Reflecting on Globalization

         Approaching a topic like globalization is not an easy task.  Like most issues worth investing attention, there are both positive and negetive attributes to taking a firm stance on either side of a debate concerning the effects globalization has on the world we live in.  On one hand, a globalized economy has led to cheaper products for Americans and, for developing nations, created opportunities for individuals to obtain a standard of living they would otherwise never know.  It has also helped indirectly stimulate education, quality of health and political stability for these countries.  These are all great things, but there is another point of view to reckon with.  Globalization is, in many ways, responsible for outsourced American jobs, increased pollution, deforestation, famine and instability for millions.    Both scenerios have very strong arguments and deserve equal consideration.  From a personal perspective, I have concluded that, since I am a consumer with a low probability of chronic unemployment, globalization is beneficial to my life and should continue to thrive.  I do, however, realize that the current methods for conducting international supply and demand is in need of very serious revision.

          During Thursday's class discussion, we observed two short clips representing both sides of the debate concerning the issue of globalization.  The first was a clip from a documentary of the growing employment possibilities in the city of Bangalore, India as a result of outsourcing.  The clip presented young Indian men and women attending linguistic classes in order to better meet the communication needs of American consumers. The clip demonstrates that the competition, given the size of the Indian population, is enormous, but so is the reward. Opportunities like these are life changing for a great deal of these people.  The second video discussed the devastating side- effects globalization has had on other parts of the world. This clip gives examples of grain shortages as a result of increased demand for meat in economically growing nations. This leads to food shortage in other places where grain is a crucial staple for survival.  Both clips gave compelling support to their purpose.  

         After examining both clips, how would anyone be able to determine that one is right, while the other is wrong?  The answer is simple. Both clips are right in there portrayal's.  This is why we, as Americans blessed to live in prosperity, need to do all we can to ensure the continuation of a global economy, while actively creating major reform to the process.