What is the World coming to?

            With the advancements in technology, the world as we knew it is no more.  With a constant trend of globalization, all the wonders of the world are just a click away.  But is globalization ridding the world of differences; whether it is cultural or spiritual? Or is globalization helping us on this world recognize and appreciate our differences? Does globalization have to be either a good thing or a bad thing? Is there a middle ground for globalization, in which we have to accept the downsides in order to benefit from the upsides of globalization?

            Throughout my Multicultural Literature course we have studied authors such as Ishiguro, Mukherjee, and Rushdie that are all part of the “Floating World,” stuck between two worlds. These artists started life with the realization of one world. Now through different circumstances they have been thrust into a completely different world. Globalization is similar to this concept. We start our life thinking that there is only one of doing things…only one world, but now with globalization we are being exposed to several other ways of doing things…essentially multiple worlds. However, we should be looking at how these worlds are really one in the same. They aren’t opposites but rather compliments of one another.

            So how have these authors demonstrated that by rising above the “good or bad” concepts of globalization we can hope to grasp neutral grounds? Starting with Kazua Ishiguro in An Artist of the Floating World, the foundation for a positive aspect of globalization is portrayed. “I had no idea that supplies would remain so scarce.” (pg 11) Globalization has the power and opportunity to reduce scarcity in one area of the world while another has a surplus. With worldwide cooperation the people of this world are able to provide where there is a need. “A year ago there was only grass and mud, a city corporation is building apartment blocks for future employees.” (pg 99) Mass production can now be done in even in rural areas around the world. But is that a good thing? Did the people of that rural area lack the means to produce or did they simply choose not to? Not everyone’s ideal life is to be surrounded by steel and concrete. One man’s dream may be another man’s nightmare.

            Currently one view on globalization that is negative is the conditions of workers in these rural countries known as “sweat shops.” As Salman Rushdie points out in East, West: The Prophet’s Hair; some people are willing “at all costs” to get what they want. (pg 50) Most businesses that are taking advantage of globalization are not willing to PAY all costs to get what they want, but are willing to base their manufacturing plants in the country that is willing to SACRIFICE at all costs. Meaning that as long the monetary cost is low, the business doesn’t care if the employees are working in harsh conditions, getting paid practically nothing, and at any moment can lose their jobs because of a lower bidder somewhere else. Bharati Mukherjee in Jasmine, realizes why these workers continue to take these jobs with such harsh conditions. “I go the point. He NEEDED to work here, but he didn’t have t like it.” (pg 153) A need for survival will overpower any want that a person wishes. It appears that the people of these rural countries are losing their way of life by the disruption of the globalization of Western civilization. On the positive side though, businesses aren’t the only ones that have the opportunity of globalization. Stories about these factory conditions are easily attainable by many people; action for correction is being demanded. Globalization may be the start of the problem, but in all fairness it is also the solution to many other problems.

            I believe that globalization is an opportunity for greatness. I also believe the statement by Rob Burton in Artists of the Floating World, that globalization is “an evolving dynamic that requires choices and responsibilities for those who, willingly or not, participate in it.” (pg 126) Like most things in life, if people choose to abuse the opportunity then terrible things could be the result. It is up to the people in this world to take on the responsibility to recognize the differences in the world and to respect them and hopefully learn to appreciate those differences.  I will leave you with a line from Jasmine, Educated people are interested in differences.” (pg 33) So it is your choice, are you educated about globalization or are you ignorant?