Globalization is generally seen as good but, it does have its flaws. These flaws are not binary but rather things that blend together. The biggest of these flaws is the globalization of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is the idea that government should have no influence on the economy as no interference would allow for the best preforming economy. As such ideas were spread worldwide, many see this as forced imperialism by the west. The leading nations of neoliberalism were the United States and the United Kingdom. The interconnection between countries is greatly increased in neoliberalism. An example of how interconnected areas can be is through the manufacturing process. Looking at products such as automobiles, clothing and electronics, we can see that they are usually made somewhere else other than the US as labor in these places are cheaper. Because the labor is cheaper, it allows for the markets to flourish as the price of items stays relatively low. Flipping this idea around, powerful nations like the US rarely care about the workers in the manifacturing country which leads to high poverty rates in said places. Overall I think globalization is typically a good thing as it brings new views to areas far away such as neoliberalism as well as allowing for more interconnection between countries. This can been seen through groups such as the WTO, IMF, and the World Bank. All three of these groups aim to make countries dependent on each other to make a more efficient global economy while also limiting conflicts as it would disrupt the economy as a whole. An example of this system in motion was depicted in the film "No Logo". "No Logo" talks about how Nike has never made a shoe but rather designs them and contracts the manufacturing process out to factories with low labor costs. This in turn makes Nike, a US company, dependant on an Asian country to produce their goods as well as making the Asian factory dependant on Nike to provide jobs.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Blog 2
While an argument can be made for both the pros and cons of the mass globalization we see today, I believe the majority of results have been overwhelmingly positive. In a world where people and cultures have never been more interconnected, opportunities for understanding and learning from different perspectives has never been so accessible. On top of this new era of understanding, the world has likely never been more peaceful, although it does not seem like it at times. Ultimately, there are no global conflicts between national superpowers which result in mass losses of life. A big reason for this is neo-liberalism, which has helped build a global company in which nations are dependent on one another for sustaining their way of life. Through the efforts of the Three Sisters (the IMF, WTO, & the World Bank,) nations are more reluctant to engage in wars with each other knowing how a war can affectively disrupt their supply chain. With that being said, it is evident that neo-liberalism has also given rise to problems as a result of it's economic philosophy. Since the rise of neo-liberalism, corporations have seen a considerable increase profits driven in. For example, many corporations have turned to exporting their work forces to overseas nations where they are able to exploit cheap labor. This labor often comes at the cost of the workers mental and physical well being, and sometimes even employs children to do their labor. These unethical practices do not matter to those in charge though, as they are seeing record profits as a result of cutting costs on their labor.
Blog 2
Globalization is a complex phenomenon that carries both positive and negative effects. On one hand, it can lead to wealth accumulation and benefit both producers and consumers. It also facilitates trade by limiting government interference, although it can result in trade inequality. Western societies have played a significant role in shaping globalization, contributing to its growth from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution. However, this dominance has raised concerns about Western imperialism and the unequal distribution of benefits, with wealthy nations often displaying little interest in poorer ones. Furthermore, globalization has been criticized for favoring certain countries over others and exacerbating economic disparities. Neoliberalism, which advocates for minimal government control over trade, has emerged as a dominant economic ideology, particularly in the West. However, globalization also offers opportunities for cultural exchange, as seen in the popularity of entertainment from different countries. It can connect people and foster meaningful connections, both among individuals and within multinational corporations. While it is important to acknowledge the drawbacks of globalization, its potential benefits should not be overlooked. By addressing the imbalances in power and influence, all countries can contribute equally to global progress.
Chapters 1,2, and 8
Globalization can give off positive and negative
effects. The process can make people richer and give off benefits to the
producers and consumers. It can also give off inequality in terms of trade. The
power of the government can be limited, which means that trades can be made
easily without the interference of the officials. Although they have their
limits, they can quickly gain control of capital. It can be seen as a westernization
and that much of the contribution is given to western society. The process grew
through history from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution, where technology
made shipments of goods were made easy. There’s also the western dominance and
that the greed from super nations like the United States made rules and laws which
states that they won’t serve the people under poverty. Western imperialism was
an idea and that there would be an influence through the rest of the world.
Inequality has been a challenge and gives off the impression that the poor are
getting poorer. It states that wealthy nations don’t show interest in poor
nations. Certain benefits would be applied to some countries than others. The
capitalism is expanding making market relations shifty and giving out social
opportunities to the “underdogs.” The main problem with globalization is the
balance that nations produce and the distribution to which countries. The
concept of Neoliberalism is that the government had very little to control when
it comes to trade. Models from the US and the UK illustrate that it’s defined
as the global problem.
Blog 2
In chapter two, the author describes the history of globalization and describes the view of Western dominance on globalization. The textbook mentions how many perceive globalization as the Western world's way of controlling and impacting economics and culture around the world. These views on globalization may be somewhat true, but history shows that globalization has also allowed countries to spread contributions throughout the world. In the textbook, the author states, "A similar movement occurred in the Eastern influence on Western mathematics. The decimal system emerged and became well developed in India between the second and sixth centuries; it was used by Arab mathematicians soon thereafter. These mathematical innovations reached Europe mainly in the last quarter of the tenth century and began having an impact in the early years of the last millennium". Contributions like this one from India can spread even more easily with the advanced technology and transportation of the 21st century. Looking at the argument of the Western world dominating globalization, I do believe that they have much more of an advantage over the rest of the world. With strong influence in organizations like the World Bank and IMF, Western countries can dictate the prices and barriers of imports and exports. If countries like India had more of an influence on these types of decisions, contributions, inventions, and scientific breakthroughs can become more accessible and more possible for them. Not only can they become more possible and accessible, but with today's technology any country should be able to make equally beneficial contributions to the rest of the world just as much as Western society does.
Blog Post For: Ch1, 2, & 8
Globalization's pros and cons are particularly interesting to me. In my previous classes, usually the cons are shallowly discussed and not really rebutted against. Globalization is a complicated topic, and it deals in shades of gray instead of black and white. One of the larger issues, that globalization can be interpreted as continued western imperialism, is particularly poignant. There are salient points that can be made, but the issue is that it is perceived as an overt act of westernization. I do not think they are necessarily wrong when regarding neoliberalism. The west’s policies of neoliberalism are the dominant economic ideals, especially when you look at the three sisters. Regarding economic policies, I think neoliberalism has won (for now). Plus, in countries that adopt certain policies that are perceived as "other" there is usually a corresponding rise in nationalism, or a resurgence in tradition. Whether its western tradition being imported to the east or vice versa. But culture, a form of soft power, should also be considered regarding globalization. The playing field is more even regarding soft power, communication, or technology. One example is the entertainment industry. Anime has been around for a long time now in U.S. culture, but now I am also seeing Korean and Chinese dramas on popular streaming platforms like Netflix. It is this soft power that connects regular people all over the world, forming “spontaneous communities” of individuals as the textbook calls it. I think this can be paralleled with companies as well. While certainly not spontaneous, large international corporations can connect you with co-workers in other countries, people you would never interact with normally. This can lead to meaningful and fulfilling connections. I feel that globalization’s faults are glossed over too easily, however the benefits it brings should not be ignored either.
Blog 1
The textbook argues that globalization is a beneficial practice as it has brought wealth and prosperity to enough individuals that it outweighs its negative aspects. The greater good offsets the negative impacts globalization causes in developing countries, especially in regard to economic practices. Economic globalization has been accomplished through the methods and ideology of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is an economic ideology that removes the role of the state from the market and allows market forces to dictate economic rules and cycles. However, the monopoly use of this ideology can be problematic. For one, neoliberalism ideology has been implemented through the “savior” efforts of the IMF and World Bank. By forcing this one ideology onto the majority of countries and penalizing those who defect, such as Cuba or Venezuela, there is no diversity in economic policy. This lack of diversity stunts human progress as alternative methods are not being tested or used in a practical capacity. Thus, alternative, possibly better methods for growing and maintaining a thriving economy are unexplored. Additionally, neoliberalism has created lobbyist corruption within countries, especially the United States. Multinational corporations often fund and support political leaders in order to prioritize their agendas. In turn, representatives prioritize corporation interests over the American peoples in order to gain monetary support or jobs after serving. Though this is legal it disrupts the proper functioning of a representative government. Neoliberalism has also contributed to the exploitation of developing communities across the globe. Without government regulation many corporations employ poor workers for cents a day, many times even utilizing children. However, the efficiency of the world market takes priority, and these issues are overlooked, as the textbook points out, because the developed world becomes richer. These issues are ones of many that proponents of No-Logo are trying to address and bring awareness to in the current political climate.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Hometown Globalization
My hometown of Lansdale, PA has been through rapid amounts of globalization in the past decade or so. New Thai, Vietnamese, and Peruvian restaurants have opened up in buildings that used to be home to McDonald's, Taco Bell, or Wendy's. Our mall, the Montgomery Mall, was sold by its parent company to a third-party contractor based in California that has no intention to preserve nor protect the mall. Certain signs around town, such as those at the SEPTA train station connecting us to Philadelphia, have multiple languages including Spanish and Chinese dedicated to those who may not be fluent in English. As more people commute from Philadelphia into Lansdale for work, a greater diversity of people and ideas has been greatly imprinted on our town.
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Hometown Globalization
Globalization is quite prevenlent in my hometown. Globalization is the interaction and intergration of people, culture, and ideas. My Hometown is West Reading, Penssylvania. West Reading is West of Reading and is one of the many suburbs on Reading. Within the limits of the town we do not have any multi-national corporations but rather small shops representing different parts of the world. More recently, within the past 5 years, West Reading has seen a boom in Asian culture representation. Along Penn Ave. and a few blocks in either direction you are no less than 5 walking minutes from an Asian eatery. These come in forms of noodle and ramen houses, Boba Tea shops, and many more resturants. Besides Asian shops we also have a handfull of Carribean shops as well that sell authentic Carribean food and drinks. The Carribean shops and Asian shops allow a cultural integration between these parts of the world with my hometown. This can be considered globalization as now these cultures are being represented in my hometown and allowing visitors to be connected to these groups and spread their experiences to friends and family.
Globalization of Hometown
My hometown is Richboro, PA in Bucks County. We have a few stores and restaurants. There's ACME markets, which is a supermarket franchise along the eastern coast of the United States, usually in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, and Maryland. When I used to work at ACME, there were always these trucks with long trailers for delivery and I would have to help with the unloading. There would be other times that I would help for departures and load up the trailer. A Giant was recently added to the town and the same routine would happen there. Trucks with big trailers would drive around the back of the store and go through procedures. Sometimes there would be mail services like FedEx and UPS to deliver specific supplies. A Dunkin Donuts was on the far side of ACME before it moved locations. I would see a truck dropping off shipments of supplies and ingredients. Culture and diversity has been an impact in terms of food like Taco Bell which displays stereotypical Mexican food and other related regions. The Irish Horne displays potato dishes and Guinness beer. Italian cuisine can be found at Giuseppe's, Taormina's and Ristorante Italiano with pizza and pasta dishes. Globalization impacts many companies and franchises around the world. Goods and services travel from place to place every minute and every day. Any disruptions of deliveries, can cause pressure on drivers and the consumer would not receive the products and supplies that they require.
Hometown Globalization
Hometown Globalization
I have lived in my hometown of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania for the better part of my life, coming out to almost 20 years. Throughout those years, I have gotten the chance to see my relatively small town slowly develop into a prime example of globalization, primarily in regards to the type of food options I have available. I have seen local family owned businesses either bought out or ran out of business by larger companies. Talericos, a beloved local sandwich company, was forced into a cold war when a Subway was put in across the street. This trend has continued as I saw Taco Bell's, McDonalds, Panera Breads, and Chipotles being developed and causing support for local shops to dry up. On the flip side, what was once a predominately white town has seen a recent boom in people of other ethnicities moving and bringing parts of their culture with them. While there are more commercialized stores, there are also more Chinese and Indian food spots than ever before. This has greatly diversified what was originally a town of too many pizza shops and Irish pubs into a town more reminiscent of a small city, with all the different cultural representations that comes with it.
Hometown Globalization
Looking at my hometown, I have quite a few options for getting myself a nice cup of chai. Coopersburg has only one big supermarket, which is a Giant supermarket. Inside, I can find chai in the tea section either as tea bags or as a concentrate option. I can also go to my local Dunkin Donuts, or an independent coffee shop called 'Jaquelyn's On Main'. My point is, when I look at globalization in my hometown, I see chai. Coopersburg is a small-town in between Quakertown and Allentown, and overwhelmingly white. Chai was not brought to Coopersburg and spread by its native people, but by corporations and businesses seeking to make a profit from a popular product.
Chai comes from India and its surrounding region. I was first "exposed" to chai as a watered down and ultra sugary version from Dunkin Donuts. You can find chai in any self-respecting chain restaurant with a focus on drinks. From Starbucks to Peet's Coffee (a popular coffee chain store in California), you can find options for chai. I have even bought the spices required so I can make chai at home myself. By looking at the back of these chai products, I can see that they were made/grown in California, India, or even China. Parts of the chai I drink come from all over the world to assemble into one perfect cup. When I ask people about chai or try and order it, I can assume the person I am talking to is familiar with the beverage. I can find recipes online and try more authentic versions or keep with westernized chai recipes. I would call chai a product that has become heavily globalized.
Other, broader examples of Globalization in Coopersburg come from businesses with a focus on food from certain cultures, products trying to be sold, or in communication with people not from around my hometown. As an example of the latter, my high school organized talks & culture exchanges with two other classes from Pakistan and Iran. We had to arrive extra early, but it was an eye-opening experience. With the internet at our fingertips, concepts, ideas, and products from all around the world can travel easier.
Globalization is quite apparent in my hometown. Globalization is the process by which people, companies, and countries integrate and interact on a worldwide level. My hometown is Honesdale, Pennsylvania, a rural town in the Northeastern part of the state. Over the last decade, numerous multinational corporations have settled in the area. Grocery stores such as Walmart and Weis have replaced the previous privately owned businesses. Fast food restaurants have also become available such as McDonald's, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell. These fast-food companies are examples of globalization as they have restaurants in numerous places around the globe. Additionally, local people are bypassing the numerous cattle farms and their products in the area, to instead buy dairy products at a cheaper price at Walmart or Weis. To survive, many of the cattle farmers have sent their products to larger cities in order to find a market. One specific example of this is a cattle farm and cheese factory called Caulkin’s Creamery. Caulkin’s Creamery sends their specialized cheeses to stores in New York City, and other cities globally, in order to get premium dollars for their products. This is an example of globalization as a local food product has become available at a global level. Technology has increased interconnectedness and globalization in my area. Many individuals now work for multinational corporations remotely in order to bypass the limited industry in the area. Additionally, the internet and social media have made information and different life experiences be accessible to people across the globe.
Hometown Globalization
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Hometown Globalization
Globalization in my small hometown Honesdale, located in the Pocono mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, has had an extreme impact on the flourishment of developing and innovating businesses establishing themselves in the area and bringing forth better changes to the community. Growing up I had not witnessed too much variety offered around my small town besides having a Walmart, Kmart, and the competing local pizzeria businesses on Main Street. It wasn't until I was a freshman in High school that I started to see change occur. The town started to gain a new fluctuation of tourists coming in from cities with backgrounds in the influential cultural blending of ideas such as New York City, Philadelphia, and many others that started to see potential and charm in the town. Perhaps word of mouth spread about the town or interest in the rural area took to people that visited but from the increase in new residents in the region and with them the growing suggestions of adding in different businesses, it was clear to me that Honesdale was starting develop a more urban transformation for itself. Globalization also came into play with the want for innovation by the residents themselves who grew up there as well. People I had known for the majority of my life or even attended school with went off to colleges in huge, urbanized cities that excelled greatly in the aspect of having more selection and inclusivity in ideas as compared to the small town they originated from. From their experiences in seeing a whole different side of globalization for themselves and how it benefited communities and boroughs in these cities, they brought back to Honesdale all the knowledge they had garnered and started to implement variety. Honesdale currently has more innovation than ever thanks to globalization and the factors that supported it to happen in my small hometown with different cultural foods all around Main Street, more shops with different uses and goods, and a better system with new residents that encourages businesses big or small to seek out change and new developments on how to expand themselves out of the area and find new connections to bring in more growth and services to benefit the community.