Yasemin Unal
Professor Mark Shirk
GVPT200FC4 December 2013
There is no denying that we are in
an era of mass globalization. A time of interdependence on other states for the
well being of our own economic and
social prosperity. Undoubtedly, globalization has had copious positive impacts
on the states and citizens around the world, bringing opulence. Yet, one cannot
be oblivious to the undesirable effects globalization has brought as well. My
argument will be centered around the theme that with globalization there has
been a loss of culture for states, there are increased ethnic clashes, and that
it is an indirect relationship with environmental problems.
To begin, globalization is slowly
homogenizing the unique cultures around the world, forming a type of culture
that is based off of consumerism and commercialization. This is creating an
international society with the same values and desires. This may seem as
harmless and even attractive, since the international community will have more
in common. However, with globalization there is also the spread of unwanted
social ideals. For example, with the spread of mass media commercialization around
the world consumerism is becoming targeted around the unattainable ideals of
beauty and thinness. I would argue that globalization is also spreading the American
culture, causing the individual cultures of states to become diluted. For
instance, English is slowly becoming the global language. While this is not necessarily
a drawback for businesses and English speaking citizens, it does causes the individuality
of national languages to slowly lose their importance for the younger
population, who strive to become Americanized. Moreover, this weakening cultural factor that globalization brings causes more ethnic tensions, leading to more violence. This violence does not have to directly translate into war and mass murder. In fact, this tension can be relevant between citizens of different states or even citizens within a single, diverse state. Like mentioned in the book "How Soccer Explains the World", globalization often results in "hooliganism" because of the loss of masculine roles, due to outsourced industrial labor. This hooliganism is translated into clashes between different ethnic groups. Like I mentioned previously, this violence can be present within a state with many different ethnicities ,or it can even transcribe over boundaries. One could also make the argument that the diluting of specific cultures causes the citizens of that state to feel an ontological threat, since it is their identity that is in danger. Thus, they resort to violence to defend their individual cultures and ethnicities against the threats they perceive.
On a final note, globalization has an indirect role with increased environmental problems. This is due to the fact that, third world countries are being exploited for their natural resources and labor during the process of industrialization. In rapidly industrializing third world countries, there are no strict pollution laws that have been enacted. The overwhelming desire to industrialize as soon as possible, in order to be a part of globalization, has resulted in increased CFC pollutants that contribute to global warming. These industrializing countries know that with globalization, there is a link with economic affluence. Consequently, they do not put their priorities is producing outputs in a way that does not mass pollute.
In the final analysis, globalization
does have its negative impacts on the international community. Even though
there are benefits, globalization causes the diminishing of diverse cultures,
increased tensions due to loss of identity, and increased environmental
problems.
I agree that there are many issues globalization is causing in terms of the environment and loss of culture, like you mentioned, but I don't necessarily think globalization, as a whole, is a bad thing. I think there are many ways to solve these problems such as green technology and manufacturing in terms of environmental problems. I am not so sure, however, what can be done to prevent loss of culture and language that you mention, any ideas?
ReplyDeleteI don't think that much can be done to counter act the loss of culture or language. I mean the only way to combat that would be to enforce ones own culture and take pride in it. With the loss of language however, I feel that because English becoming the universal tongue there is little to do.
DeleteI like the approach that you take on globalization because it is common to hear about the benefits that it brings but hearing about the negative consequences is rare. I agree with you that loss of culture is a large negative because diversity and variety is what makes nations and people stand out. I also like your mass media example because it goes hand in hand with everyone trying to be a certain way in order to "fit in" which is basically what the nations are doing by trying to industrialize at any cost.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that globalization is slowly diminishing diversity and culture. as people are connected more cultures spread and integrate so that it melds and becomes indistinguishable. This is just like the idea of America as a "Melting Pot". However, I also agree that globalization can lead to a loss of identity. When people feel this sense of loss, like they are being grouped into a larger community, sometimes they will cling to their individual identities causing them to associate themselves with these people even more and eventually segregating themselves.
ReplyDeleteYeah that is also a good point. When people feel threatened , they can cling on to what they believe in order to save it. But, I feel that when that by the time people realize their loss, it will be too late to bring any significant impact.
DeleteI agree with the idea that globalization has had many negative effects on the world. I thought the paper was well organized and well written. I do think you could have brought in class readings a little more because many of them apply. Also, how do you think we could make this problem of globalization better? Overall really good post.
ReplyDeleteI think that we can better the negative affects of globalization by respecting the cultures of other states. By doing this, cultures will not be subjected into homogenizing to have same ideals and principles.
DeleteReading this post reminds me of the "how soccer explains the world an unlikely theory of globalization" book by Franklin Foer, which also talks about the negative aspects of globalization, there is a large decrease in diversity and as youve said, we're all slowly becoming the "same," almost to fit a norm that society has created itself as a result from globalization. I agree with your points, but what do you think this means for the future of our nation? Just as Lauren mentioned, US is a melting pot, how do you think that will change? Just a thought! Good job :)
ReplyDeleteYeah! I definitely agree that the US is a melting pot for many diverse people. But, I just wanted to explain how with globalization there is also the spread of an ideal and "way of life". That does not have to have a negative intention, but then again it can bring unintended consequences.
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