Globalization is probably the most over used and over hyped word, like, ever. Canadian flags being manufactured in Canada (funny how Canadians don't squawk that we've always bought finished goods from abroad. I seem to recall a time, which still may be happening, when we'd sell our natural resources to countries only to buy back the finished goods at double the price. I think it's called mercantalism) is one example how we simply react by blaming "globalization."
Everything is blamed on "globalization" as if it started 20 years ago. Truth be told, it's been around for a long time. Didn't the "Age of Exploration" have global economic implications? What about the great armies of the past invading and conquering lands across the globe? This had definite economic (social, cultural and political of course) implications.
The reaction against globalization is more about political policies and international rules of trade engagement. In short, international suprastructures like the IMF and World Bank dictates what's good for countries based on Western principles and practices. That is, we know what's best for all. True, ours is an advanced economic enlightenment however it doesn't mean it's smart business to impose it on countries not ready for it.
In any event, globalization is the interaction of many people from many places and it has a long history. Let's keep that in mind next time we blame China and outsourcing on everything that ails us.
Some years ago I wrote a piece for a small group of discussion between friends. We very humbly called it the G8 since there were 8 of us, 3 couples and two single ladies. I would swear you got hold of that paper before posting this.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why you felt the need to break down the numbers of the G8. Who played Russia in the group. In other words, who was the fake member?
ReplyDeleteHeh.
Someone leaked it to me. ;<)
Two moved from Westmount to Mijas Costa in Spain. They have both since died. We tried to keep up at 6 or even to recruit two other persons...but the chemistry was gone.
ReplyDeleteThere were no fake members and if you want to know, 2 were of German origin, 1 Hungarian, 1 English born in Cyprus, and 4 Canadian born. The English was amrried to the Hungarian, One German to a French speaking Quebecer, the other German had been married to a Greek, my wife is old stock French Canadian. The last Canadian born had been married to an American from Savanha, Georgia and had lived a long time down there. Nothing should have brought us together but MILR and we had great fun. We met, in rotation, at each other's place and had wonderful lunches from our varied national cuisines and wines.
We covered subjects from politics to poetry, philosophy, history, economics et tutti quanti. Great fun while it lasted.
Now three are dead and one is not very well. The other four are still going.
Sounds it was more functional than the UN.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all.