Thursday, March 11, 2010

GLOBALization: The Bad, The Good and The Beautiful.


Globalization is a broad term used to describe an ongoing exchange of ideas, languages and cultures. It is the integration of regions and countries through a network communication and trade spanning the globe.

It is easy for many of us to criticize and condemn, however, it takes twice the effort to compliment and appreciate - blame it on human nature. It is even more so when one is on the losing side with the short end of the stick in hand. The struggle for power that we have seen in volumes of history books and stories passed onto us by our ancestors is and always will be part of the balance of life. What goes up, must come down and where there are rich, there almost always, the poor around the corner. In economic terms, resources are scarce and for the market to work - some must lose out on opportunity costs for there to be a balance of power and for resources to be utilized efficiently and effectively.

There have been numerous articles written and commentaries made on the evils of Globalization. Rallies and protests over the many years have also been held against organizations that promote Globalization like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both the Pro and Anti sides have valid reason to be fighting the good fight for their ideals. It is true that Globalization fosters economic development and brings in opportunity for many in disadvantaged countries - opportunities that would not have been there had it not been for the opening of trade doors. However, it is also true that with great power comes great responsibility - large multi-national companies (many from the USA) have been largely unregulated and have had the opportunity to exploit local resources for monetary gain and leave these communities to waste after. The debate over good and bad is endless and as with many issues, there will always be differing perspectives and the indifferent.

Personally, i see both sides of the coin and it is a double edge sword. However, i would be a hypocrite to sway against Globalization. It affects so many aspects of our everyday lives, much of the time unknowingly. From the things we use to the media influencing us and our culture. It has undoubtedly changed the fabric of society throughout history and is increasingly doing so through improvements in technology and communication. The internet has made it possible to connect and stay connected to people all around the world. Such accessibility and convenience has done more good than bad if one thinks about it. Much of the world's progress can be attributed to Globalization. The proliferation of media has made human beings more knowledgeable and aware of themselves and their surroundings. People have become more cultured and open minded to each others differences as we learn about the ways of the world. It has made the human race more civilized and free from ignorance. As the world, societies, economies and cultures progress and develop - so do individuals. This change empowers people to do more with the world and within their lives as they gain more control.

To imagine a world isolated and protected from the outside is a romantic notion. Unfortunately, as human beings, it is in our nature to be inquisitive. We will always wonder of whats out there and if the grass is really greener on the other side of the fence. This constant search for meaning and thirst for knowledge is insatiable and is in essence the reason why Globalization started in the first place. No man is an island and therefore seeks connection to survive and flourish. This is everyone's right. Maybe this is the answer to World Peace. Maybe it is just pure capitalistic propaganda to take over the world. Whatever it is, i am grateful for it as it has made the world my oyster to discover.

If it wasn't for Globalization, i wouldn't be sitting here in Singapore after growing up in the Philippines and studying in the International School system despite being born in Taiwan - i am a product of Globalization.


10 comments:

  1. I agree that globalisation has its pros and cons as well. While i agree with the advtanges, I think that you have missed out on the shortcomings. The same reasons you have for advocating Globalisation can be used against ur stand. The internet can be used to influence other cultures and spread knowlgede. Good ideas can go far and wide. So do bad ones. Also not every person, culture or country reacts to ideas in the same way. Many might reject it or deem it as invasive. That is where conflicts arise. Just my two kents worth.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for your two kents worth. Now here's my two cents - when something goes up, it must come down and where there is good, evil is always lurking around the corner. I agree that Globalisation has its shortcomings - no doubt. I would be crazy to deny that. I am in no way oblivious to the suffering and injustice it has brought upon millions of people - However, we would be hypocrites to say it is all bad. So this entry was just a means to shed some good light on it. We live a very comfortable life here in Singapore - and for alot of it, we have Globalisation to thank. Where would this little island be without it?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hmm.. Globalization.. Personally, I feel that the benefits outweigh the cons. Sure there are many detrimental effects of globalization, but I have to say, globalization is only indirectly at fault. It's people that exploit other people, not globalization. As DS said, 'with great power comes great responsibility'. As cliche as that sounds, it is true. Today, many large conglomerates have been taking the initiative to contribute back to society. Corporate responsibility, yes, it sounds too good to be true, but it is happening.

    A more urgent problem that globalization may bring about is loss of culture. It is sad to see things that we have come to know and become familiar with while growing up slowly disappear as the years go by. And I'm not just talking about material things, it can be anything from common courtesy to respect for your elders to the way you speak. But then again, it can also be argued that culture and traditions change over time, as the generations go by, regardless of globalization.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very insightful den den. ;-)

    Thanks for this! Very well said - People exploit other people not globalization.

    Cultures and traditions have stood the test of time, however, as the world changes and merges into one - it makes it harder for the things we once held close to stay pure and unaffected by the changing environment around us.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Globalization is like Technology - these are major changes and influences in society. Both change how people live their lives and interact. The changing norms come with changing times. It is all part of the evolution of life.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Determining if change is good or bad is subjective. There will always be the disadvantage who feel marginalized and forgotten - and there will always be the profiteers whom of which benefit from the opportunities offered by the open markets around the world. We are all dealt with different cards in life - it is about how we play these cards that matter. At the end of the day, we all still have a choice.

    ReplyDelete
  7. globalization is inevitable. we've been on the path since the dawn of man (sounds so epic). when cultures have rubbed shoulders traditionally they've attacked each other. globalization has it's pros, I only ask that we evolve past the point of mutually assured destruction.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is true. So really, globalization is the scape goa. It is really just human nature to command and conquer (you've rubbed the epic-ness off me).

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ooo.. never thought of it that way. Globalization as scape goat.. So in a way, its like a guise for conquering the world, commanding through sweet suggestions and empty promises. Is that what Mcdonalds and MTV mean? hahaha okay, thinking too much..

    ReplyDelete
  10. Haha. I say its all a conspiracy and so is Global Warming. I always knew there was something wrong with Ronald McDonald. His face-paint always disturbed me.

    ReplyDelete