We concluded the semester by talking about Neoliberalism. A Neoliberalist would support free trade. They also support things like the IMF and the World Bank. From the Neoliberalist view point globalization can only truly succeed, if all countries are able to trade with each other. There are currently many restrictions and tarrifs on trade from certain countries to other countries. An example of this would be the US not trading with North Korea or Cuba.
The opposition to the Neoliberalist view would say that capitalism typically helps developed countries more than countries that are not developed. Free trade globally could make things so that developed countries are not accountable for what they do overseas. Undeveloped countries would continue to be taken advantage of, as developed countries outsource. With the restrictions companies are not allowed to outsource all of their jobs for low wages in other countries. Instead companies have to build in their own countries and abide by the outsourcing restrictions. So basically free trade means more wealth, money and a better life for develop countries and the exact opposite for underdeveloped countries. This also would never give the undeveloped countries a chance to improve.
I like the idea of free trade but when you break down its effects, I don't think it is worth it.
On another note in class someone mentioned the thought of globalization leading to one mass culture. Any thoughts on that?
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I think the idea that globalization leads to a mass culture is very interesting and possibly plausible. There are definitly signs that as countries and individuals reach out to other cultures they take in some of that culture and make it their own. I do not think that this mass culture can occur immediately however, due to the fact that some aspects of culture will have a deeper meaning to some and therefore be difficult to recreate in a new culture. On the whole I think that a mass appreciation for culture is possible but having the entire world included in one culture is nearly unthinkable.
ReplyDeleteI think the point you make about other cultures taking aspects from other cultures and making it their own, I'm reminded of different fast food chains and how you can find them all over the world. I also find it interesting that in those same fast food chains that they will still offer food that reflects their own culture.
ReplyDeleteI find the idea of one mass culture interesting, and I believe anything is possible, but I dont believe there will be one mass culture. I think there will always be other groups and other people embracing a different culture. Other countries and cultures are now taking protective matters to protect their language and culture, such as France has a program to protect their language. I do believe things will change and cultures will mash up more, but I do not think cultures will ever truly combine to create one mass culture.
ReplyDeleteI had similar thoughts. One mass culture seems very plausible at the rate we're going at right now in terms of globalization. Everything right now is about "acceptance" and being tolerant of other culture. Tolerance has lately been turning into inclusion and mixing with other cultures. it is entirely possible to think that maybe in the future, all those inclusion may lead to one mass culture where all countries' individual culture blend into one.
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