolls on despite their intentions.