Globalization or Colonization?
I might not necessarily be he best person to talk about globalization and the world economy. However, with the very little knowledge and understanding I have (at least with what I think Is a knowledge) It seems to me globalization is a system purposely setup to make sure the rich keep getting richer and the poor continues to get walked on. Now I'm not saying there is absolutely nothing positive about globalization. It's true there are a lot of positive things that can come out of it especially when looking at the information technology part of it. People all over the world are connected and are aware of one another a lot more today than they were a few years ago. This is the big plus side of creating a global network that people from all over the world can access and contribute to.
However, globalization opens a door for more than just the exchange of information. A lot of developing nations are forced to open up their gates for western countries as part of the globalization initiative. Even though the idea of one big community where everybody can openly share goods, information and technology sounds good on paper, the flow of information and trade is going to be one sided. To me, that is the main problem I have with the idea of globalization. Where local cultures and traditions get rundown by the dominant and powerful western ideology. The exchange of information is only acceptable if only each side is contributing to the global culture that we are trying to create. With the way things are right now, the developed countries have the necessary tools to keep adding to the globalization process compared to the many who lack access in the developing nations.
So is it really globalization or colonization if the dominant western world is forcing it's way into many developing nations. The sad part is, most of these nations don't have a choice but to become part of these system whether they believe in it or not. For example the World Bank is reluctant or even unwilling to lend money for countries that refuse to open up their market for foreign nations. How is this new generation technology aiding the globalization process? Simple, by setting up large global networks, big companies can run a world wide business stationed in one location. How is that bad for local people and good for the big corporate? Well, these companies don't have to pay taxes for the local government or be obliged to hire employees from the local community.
Whether we like it or not, the world is traveling towards being one big nation where everybody is connected through some kind of network. No doubt that it is going to be a while before every corner of the world gets access to the same type of information as people in the developed countries. There are of course many good things to say about the idea of globalization. However, unless the ideology is implemented cautiously and considering the different impact it has in different parts of the world, this free flow of information technology can lead to a big distraction.
By Tsinu