TWIF+Chapter+13

In __Globalization of the Local__ (chapter 13), Thomas L. Friedman addresses the issue of how globalization and flattening of the world affect cultures of the world. Here is how he describes it: “In the constant struggle between homogenizing and particularizing forces of globalization, it seemed like the homogenizing – Americanizing forces were destined to triumph. Globalization would have an American face, an American look, and an American taste. This naturally triggered a backlash against globalization as a form of “American cultural imperialism.” Manu people around the world argued that unless we took serious steps to strengthen cultures – and protect the environment – the juggernaut of globalization as Americanization could, in just a few decades, wipe out the cultural, ecological, and zoological diversity that took millions of years of human, plant, and animal evolution to produce.” (p.506) Friedman comes to surprising conclusions, though. It turns out that the availability of broad band connections, free phone conversations via the internet and the ability to stay at home and not emigrate, because one doesn’t have to go where the work is, anymore; all these new factors aid in preservation of local communities and their cultural heritage. Moreover, “uploading makes possible “the globalization of the local”. The fact that so many people worldwide now have the tools to create and upload their own content – their own news reports, their own opinions, their own music, … their own dictionaries - is a very powerful force for the preservation and enhancement of cultural autonomy and particularity.”(p. 506) Friedman compares the flat world platform to pizza dough. Each culture makes their own toppings: sushi in Japan, Thai in Bangkok and mezze pizza in Lebanon. People don’t need to emigrate, but can stay at home and work for a multinational company using the modern communication technology, but even those who did emigrate can now stay connected to their communities even if they live thousands of miles away. (Julie Kaliberda)

Globalization of the local Friedman argues that globalization can both hinder and enhance local cultures from around the world. He illustrates how globalization is slowly taking away jobs from one part of the world and moving them to another. On the other hand, he illustrates that because these jobs are relocated cultures are being preserved. Many people confuse globalization and Americanization. Friedman makes the point that other cultures are surviving because of globalization and not suffering by taking on American traditions and culture (Americanization). I feel Friedman makes valuable arguments for both side and completely agree with him. He says it best; “It is the local that goes global” (Friedman, The World is Flat, 2007). He goes on to state "The flattening of the world is about the creation of a global platform of multiple forms of sharing work, knowledge, and entertainment" (Friedman, The World is Flat, 2007). The average person is in many ways connected to the rest of the world and has the ability to express and show their culture to others that may otherwise not get to see it. What does this mean for the future? I am not sure. I do know that my thoughts are aligned with Friedman’s that there are positives and negative. I feel that because the work is being dispersed that productivity will increase. Take for example the MRI exam taken late in the day and you have results the next day because they are being read by someone in a different time zone. The ability to call customer service any time you’d like because there are call centers on the other side of the planet. However, with all of this convenience there is also a lessening of work in our country. Even technology has taken away many jobs here in the United States. The affects on education are not very clear to me. I do not see how out sourcing education could make up for “in-person education”. I recall instances of tutors from abroad that are being used but as primary education, I do not feel that parents, teachers, or students would be satisfied with outsourced education. Sean P.