When I first heard of the word 'globalization', the first thing that stood out to me was the word 'global' in 'globalization.' I only thought it had to do with big-name cities, like New York City, the biggest city near my hometown. Once I researched the real definition of globalization, I realized it doesn't just have to do with big global cities; it also affects hometowns like mine.
I live in Scotch Plains, NJ. While I reside in Scotch Plains, we also share school districts with the town of Fanwood. Scotch Plains is considered a medium-sized town, while Fanwood is a small town. In the Scotch Plains-Fanwood area, we have a very diverse demographic population. Back in the early 20th century, my town used to be mostly Italian immigrants, and still is to this day. This all allows for the community to be exposed to different languages, beliefs, and traditions.
In terms of the downtowns, not much has changed since I've arrived. There were a couple of restaurants and businesses that have changed, but others that have stayed since I first moved when I was little.
To increase my town's economic development, they have added at least 4 apartment complexes within the past 15 years. This increases property taxes for homeowners, the number of population that resides in the area, and the number of children attending school. Furthermore, with the addition of the appartments' has forced the district school systems to come up with an alternative plan following the increase in student participation in the public school system. They have created a plan to tear down one of the local playgrounds and turn it into another elementary school in order to lower elementary school class sizes. A benefit, though, to these apartments is that they attract modern business owners to the town.
During my time in the school district, we've evolved from borrowing Chromebooks in certain middle school classes to using and taking home iPads in high school once COVID-19 hit. The school system also has plans to move the 5th grade from middle school to the elementary school level, making middle school 6th-8th instead of 5th-8th.
The township of Scotch Plains has also increased its labor market. This is in order to accommodate all the residents who commute to and from New York City. With my town being a part of the New York metropolitan area, it attracts citizens who want to work in the city but not live there. Having the Raritan Valley line train make a stop in Fanwood, NJ, allows residents to take the train into the city. The township also has NJ Transit city bus stops. They are also planning on building a 'park and ride' facility next to a newly developing Lidl. This is intended to provide a direct bus stop to and from New York City.
Overall, Scotch Plains has been impacted by Globalization, just like all of its neighboring towns. Some areas of globalization in what we call the 'SPF community' are for the better; others can be a bit of a concern. Either way, the township's lovely community will continue to thrive and change and evolve as the world is too.
1 comment:
It seems that we had very similar initial interpretations of the power behind the word “globalisation.” I think it really is easy to get a misinterpretation of globalisation solely making an impact on those larger cities with more going on. I don’t know much about Scotch Plains but my impression from what you have written is that it is more of a rural area? Possibly like where I live in England which would make sense as to why we both had the same initial thoughts. I also think it is interesting how COVID-19 has impacted some smaller regions both across the US and in my home country. It is fascinating to see how globalisation may have differed during this time. I remember seeing News articles about New York City and how crazy it was at the time, what was that like in your area? Did it impact any of the towns economic development? I would love to visit places like where you live to see how globalisation has and is continuing to make an impact and compare it to where i am from
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