Determine How You Feel about Globalization

I feel like the idea of globalization could be a really good one, if the power of different countries evenly distributed. One of the main reasons I think globalization would help the current state of the world is the sharing of cultures and different ideas from people who think very differently; however, the U.S. seems to have forgotten that other countries should have a say in what happens not only in their own country, but also could aid in issues globally. I feel like American culture is suddenly being pushed on countries that have their own culture and traditions, and who is the U.S. to say that their way of doing things is the right way? Putting McDonalds restaurants in countries that clearly oppose the idea of fast food is our way of telling that country that our values overpower theirs.

 

I think that if globalization could accomplish a sharing of cultures instead of the U.S. imposing their culture globally, it would benefit the world in many, many ways. If beliefs and values could one day be shared between cultures, maybe there would be less conflict. Human beings tend to believe that their own values and beliefs are superior to others’— therefore conflict is created whenever a clash of beliefs of values occurs. In working to understand the values of others, we take steps toward, if not agreement, tolerance and acceptance. Whether we think so or not, the U.S. could definitely use some pointers on this issue. A global understanding could lead to better understanding of the home we share, the Earth, and to a global respect for the environment. Working together is the key to solving environmental issues; while one person can make a difference, a planet of people working towards the same goal definitely would make a huge difference. These are just a couple examples of what worldwide communication and cooperation could accomplish—I haven’t even mention economic issues, which I think would be one of the most obvious changes made with a sharing of cultures.

 

The main reason that I’m afraid of even this ideal kind of globalization, though, is the loss of certain cultures to a more global culture. There are some cultures that really need to be preserved and not submit themselves to pop culture. I feel like these types of cultures could have a really great impact on a global culture, but in doing so might go against their own traditions and beliefs.