Is globalisation good or bad’ – Part 2

Last week the column featured the issue of whether globalisation was good or bad. Many of the conclusions suggested that in order for us to know more about each other, with respect to poverty, health and economic exploits, it’s important for us to be more connected. Today’s world has fantastic connectivity (possible in essence due to the Sikh inventor who invented Fibre-optics technology). More than ever communication between countries is made possible together with reduced rates. However, it’s sad that sometimes our closest relatives and friends can become distant, often around materialistic misunderstandings.

From Dido’s 2003 album her second single release is called ‘life for rent’. One of the lines suggests that we don’t really own anything personally. I believe that this is true, as there is nothing we can take with us apart from experiences and positive deeds, held in our souls. Therefore, why should countries be so possessive? International trade tariffs take the toll on certain countries. Dictators destroy the lives of the innocent, but why is there less pressure internationally to resolve such basic issues as world hunger and debt. The issue fails to appear during arms sales? Is there no passion to help people with basic food, water and health? Everyday in our working lives we create opportunities and resolve work related issues. Unfortunately knowing about a desperate situation in the world, people hope that someone else will help. In 2005 it will be 20 years since ‘Live Aid’ was organised by Bob Geldof. I found his interview on Jonathan Ross (Friday night) inspiring. He suggested that in 2005 London had an opportunity to assemble a knowledge set to develop a plan for resolving problems in Africa.

Today globalisation appears to be viewed as a corporate opportunity. For example, global marketing by large soft drink firms, continuous product placement, satellite TV channel broadcasting repetitive syndicated content, internationally timed movie releases and associated branding/merchandising.

Instead of appreciating world cinema, we see Hollywood and Bollywood hype. Instead of recognising that pricing should be fair for pharmaceuticals, we see limited access to medicines where there is a desperate need together with inconsistent charging. Instead of recognising all men and women as equal we see prehistoric justice schemes reign. Instead of viewing globalisation as an opportunity to help each other many consider it as a threat to personal livelihood. Maybe the latter stance is based on protectionism or conditioning due to the immense gap that has developed over the centuries between Western and Eastern economics? Colonies and their associated handovers have created further issues.

Ending on a positive, let’s be wary of what is marketed to us and instead develop an energy that can consider and respect the needs of others. Don’t be afraid to explain the background behind the purchase of branded goods. Consider Fair Trade and demand change from global firms to ensure basic human rights for their international suppliers. We do have the ability to help each other, we need the will and perseverance to hope that change can follow through.