Reaction paper

GLOBALIZATION: Challenges and Opportunities (by: G.B.

Madison)
GLOBALIZATION OR HUMANIZATION: A Question of
Priorities in Human Development (by: Oliva
Blanchette)

Globalization is here. There is no stopping it. And there is no stopping its

influence and consequences. As pointed out by G.B. Madison in the beginning of his
article, Globalization is a fact whether we like it or not, and it is irrelevant whether we
approve or disapprove of it.

I remember the early sentiments of some (if not most) Filipinos who are against
the concept of globalization in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. The common sentiment
was that Globalization is a bad thing as it will “gorge” upon our culture and local
economy and eradicate our sovereignty and Filipino identity. As G.B. Madison puts it,
the “McDonalidization” and “Coca-Colazation” of the different cultures. This early
negative sentiments on Globalization, if we look closely now, is becoming more and
more true as elucidated by Olivia Blanchette as she talks on the far-reaching effects
of globalization in the economy as “dictated” by huge multinational corporations.

I echo the view of G.B. Madison when he said that there are many facets of
globalization, and the many challenges and opportunities that come with it. The
Economic facet is of course very obvious. The mushrooming of 7-eleven and fast-food
chains which originated abroad are an obvious evidence of this. But what fascinates
me is the cultural and lifestyle facet of globalization. It is true what the author said that
with economic globalization, cultural globalization also follows. We have seen how our
culture and lifestyle have become “westernized” and “Americanized” as goods,
products and services from the US and other Western countries have come pouring
in through our borders. Then, in recent history, we see the “Korean” effect in our
lifestyle brought about by the massively popular “K-Pop” culture, especially in our
young people. While some would see this as a negative effect of globalization, as it
lessens and slowly eradicates cultural differences, some may also view this as
something beneficial to the nation.

There is also the political facet of globalization, and the globalization of some
governmental policies, particularly in terms of international relations and trade. I agree
with G.B. Madison that one benefit of the political globalization is the spreading of
democracy and the growing awareness of respect for human rights, especially in
previously non-democratic, authoritarian countries. We have seen how in some
countries, there were governmental policies, and even customs and practices which
do not adhere to the basic tenets of human rights, not only in terms of civil and political
rights, but also on economic, social and cultural rights. As a human rights
advocate/lawyer, this is one effect of globalization which I would definitely hope to see
materialize in all parts of the world. However, awareness of the fundamental human
rights one thing. It is incomplete and superficial if we do not see these actually
observed in all parts of the world. And as illustrated by Olivia Blanchette, social
injustice and violations of human rights may continue in different parts of the world as
globalization is focused on the economic aspect and serving the interests of large firms
that control and influence the world economy.

Blanchette’s exposition on the phenomenon of economic globalization is an

eye-opener. I agree that while this is a momentous fact in human history, it is hidden
from the public eye, especially since most of the public is being enticed by the sparkles
of new goods and products and is engrossed by consumerism. And this is the cry of
the author – that if we face up to the challenge of globalization, we must understand
how the system works and how it affects us all. While we see the glamor new trends
and the feel excitement of buying and experiencing the latest products from different
parts of the world, we must also see the “greed” and self-interest behind the system.

Olivia Blanchette’s article is like Al Gore’s “The Inconvenient Truth”. Most of us

are aware of the dark side of globalization and how it ultimately serves the interests of
the few individuals behind these huge multinational corporations. We have seen how
“cheap” human labor is, not only in terms of cost, but also in terms of how dispensable
it is. In some third world countries, cheap labor is being offered for large corporations
and the workers feel “privileged” to be able to work for these big firms that they do not
mind the low salary and benefits and the poor quality of the working conditions. They
are aware that the big firms may pull out anytime in favor of a much more accepting
laborers in a poorer place.

It is true that there are both good and bad effects of globalization, and only
history will tell us which of these effects will be more evident. But I would think that in
the long run, more and more negative effects will be seen, especially in the poor and
developing countries because of the “flawed” system at the core of globalization, i.e.,
it is driven and influenced by big firms who are out to make a profit. As Blanchette puts
it, “(w)e run the risk of becoming engulfed in a movement that submerges the richness
of human values and diversity into the single dimension of economic value or just
doing business for its own sake or for the sake of profit.” Until and unless globalization
is driven by a global desire to celebrate this richness of human values and a genuine
desire to improve the lives of all in all parts of the world, more and more negative
effects will be experienced in different parts of the world.