When looking up dictionary definitions for globalization, we come across many forms and twisted meanings, all basically saying that it is growth to a global or worldwide scale. Though that is a clear definition, when viewing the prologue to the PBS Documentary, Daniel Yergen summed globalization and what we as a world have to now view it. He stated, “….That was this new era of globalization, of the world being so tied together by flows of investment, trade, ideas, culture, of people traveling all over the world…” (PBS DOC, 1). His statement, in my opinion, maps out what we need to view this new, and rapidly changing, idea of what actually defines globalization.
Referring to how democracy forms our new view on mass communication, I feel as does capitalism forms our view on globalization. In Noam Chomsky’s bit, from what he can remember, “the poor complain, they always do, but that’s just idle chatter, our system brings rewards to all, at least to those who matter” (Chomsky). The free market is something that has so many positives and so many negatives. To be successful is not something that falls on people’s laps (well maybe Paris Hilton hasn’t worked for her riches, but the first Hilton did once!). To make a dent in the economy takes effort, and since globalization is the root of how jobs are provided, it also makes itself the root of how jobs are taken away. The PBS documentary points out in Chapter 2 that everyone has a chance, but no one has control. Can this free market truly deliver prosperity to everyone? Globalization is increasingly affecting today’s political economy.
When analyzing globalization and communication, it is clear that some countries are more ‘globalized’ than others, however, everyone does use some form. There are different mediums that are used within the globe and the most common one is television (Curran and Park 11). Communication provides the world with another form of globalization. Right now we are in a revolution with communication through social media. You can’t visit one website without the option to share what you have seen via twitter or facebook. Right now, we are at a turning point of globalization through communication. Though some countries are a few steps behind, the growth of this form is booming.
Chomsky, Noam. "What Is Globalization?" YouTube. 26 Mar. 2007. Web. 05 Jan. 2011
Curran, James, and Myung-Jin Park. "Beyond Globalization Theory." De-Westernizing Media Studies. London: Routledge, 2000. Print.
"Commanding Heights: Storyline | on PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 05 Jan. 2011.
I love how you mentioned what Chomsky had quoted, "the poor complain, they always do, but that’s just idle chatter, our system brings rewards to all, at least to those who matter". It is so true to today's world. Yes, globalization might be beneficial but is it beneficial to all? Or only the few elites in this world. While the rest of us suffer the negative consequences of globalization.
ReplyDeleteYou stated in your blog that Communication gives the world another form of globalization. That is a great point. But I am curious to know if you think the other nations that aren't as fortunate as some are going to have that social communication that the United States has right now? And if so how long to you think it is going to take? You touched on communication in globalization a lot but like Qingqing touched on what are the negatives of globalization?
ReplyDeleteWhen you think about the fact that globalization has such an equal balance of positives and negatives, it is hard to decide even where to start in diminishing the negatives and augmenting the positives.
ReplyDeleteImagine if there was no digital divide or information gap. Imagine if everyone was exposed to the same information and were also placed in an environment that allowed them to take advantage of the same opportunities. Do you think that would even be feasible? We are treading on the BASIC idea of socialism in that everyone would be "equal" in society. Regardless of what implications globalization has for the near future, I know that the only way it can be in a good direction is if action is taken.
Weeds grow on a field with no effort and no action. However, to grow beautiful trees and flowers, one must plant the seeds and nurture them. I feel the same way about this and many other issues. Simply knowing is not enough. We must do. We = human race