Today’s title is the first line from a verse by Canadian economist Gerald Helleiner:
The poor complain; they always do
But that’s just idle chatter
Our system brings reward to all
At least all those who matter.
Noam Chomsky offered this verse as a definition of globalization—a topic that has engendered considerable heated discussion in the last decade or so.
The rhetoric is strong. The debates are rife. Emotions run high.
The fundamental question: Is globalization the highway to heaven or the road to hell?
The answer is: It depends.
It depends on how you define globalization, what aspects you consider (e.g., economics, human rights, communication), whether you view it as a top-down or bottoms up process, and whose heaven and whose hell interest you.
This brief video (made for a World Issues course) lists pros and cons of globalization. Although one can take issue with the list, the video nevertheless identifies several common arguments to be considered in this and future posts.
Regarding definitions: Professor Chomsky argues that the term “globalization” has been appropriated by the rich and powerful to refer to a specific form of international economic integration that champions investor rights (e.g., to unfettered access to markets) but disregards human rights.
Such appropriation can be seen in the conservative Cato Institute’s claims concerning globalization: “When goods, services, and capital flow freely across U.S. borders, Americans can take full advantage of the opportunities of the international marketplace. They can buy the best or least expensive goods and services the world has to offer; they can sell to the most promising markets; they can choose among the best investment opportunities; and they can tap into the worldwide pool of capital.”
Sound good? While you consider the wonderland they describe, check out this video regarding the impact of globalization on India and this report that includes information on Bangladeshis working 20 hours a day to make our clothing.
And perhaps most important, learn more about why fast food workers around the U.S. have been striking.
Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology