Globalization-The Future is Now!

Defined by the Oxford Dictionary Globalization is the increasing worldwide integration of economic, cultural, political, religious, and social systems. However, this international concept branches way further than that. According to me, Globalization is a platform for international interaction, resulting in the spread of knowledge, techniques, cultures, ideas and economic and political strategies as well as technological development.. It provides a plethora of opportunities for endeavouring individuals at a large scale. However, this optimistic approach is just a façade, for Globalization too has its ill-effects. Just like everything around us, Globalization is a two sided coin with both pros and cons. It tends to be beneficial to some while harming others. It is widely said that this idea is veering off its original path onto a road of corruption and selfishness. This essay explores the deeper meaning of this double edged sword, that reigns over the 21^st century.

Globalization has, in many ways aided modern society, providing it with multiple assets. Firstly, Globalization has broadened the access to goods and services, at a large scale. It has allowed products from Developed nations to be provided to those in developing states. For example, Nike, a company based mainly in the U.S., manufactures in China, due to low labour costs and sells even in India. In this situation, China is provided with job opportunities, Indians get high quality shoes and Nike widens their demographic as well as earns more money. This is a win-win situation.

Secondly, Globalization has helped increase cultural awareness. As of 2015, the number of international migrants has reached 244 million worldwide, which reflects a 41% increase since 2000. These migrants move in search of jobs, education and to sell goods. They bring along with them culture, tradition, and uniqueness which they share with others. India is a Secular nation, a home to a variety of different cultures, due to the influx of these migrants

Globalization has helped in making people aware of different cultures and the uniqueness that lies within them. It has taught people to accept and understand others and helped erase a millennia of stereotypical mindsets. Globalization hasn’t limited itself to economic development but has provided means of cultural integration to!!

Last, but not least, Globalization helps in the overall connectivity of people. Especially since the introduction of advanced  technology. People can connect on various platforms like social media and even video games. These platforms have given people the opportunity to express freely, their voice and opinion on various social issues around the world. More people get to interact and communicate their thoughts. A platform like Linkd.in has allowed multiple young individuals to grow economically as well as personally. So no we see how Globalization, benefits economically, culturally and socially.

However, individuals like Nelson Mandela and Evo Morgan think otherwise. Mandela once said, “where globalization means, as it so often does, that the rich and the powerful now have means to further enrich and empower themselves at the cost of the poorer and weaker, we have a responsibility to protest in the name of universal freedom,” and I do agree with this statement. Globalization has turned into a means of elitism and populism for many multinational companies. Today, it has been seen that an ample amount of large scale companies have taken to their advantage the idea of Globalization.

If we take a closer look, Nike is a large scale company, saving money on cheap labour in China. However, these Chinese labourers earn a poor sum of money, barely enough to sustain a family  and are generally mistreated. Nike is selling goods in India, where this multi-national company is earning money, shoes are overpriced, but still bough as a fad. Indian based shoe companies, probably selling the same quality shoes are going out of business, deteriorating the Indian economy. Over here, the only winner is Nike, who makes tons of money and is all powerful in the market for shoes. Now we see the true colours of this form of Globalization.

Secondly, while globalization is spreading cultural awareness and introducing new cultures, it is inherently destroying old ones. Today, I see and increasing number of people in India who wear a suit and tie every day, adjourn branded items and don’t know how to speak Hindi, the very national language of our country. In the name of globalization, people are tearing down traditional roots and loosing national identity in a flurry of international ideologies. I have friends who are embarrassed to where a kurta and are clueless of Indian history in the name of living in a modern world. Do we want to live in a world where we forget originality and patriotism?? Now, we slowly crack the façade of cultural Globalization.

Today, we live in a technologically developed, media engrossed world as a result of Globalization, but this very media is used as a platform for communalism. A way to discriminate, shun and marginalize. It has become a way to spread rumours that ignite flames of anguish and anger in peoples hearts. Media is no longer an optimistic form of expression, rather, it is a pessimistic hell!! All as a result of Globalization.

Where do I want to see globalization?? Well I want to see globalization rebuilt. I want to see it rise again, however, this time correctly. I want to see equal distribution of assets and reasonable pay, I want to see new culture that reflects the old and instills feelings of patriotism and I want to see platforms that express, to help, to change and to encourage, not to blame anger and ignite. This is how I want to see Globalization, for globalization is the future and the Future is Now!!!