Globalization

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICiEt-u9Kbw

The video raises several key issues, like the increased use of technology in our lives, the spread of the english language, and the continued inventions of super computers. All these are signs of a change in times, the spread of globalization.

Globalization has hit almost every country in the world. Whether big or small. In the video, the figures show that an astounding number of people use the search engine google, log online to MSN or use the networking website myspace, every single day. Its shocking how from a world where instant messaging was only possible in dreams, to a world where instant messaging is common in any household. The use of the internet and the world wide web had increased so much so that almost every family in any modern day country has access to the web. The internet has become so important to people that it has been discovered that some families cannot bear to not use the internet for even one day!

Another example of globalization would be the use of the English language. Since the early days of shakespeare, the number of words in the english language has increased by 5 times. It has been estimated that even China will soon be the country with the most number of english speaking people. Its a cultural shock to see the traditions and cultures of the past being forgotten, to make way for the modern day era.

Globalization has hit, it is changing the world we are living today. We must be prepared to face the consequences it brings, the lost of culture, the dependance on technology, etc.

Is globalization beneficial to us? Or is it eliminating the few links we have to our traditional cultures and beliefs?

“Globalization is not something we can hold off or turn off . . . it is the economic equivalent of a force of nature -- like wind or water.” – Bill Clinton.

In 2006, according to the Globalization Index, Singapore was rated the country most affected by globalization. All over we see Mc Donald fast food centers, Starbucks coffee, and Apple Ipod Stores pooping out all over our country. Not only is this happening in Singapore, it is happening all over the country too. In the slideshow of pictures, you can see the many different locations of Mc Donald and Starbucks outlets. Ranging from Bali, to Russia, to even Thailand! Globalization of culture has hit almost every country in the world, big or small.

Globalization can be both beneficial, yet harmful at the same time. Globalization encourages the growth of new cultures, the invention of new technology, and the spread of creative ideologies. Who are we to stop this progress? Globalization has caused the rise of technology that man is so dependant on these. The internet, Google, music players, laptops and desktop PCs are just a few examples of the most widespread of technologies in our world. The use of internet has enabled people from all over the country to interact with one another so much more efficiently. Gone are the days where overseas pen pals have to wait for weeks to receive a reply from their friends overseas. Now with a few press of the keyboard, and the click of a mouse, you can expect an instant reply from your foreign friends.

The rise of video sharing websites like YouTube, and search engines like Google, has created an open portal for internet users to learn about other cultures and beliefs all over the world. People can discover many things about their foreign neighbors through a quick search on Google; there are a 1.2 billion searches made on Google every month.

Globalization has given people so many benefits that it’s hard to reject it. The people, who argue against globalization, are fighting a losing battle. Trying to deny it is like trying to deny the rise of the sun every morning. Globalization is part and parcel of our life, it may bring about benefits or harm, but we still must accept it. But for now, globalization is something worth celebrating.