And for those of you who read the NewsForge article and feel the need to sound your voice to the moderator of these "discussions", who seemed intent on barring public participation, his email addy is as follows:
PBond@DOC.GOV.
Globalization is the term used for the actualization of a global economy. As Mirko pointed out, it does not define the people of the world as global citizens, but global consumers, and this is key in understanding the true driving force behind this movement we've seen charging forward over our world. It is the desire to provide goods and services to all sectors of the globe, opening markets to eager businesses, and while this in itself is not the most virtuos of ideals, the end result will mean the possibility of clean water, sanitary living conditions, and widespread healthcare that is currently not available to many of the people on this planet. Sure, Baywatch and other evils will follow, but what a small price to pay! This is of course going to cause some problems for those governments and religious leaders who would like to remove choice from the hands of their citizens, in effect deeming these citizens unworthy to make their own decisions, but in my opinion, any government or culture that imposes its will on its people, denying them choice, does not deserve to be in power (of course every govt. in the world is guilty of just this, but there are varying degrees). Globalization may be detrimental to cultures that subscribe to the above, but this is just a facet of evolution. EVERY culture throughout history has evolved over time. If the will of a people choose to reject a culture where there are jobs that allow them to purchase and sell products in the international arena, providing salaries which can be taxed to fuel schools, hospitals, libraries, etc., then said cultures will eventually be left to tend their barren plots of dirt in isolation, devoid of contact with the outside world. This separation of culture will not mean mere isolation, but a denial of the benefits that go along with a global community as well.
There are concerns about the power of corporations in the new world economy, but there has never been a business in the history of the world that has existed without a consumer base (not for very long anyways). If the consumers grow discontent with a company, then there is a course of action for these individuals - either a) don't buy said company's products, or b) start one's own company (i.e. Microsoft vs. Linux developers)! Should we sacrifice the fruits of honest business and beneficial services for fear of abusive corporate power, or do we take action against those companies that take advantage of their markets while continuing to reap the benefits that a technological and market driven society offer?
We're all humans, and we are all striving for an easier life. Why shouldn't we join forces? No government, and certainly no company could stand against the will of the world, and only when we become truly integrated will we be able to harness this power. Now inciting people to flex those muscles... that may be a different story.
Slashdot Mirror
And for those of you who read the NewsForge article and feel the need to sound your voice to the moderator of these "discussions", who seemed intent on barring public participation, his email addy is as follows: PBond@DOC.GOV.
Globalization is the term used for the actualization of a global economy. As Mirko pointed out, it does not define the people of the world as global citizens, but global consumers, and this is key in understanding the true driving force behind this movement we've seen charging forward over our world. It is the desire to provide goods and services to all sectors of the globe, opening markets to eager businesses, and while this in itself is not the most virtuos of ideals, the end result will mean the possibility of clean water, sanitary living conditions, and widespread healthcare that is currently not available to many of the people on this planet. Sure, Baywatch and other evils will follow, but what a small price to pay! This is of course going to cause some problems for those governments and religious leaders who would like to remove choice from the hands of their citizens, in effect deeming these citizens unworthy to make their own decisions, but in my opinion, any government or culture that imposes its will on its people, denying them choice, does not deserve to be in power (of course every govt. in the world is guilty of just this, but there are varying degrees). Globalization may be detrimental to cultures that subscribe to the above, but this is just a facet of evolution. EVERY culture throughout history has evolved over time. If the will of a people choose to reject a culture where there are jobs that allow them to purchase and sell products in the international arena, providing salaries which can be taxed to fuel schools, hospitals, libraries, etc., then said cultures will eventually be left to tend their barren plots of dirt in isolation, devoid of contact with the outside world. This separation of culture will not mean mere isolation, but a denial of the benefits that go along with a global community as well.
There are concerns about the power of corporations in the new world economy, but there has never been a business in the history of the world that has existed without a consumer base (not for very long anyways). If the consumers grow discontent with a company, then there is a course of action for these individuals - either a) don't buy said company's products, or b) start one's own company (i.e. Microsoft vs. Linux developers)! Should we sacrifice the fruits of honest business and beneficial services for fear of abusive corporate power, or do we take action against those companies that take advantage of their markets while continuing to reap the benefits that a technological and market driven society offer?
We're all humans, and we are all striving for an easier life. Why shouldn't we join forces? No government, and certainly no company could stand against the will of the world, and only when we become truly integrated will we be able to harness this power. Now inciting people to flex those muscles... that may be a different story.