Globalization

The effects from globalization cause diversity, leaving homogeneity threatened. In the article, "The Case for Contamination" by Kwame Anthony Appiah, he discusses globalization in terms of contamination and the effects that it can have on cultures. When relating this article to the views of Daniel Quinn in his novel "Ishmael", there are many comparisons when discussing what effects viewing other lifestyles can have on an individual. Both works of literature illustrate new ideas on worldviews.

By thinking globally, we are promoting ideas of diversity. There are certainly many opportunities available from globalization. The obvious is being open to new political and cultural differences. This means being able to compare our environment and lifestyle to those of other cultures. By considering other societies, it helps us to understand them. Ishmael's teachings extracted the idea that we should reach forward, and consider other societies and ways of living. Although, he relates it to the world of primitive and civilized (Quinn, pg 39), the idea is that having a broader view on different ways of living might alternatively make you change parts of your lifestyle.

Many cultures fear the effects that globalization may have on their society. The distribution of wealth and knowledge over time causes increasing choices and more interdependencies. Communicating information is now more valued because of the knowledge that can be available from it and as civilized human beings we make the choice to keep accepting and reacting to the information that is being made available to us through globalization. Because the effects of this process are so strong, many people fear their identity is being threatened. They feel it is hard to adapt to any lifestyle changes and so they try to reject it (Kwame, pg 3). The loss of identity is not threatened. "Cultures are made of continuities and changes and the identity of a society can survive through these changes" (Kwame, pg 3). Just because some societies are learning of new ways to dress, new technology, etc. there are still many ways to keep their authenticity. For example, you can create clothes with new materials without changing the designs on those materials or you can change from a radio to a television and still listen to the same shows. Societies can keep their original rituals without having to reject the diversity effects of globalization.

The beneficial change from globalization leaves homogeneity extremely threatened.