by Helen Abbott

Created on: July 19, 2007

Globalization is a good thing. Although in a lot of ways I do think that globalization is a bad thing. There is obvious inequality in the world that contradicts the very word 'global' as if the world were untied and harmonious. I similarly resent the standardization and Westernization of media, art and culture. Look at the film Aladdin. Compare the way way Aladdin looks (our nice white male hero with a toned body and Tom Cruise smile) to the way Jafar looks (the evil 'Arab' with dark eyes and rater pointy attire). Globalization clearly is a bad thing in these terms. Not to mention that I am in the UK using Zs where I would normally use Ss - American English as global English anyone?

However I have said it is a good thing. Because of course evrything has two sides and, being an optimist, I like to give everything the benefit of the doubt.
So my reasons for saying globalization is a good thing?
Firstly, one of the major aspects of a globalized world is comunication. The internet is a great example of a product of the globalized world. As this very website shows, the internet allows people to discuss topics and issues with peers from anywhere on the planet. Of course this then becomes related to 'is the internet a bad thing'. Which I simply say 'no' to for now.
Another reason why globalization is a good thing is that yes, inequality on this planet is obvious and rife. However, without a globalized world how would we be aware of this inequality and poverty. A lot of charities now thrive on the globalized world because it makes aid quicker and cheaper, it allows awareness to be raised more rapidly, in encourgaes more donations through multiple ways of giving etc.
Lastly I suppose that even is globalization has it's bad points the very nature of the topic encourages awareness and debate to be engaged on the topic. This word 'global' now has more meaning than it once did. The very culture that goes with the global is about viewing the world as one place. Perhaps we haven't very successfully made the globalized world equal yet but that is the choice that privelaged humans are making. And therein lies the downsides.
But I will stick to what I say. Globalization is good, you just have to see it. And where we don't see it, thats what we have to work on (we can use these amazing communications systems for quicker and easier transition even).

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