Group+5+Midterm

`Members: Brandon Lawson (3), Catherine Billingsley (1), Lauren Singleton (5), Deja Pegues (4), & Jay Alonzo (2)

==1. What is globalization? Describe some of the differing characteristics of globalization offered by experts from the course readings. What are the various dimensions and dynamics of globalization discussed thus far in the Eitzen & Zinn book? Provide some description of each dimension and/ or explain the 'dynamic' nature of globalization in some detail. What might be the benefits of globalization? What are the dangers or cautions of globalization? Include examples from the films, related readings and other sources.==


 * Globalization is the flow of products, information, people, wealth, communication and culture across national boundaries. It reminds us that we are part of a steadily shrinking and interdependent world. Modern communication, transportation and, largely, the internet link countries and people together in novel, often complicated ways. Globalization is not simply the expansion of international trade. Beyond fiscal effects, globalization has dramatic political, social, and cultural indications. In a global state, there is more sharing of ideas and culture, and the rate of sharing is increasing. Individuals respond to globalization in their own way, but the worldwide reshaping of the human condition cannot be denied. Like many historical forces, globalization brings opportunities to some and hardship to others: Online communication is a wonderful thing, unless you make your living delivering the mail. **


 * Over time Globalization has transformed the way we do business. There have been many improvements in technology, transportation, and telecommunications. People are traveling all over the world to find better opportunities. Just like people, capital is also traveling around the world. People are able to transfer money electronically to anyone in the world and poor countries are receiving money due to big businesses who are establishing work places and creating new jobs for the people. Ideas and knowledge are no longer just that of a country, but are being spread to other countries. Everyone is learning from each other. With the expansion of globalization there has been an increase in non-governmental organizations and since there is an increase in markets there is also an increase in multinational corporations. **


 * There are four dimensions of globalization. The dimensions are ways to measure and describe globalization. Also, the dimensions are interdependent – and advancement in one often leads to progress in another. The key component is economic. Globalization is marked by increased international business that is based in a free-market economy. Today’s market is a world market. Producers and consumers have the potential to transact business with other producers and consumers on a worldwide basis. Global markets rely heavily on technological improvements. The impact of dramatic communication and information changes during the past 25 years on globalization cannot be denied. But, reduced transportation and manufacturing costs are important factors as well. It might be easy and cheap to share ideas, but goods still must be "made" and “moved” from producers to consumers. Similarly, improvements in farming and production also help countries (or regions) position themselves to benefit from a global economy. For globalization to progress, it cannot be impeded by governments. Implicitly, globalization reflects afree-market economy, where the private sector plays a greater role in economic and social life, without unneeded regulation or oversight. Finally, globalization has a cultural aspect. The broadening of economic and technological dimensions logically would include the sharing of art, customs, and cultural forms. While things might seem to merge and become the “same” wherever you go (such as a McDonald's in Paris), globalization easily allows for both mixing and preservation of multicultural elements. **
 * The "shrinking of the world" has taken an effect on nearly aspect of our daily life's. International migration is a a key dimension to global migration.(Eitzen, "Dimensions of Globalization") I understand why this is so important and how it moves the process of globalization forward. People are a valuable component. People have to work in american factories that are opened in South America. People leave their home countries by the masses to escape economic hardships and form sub cultures elsewhere. People cross borders with the intention of influencing international relations through terrorism. International migration is the source of debate and controversy. As Americans we are dependent on the labor of the same people we make laws to keep out. In some countries outsiders have no rights and others don't allow outsiders at all. I see these examples as attempts to control the sweeping effect of globalization. **


 * There are many positive things about globalization. Since there is more money that is coming into poor countries, the people living in those countries have an opportunity to increase their economic situation. Since countries are all connected through globalization there are many competitions developing between countries that help keep prices for services under control. Through globalization governments are working with one another to achieve their similar goals. With globalization there are more foreign cultures being introduced through things such as movies and food, which expand and transform in other cultures. Without globalization, we would not be able to eat an American breakfast, Chinese for lunch and an Italian dinner all within the boundaries of one city. **


 * Not everyone thinks that globalization is a good thing. Since many corporations are outsourcing and using other countries, they are taking jobs away from the people in the country where the corporation is based. Globalization has spread a great deal over the years that cultures have started to blend together and are losing their individuality. Ecosystems are being affected by globalization. Species that are brought into another country that is not their native home can create problems for the people living in that country. Hawaii takes precaution when having people enter into their state. They make everyone sign a paper that says they are not bringing anything into Hawaii with them and if they are it has to be guaranteed for a certain amount of days. Since there has been an increase in traveling between countries there is a much greater chance of disease being spread around the world. It would appear that there is little to no regulations when it comes to international business. This lack of regulations could put the people in danger. When countries need a loan they turn to The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which are Western-driven organizations. Since these are only western focused they often result in negative progresses for the countries. **


 * Just in recent decades has there been a huge increase in all aspects of globalization. In the film //The Big Sellout// they talk about how the world of privatization is blowing up. Today we are seeing water, medical aid, and even ideas being privatized by major corporations and governments. In the video they explain how in years to come many people who are below the poverty line even middle class will have a tough time surviving economic issues. The Big Sellout does a great job of explaining the dangers many face today due to privatization in the world of globalization. In the Philippines a mother who has a sick child on dialyses cannot afford medical treatment for her son and is shunned away from hospitals until she can bring money for medicine. This woman knows that her son will die if he does not receive treatment, she is extremely upset and dissatisfied with the government. The big picture is that this world runs off money, even if that means a young boy losing his life for an illness he did not ask for. Many people are losing their homes, jobs, and even families due this overwhelming boom of ownership. As years to come we can only expect more dangers and cautions to appear unless something dramatically changes or there is a rock bottom in our country and others worldwide. **


 * References: **
 * Eitzen, D.S. & Zinn, M.B. (2012). Globalisation: An introduction. D.S. Eitzen & M.B. Zinn (Eds.), // Globalization: The transformation of social worlds // . **
 * Opitz, F. (Director) (2007). //The big sellout. DVD.//**

==2. What does Williams (Rothenberg, 2006) mean by 'empire as a way of life'? Explain his use of this term in some detail. How does he distinguish between imperialism and colonialism? How have both colonialism and imperialism shaped our modern world and our current concept of 'globalization'? (Greene, Kloby, and Rodney). How has it shaped views of race and racism? Give some detail about the ways your own understanding and definitions of colonization, globalization, and imperialism have changed as a result of these readings and our class discussions. Offer some examples from the readings or your own research and experience.==

//**'**//**Empire as a way of life' is an analytical view at how western culture perceives the world and continues to reach out to create change (Williams, 1980). Many cultures have survived for centuries without our western technologies but those of us in the western world have grown to embrace this notion that we are the supreme culture, better than all others, and have sought to change the "uncivilized" to a state of worldly acceptance.**

**In the __Beyond Boarders__, Williams compares colonialism and imperialism as being two seperate forms of occupation. Imperialism is the occupation of a people to benefit the occupier but can also be justified by the notion of the occupied not being of worth to transform. Colonialism however seeks to change the occupied and rid them of their heathen ways (Williams, 1980).**

**Both colonialism and imperialism have changed the way we view the world because we live through it every day. Whether we realize it or not the global culture we live in is a form of both imperialism and colonialism. We find traces of our culture in many countries throughout the world and have influences far beyond our boarder. Our democratic way of life has led to many revolutionary acts through Northern Africa in the recent past and have been a product of western technologies, like facebook, and ideals that allowed political change. Our technologies have made an impact through out the world and have lead to many other countries developing at a quicker rate than they would at their own pace. Whether this change is for the better or worse has not yet been discovered but the change is still in progress.**

**Race and racism is a force that powers the imperial machine. The needs of the wealthy can not be met without the labor of the unprivileged. This goal can only be met by clear distinctions by the social classes whether by skin color, ethnicity or gender. Racism was used as a tool to dehumanize minorities in order to justify them being used like animals for labor. Racism was also used as a tool to make some injustices acceptable while others were seen as being criminal. Jan Pettman brings to light the comparison between the white man's relationship with black women versus black men's rape of white women (Pettman, 1992). Both relations were exactly the same and were moraly deplorably but due to the roles that each colonizers and colonized play, there was a divide between what what acceptable and what was criminal.**

**I have heard the term globalization many times before, but until today I would have never been able to tell you what exactly globalization was. I knew it had to do with something that was worldwide, but could never define it. After doing research and studying globalization I am confident in my ability to define globalization. I now know that globalization is a process which allows products and information to be shared the world over, and because of this international interaction, it is changing the lives of people across the globe. Modern technologies have created a situation in which globalization does not affect just one aspect of human life, but all areas of our society. However, globalization affects different countries in different ways, and while it may increase the wealth of some, it may also prove detrimental to others.**

**The idea of Imperialism has changed to me now that I see it as a state of mind and not just a form of political power. Before I thought an empire only needs a king, now I realize this is not the case. Imperialism can be from the outside in and the inside out, as in the case of administrative imperialism. It is the process by which society has changed the earth into what it is today. I know understand why people have been mistreated and exploited to reach an imperialistic vision. Now when I think about imperialism I see how our own country still maintains that state of mind.**

**Pettman. J. (1992). Women, Colonisation, and Racism. In P. Rothenberg (Ed.). Changing Globalization, p. 290-321. New Jersey: McGraw.** **Williams. W. (1980). Empire as a Way of Life. In P. Rothenberg (Ed.). Changing Globalization, p. 290-321. New Jersey: McGraw.**
 * References: **

==3. The idea that the 'developing' or so-called 'third world' countries can 'catch up' by following the same path of industrialization, technological progress and capital accumulation that has been practiced by an industrialized 'developed' world is a pervasive idea in Western poilitics and economics. Mies calls this a 'myth' and offers her views about this assertion. Why does she (and Rodney) refute the 'myth'? Explain their position and give several examples that substantiate this argument from our readings and from your own experiences and related research.==

**Both Mies and Rodney refute the belief that industrialization is a way for third world countries to "catch up" to industrialized** **nations. Though both of their reasons are different they agree that the gap between industrialized and third world countries being closed is an illusion. They also agree that the goals of an industrialized world cannot be accomplished without a division of society between the" ......colonized and the colonizer."( Mies 1993, pg 153)** **Mies argues that the "catch up" argument is a "schizophrenic" way of thinking. She claims that improving the material value of one's life does not improve the quality. She explains that it is a double standard to believe that the benefits of modern industry could ever outweigh the negative effects.**

**Rodney claims that whatever benefits that are available from colonization and industrialization only apply to the "master" class. Rodney argues that by colonizing Africa, Europeans pushed the country further back while exploiting the local resources and work force. By driving apart social relationships, and denying the Africans an opportunity to develop themselves they became dependent on the master race.**

**Mies witnessed that the idea of an underdeveloped society one day catching up to a modern industrialized society can never happen. Also she shared that If this was to become a reality it would contradict its own purpose and destroy "the way of life" for all. The earth is limited in it's number of resources. The demand that would be created by a worldwide modernized society would devastate the environment and permanently change the living quality for everyone. However the power struggle that would be created would result in the world's super powers keeping the developing countries from reaching a level of development that would be of any real compitition. It is a struggle to stay above all others that leads to a greater seperation because as the underdeveloped try to catch up, we are moving further ahead. Mies uses te example of a TV and a Colour TV but its the same today when you have the newest iphone and in a couple months it is outdated (Mies 1993, pg 155). Living in this digital age, technology is changing faster than ever and helps to widen the gap between the undeveloped and the developed.**


 * References: **

=

 * Mies, M., & Shiva, V. (1993). The myth of catching-up development. In P. S. Rothenberg (Ed.), Beyond Borders: Thinking Critically About Global Issues (pp. 150-157 inclusive). New York: Worth Publishers. **======

=4.= I think in the beginning 'globalization of culture' did move in on direction, which was toward Westernization, but I feel as more countries are becoming developed they are contributing to the 'globalization of culture'. Westernization is just the stepping stone or even the "push" in the right direction. Countries are now getting the resources they need and morphing them into something all their own, which contributes to 'globalization of culture'. As the economy begins to globalize so does the worlds cultures. The spread of the western culture can be seen easily though the language, clothing, food, and media. "If their is economic globalization, their is cultural globalization."(Peter L. Berger, "Four Faces of Global Culture" 1997) Evidence of global can be seen from in the Japanese B-boy scene to Muslim protests of invading western culture. As our western enterprises seek new and bigger markets cultural influences seems to spread with them. After living in Japan for three years I have seen how something as simple as a McDonalds can change a culture. At first look a fast food franchise can seem like a proper fit to the busy Japanese lifestyle. With a closer look I noticed whining children tugging on their parent's coat pointing to the card board cut out of the Hotwheels race car that comes in the Happy Meal. I see a place for Japanese teens to hang out and break away from their "traditional" lifestyles, listening to American music on their I-pads and singing the lyrics in English. This is a scene I would not have witnessed at a sushi bar. I think the biggest 'clash of civilizations' that many people may not consider is when Muslims are born and raised in the United States and uses that civilization as their own, but also identifies themselves as being a Muslim. They have to try and balance the 'West' civilization and their Muslim civilization, which I believe would be harder than people think. Suheil Laher, author of //"//Religious Leadership in the 21st Century: How Are We to Avoid a Clash of Cultures?", says that these Muslims living in the United States need to maintain the identity as a Muslim, but also benefit from environment in the Untied States. I think that this can be said for any religion in the United States. When I think of a 'clash of civilizations' I think of the oil drilling camps in Nigeria. Once America started drilling for oil within Nigeria's borders there was an immediate clash of civilizations. The resources used to build the camps were taken directly from the surrounding land. This was done with complete disregard for the villagers that depended on those resources. Within the camp workers and their families had schools and shopping centers, paved roads, and hospitals, clean drinking water and food. While inside the gates peoples needs were met outside the gates lifestyles are destroyed by pollution and the over consumption of the land. Young boys and men who spent the day farming and raising animals, now have nothing to do but take arms against the "invaders". I see this as a direct example of civilizations clashing.
 * What is Eurocentrism (Amin, Glenn, Pettman)
 * Samir Amin states that "Eurocentrism is, like all dominant social phenomena, easy to grasp in the multiplicity of its daily manifistations but difficult to define precisely." (Rothenberg, 2007). This term focuses on the mindset and ideologies of "western" views or European ways. While many will compare it to the values,culture, wealth and power of ones location, Amin states that is also is the "Site of the triumph" and "Rationality". (Rothenberg, 2007). Even though the thought of expanding this "western" ideology is semi-unrealistic due to the culturaly diverse nations, it is a great opportunity for the expanstion of technology and other advances to developing countries.
 * After reading Eurocentrism by Amin I get the idea that he is explaining to us that Eurocentrism is inevetable. Westernization is inevitable. For others, non-European peoples have an alternative choice: either thaey can accept thEuropeanization and internalize its demands, or, if they decide against it, they will lead themselves into to an impass that inevitably lead to their decline. I completely agree,without posting a long list of examples. This is seen in our day to day lives here in America. Amin also speaks that not only our personal views of ourselves have been affected by Eurocentrism but our belive of how a government should be ran as well. Countries adopt the idea of free market, secularism, and lluralist electoral governments.
 * Eurocentrism is the world view falsified by the Western Capitalist view that says European culture shows the unique and best manifestation of the order of history.
 * What is the relationship of 'race to Eurocentrism?
 * Glenn claims that 'whiteness' is a legacy of colonialism. Why does she make this claim?
 * Would you claim that the 'globalization of culture' moves in one direction - toward Westernization or is there some indication that a 'global culture' might be possible?
 * What evidence of 'global culture' exist?
 * What evidence, conversely, exists of a 'clash of civilizations'? Use current examples from world events and other information to make your points.

//Reference://

Amin,Samir. (1989). Eurocentrism. In P. S. Rothenberg (Ed.), //Beyond Borders: Thinking Critically About Global Issues// (pp. 97-99 inclusive). New York: Worth Publisher

//Laher, Suheil. "Religious Leadership in the 21st Century: How Are We to Avoid a Clash of Cultures?" Web.// http://www.mit.edu/~msa_imam/ReligiousLeadership.html Reference:Berger, Peter L. "Four faces of Global Culture" The National Interest no. 49, Fall 1997

==5. Jan Pettman says, "within conventional histories of colonialism, women are largely absent" how does her attempt to reclaim women's history enrich, complicate and transform our understanding of colonialism? Using current examples from the economic, political and cultural dimensions of globalization, how are women still absent or misrepresented in globalization? Provide some examples.==

====Jan Pettman author of //Women, Colonisation, and// Racism explains her viewpoint on how women in the world of colonization are “largely absent”. Her argument outlines the role of women and how they had little effect if any on world history. She explains how women were/are stereotyped as domestic laborers and property of men and for that reason have not impact in political and economic changes in the world. Pettman is defining the real definition of women and how they impacted culture in a free and liberating manner. From literature written by feminists that showed views and relation’s during that time, to the missionary work and teaching methods they took upon to better the lives of children and people in need, women had a greater impact on world history than what the stereotype proceeds. "These retrieval feminists’ writings document colonizer women's lives to disrupt the stereotypes, to reveal the variety of coloniser women's lives, views and relations." (Pettman, 2006)====

====Today we can still this issue of women being altered and how even though nations can advance technologically, medically, culturally, and economically, the stereotype seems to still exist on women. Globalization can affect many different groups of women around the world in many different ways. Some women's situations may get better while others get worse. While the women's movement has gone far in America, this country still holds negative views and stereotypes about women that are accepted norms. Today in our society the role of women is filled with double standards and "old fashion" expectations. In the age of global economy women are expected to compete just like men, while they are still expected to keep the role as the nurturer and the provider. Women who choose careers over having children are often viewed negatively. Women are still expected to do "women's" work; this seems to be an accepted belief that crosses many cultures.====

====There are many ways we can point out globalization having a negative effect on women economically one in particular are companies favoring male workers over females, there is marginalization of many women in informal and unpaid labor environments, exploiting women in low paying sweatshop atmospheres, and many women become poor, because they loss their normal source of income. As we have seen in past decades and now, women have been having a greater impact in America in the work force, politics, and economical issues. What many of us do not see is the segregation of women in countries across the world. In a recent documentary called "Love Crimes of Kabul" played by HBO, it shows the lives of Afghanistan women and how moral crimes such as running away and sex before marriage can place them in jail up to fifteen years. It is a great depiction of modern day women in countries such as Afghanistan where women still lead my domestic responsibility and not by free will. This plays a huge role in the world of economical globalization due to the fact men still make the "dominant" choice. Here is a great short video of the film showing the outcry of women and how government has the say so.====

•http://youtu.be/-GgYJbaga74
Pettman, J.J. (2006). //Women,Colonialism, and Racism//(PP.142-148). New York: Worth Publishers.