In the latest The Republic, an East Vancouver-based newspaper, Kevin Potvin links globalization to terrorism. And it is not the first time these two concepts have been connected—earlier this year, I came across an Iranian news agency that advanced similar arguments, from the point of view of a host country.
   The argument is not without merit: globalization, or at least the abuse of host nation workers resulting from global economic forces, has caused resentment, and a widening gap between rich and poor nations. Norman Macrae predicted as much years ago—and it is coming to pass, albeit expressed in non-economic events.
   I have been a supporter of globalization in terms of sharing, operating as a single planet, spreading ideals and high standards—but not everyone looks at it this way. But there are plenty of idealists who see globalization in terms

Most people say they want world peace. And most people believe unity is something we should strive to achieve. If so many of us believe this, then why doesn’t the world shift?

of the 1990s’ dot-com growth, information and freedom of speech spreading to every corner of the globe, the world united in solving problems.
   Ask around: most people say they want world peace. Not just beauty queens. And most people believe unity is something we should strive to achieve, even if the UN doesn’t seem to be the body through which this can be done. I believe the internet is, or at least the foundation for a greater global movement, linking people together. You are reading these words because of the internet. If so many of us believe this, then why doesn’t the world begin to shift? Well, I say the world is shifting—we just need to make sure it shifts in the right direction, with our values intact.
   As we become more aware that people are helping one another across the ’net—from funding schools in Africa to campaigning for the release of journalists—then the smaller these once insurmountable problems seem. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, buoyed by Warren Buffett’s funds, is significant not just for solving some of the world’s poverty-related issues, but for showing that the few can change the lives of many.
   It wasn’t that long ago that people said Bill Gates was the anti-Christ, dissing him because Microsoft was too big. The chorus is still there, but it is quieter, because he and his wife’s foundation has proven to deliver more than empty promises. It wasn’t too long ago, either, when we believed that we had to go to a bank or Western Union to send someone some money. In 1995, most of us got the news through printed newspapers or TV programmes, restricted to our domestic media.
   The optimistic view can still be achieved, and if there is a silver lining to all of the current conflicts on this planet, it is its exposure of the forces that globalists like us have to encounter and fight.
   Fifteen years ago, they would have looked impossible—had we even known about them. Now we just think they look hard, and we have to make a plan of attack. In another 15 years’ time, they might be problems we can solve by clicking a button online and having a conversation.
   If we don’t lose sight of the idea that we all mostly want the same thing, that we can achieve them together, and that our real, shared values are going to be the drivers.

Del.icio.us tags: globalization terrorism unity world peace values humanity charity internet conversation dialogue change time Posted by Jack Yan, 07:30  permalink

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