Globalization: Peace of Mind or Piece of Mine?
by Mycenay
Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor.
~ Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826, Third President of the USAGenerosity is the flower of justice.
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1804-1864, American Novelist, Short Story WriterThe point is that you can't be too greedy.
~ Donald Trump, 1946-, American Businessman
The term "globalization" is commonly used in reference to our modern-day global community, where people around the world are more connected than at any other time in history due to industrial and technological advancements expediting international communication and travel, and allowing goods, services, information, and money to flow faster and more freely than ever before. By definition globalization sounds like a wonderful thing. I envision the families of impoverished countries being clothed, fed, and educated. I envision the sharing of ideas and information to cure diseases and create scientific advancements that will help humankind in all areas. I envision expanded travel for all people to experience other cultures, obtaining a higher understanding and tolerance of each other. Most of all I envision the spiritual and political leaders of the world coming together to coordinate and facilitate these exchanges.
However, despite its benign definition, globalization is a heated topic in our world today and is often linked with the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF)—international corporations with a financial interest in our global community and the proposed "new world order." There are several humanitarian and environmentally-conscious anti-globalization groups who claim that globalization is really global business, while pro-globalizationists tout the benefits of borderless business exchange on a planetary stage.
Why all the heated debate about the effects of globalization? The same reason there’s so much heated debate about gun control. A gun in and of itself is not "good" or "bad;" it is the motive and intention with which it is used that falls into one of these two categories. The only problem accompanying globalization is the avaricious corporate hunter, outfitted in suit and tie, armed with PC, and conveniently conscience-free. He is on the prowl and hungry for world resources, and he is insatiable. Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the [hunter] in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction—Erich Fromm, 1900-1980, American Psychologist.
Under globalization orchestrated by the "civilized" world, greed’s victims suffer by the millions. Developing countries are denied access to the most lucrative markets, and agricultural subsidies by "first-world" countries squelch the abilities of developing countries such as India, Africa, and Indonesia to compete with their farm produce. These countries fall further and further behind while North America and Europe spend more than $1 billion per day (approximately six times more than their foreign aid contributions) to protect corporate farming. Last year 2.4 million Africans died of AIDS. During the last six years the international community has given a paltry $2.4 billion towards Africa’s fight against AIDS. Am I my brother’s keeper?
So how do we as individuals help create a global family rather than just a global market? One way is to starve the corporate hunter, to deny the conglomerate monsters the prey on which they feed—us, the consumers. We should stop taking more than we need to live, observe "Buy Nothing Day" more than once a year, conserve our natural resources, and take time to learn about the world in which we live and its various beautiful and colorful peoples.
There are people making such efforts. There are alternative living communities and eco-villages sprouting up all over the world. There is also a growing global network of Local Economic Trading Systems (LETS). In California’s Bay Area more than 300 residents have established a local currency called BREAD (Bay Area Regional Exchange and Development) valuing work at $12 per hour; their BREAD can buy various services such as food, child care, and carpentry. A Time Dollar Institute (www.timedollar.org) has been established where people can network to trade services on an equal hour-for-hour footing. In Ithaca, New York, a local currency called "Ithaca Hours" has been created. In Japan environmental activists have printed "Earthday Money" which can be earned by contributing service that helps the environment and which can be redeemed in participating cafés and grocery stores.
Grassroots efforts are the start, but ultimately humanitarianism and higher-consciousness must come from world leaders and global administrative structures with the power and the resources to help others. The political leaders throughout history who’ve had true vision towards positive global change and the betterment of humanity have always been spiritual leaders with an understanding that we are all children of the same Creator. Sadly, assassination, either of the body, of the character, or both, has often been the fate of truly great leaders. Until we recognize our oneness and our power in that union, we will continue to allow ourselves to be controlled by the forces of greed. The health of our global family rests in each individual’s recognition that we are truly brothers and sisters under the Father-/Motherhood of God and in the recognition of real leaders who understand and live this in the highest way.
Unless there is progress real enough to be felt and not just measured by academics, a world moving too languorously in the right direction risks an abrupt and dangerous reversal. What's needed now is evidence that those with wealth are willing to share; that rights are universal and inviolate; that security is not the exclusive preserve of the most heavily armed; that the suffering of one is the suffering of all and won't be tolerated. James Travers (Author)
Sources:
· Untitled article by Aiden Enns published on Adbusters website
· “The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Get Angrier” by James Travers, Copyright 2003 Toronto Star Newspapers, Ltd.