http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/24/world/asia/24china.html?em&ex=1209182400&en=559659f38dd76e6a&ei=5087%0A
As Professor Nexon described in class today, the Olympics are yet another example of Globalization. The Olympics has been around since Roman times, but have taken a different toll in light of modernization. In one respect, it creates world unity because it brings all of the nations together. It is a time during which it doesn't matter if you're black, white, tall or small- you admire all Olympians because they have mastered a skill so admirably. Representatives from the world come into the same arena and compete as equals.
But some one has to win, and though we are all part of one world, each state is competing, causing fractionalization, even though we're all working towards the same goals. Though it's admirable that the Romanians beat out the US rowing team in 2004 by being stronger and faster, it doesn't mean that we weren't still upset that US didn't win the gold. Though the Olympics bring us together, they also bring out our differences and rivalries.
What's more, events like the Olympics demonstrate the presence of Westernization. In this article, it is described how they are putting in new restaurants, and making everything English friendly. Though it's great that Olympians won't be missing their events because they are lost, we lose a bit of China. Part of what's great about this country is that it's not afraid to be different, and at times its unique techniques actually work better. By creating a world identity, we are making it expected that they should be like us. We should instead accept the cultural differences and embrace our diversity, for their society is just as developed as ours, if not more, but just in a different way.
With the torch controversy, it is especially evident that the world reacts to actions, especially political. Even though half of the countries are guilty of colonization, either now or in the past, the Chinese are seen as the "bad guy." However the Tibetans are being oppressed, just like the Americans were years ago, but now protests are the most effective way of being heard by the world, instead of by dumping tea.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I think it's interesting to note that globalization can affect events such as the Olympics. Though it can bring people together and inspire a national unity among fans of the games, but it can also separate them. Likewise, I think the Hello Kitty example from lecture depicts this well. For some inexplicable reason Hello Kitty took off as one of the world's fastest selling items. It made people from all ends of the earth seem as though they have the same interests. It provides a common ground and bridges cultural differences.
Post a Comment