I have been very interested in the continuing globalisation of the world. The concept and its consequences present great opportunity for many around the world. However, the idea has always frightened me a bit. It seems so easy for one to gain influence and power now. Well, I suppose this is better than, say, pre-revolutionary France (unless you were nobility, at least). I'm not even sure what it is that frightens me. I think it's more the rate at which everything is changing. Even though I grew up in the 90's and 2000's, a time where communication and technology was rapidly changing, I have never been able to cope well with great change. Perhaps I'm afraid technology will become more powerful than human knowledge, or that traditional forms of communication will become even more obsolete. Whatever the reason, I think we can agree that globalisation is both exciting and intimidating.
Now, let's look at the bright side...
I understand that aspects of globalisation, such as outsourcing, can be compared to colonisation: an attempt to take another culture and introduce Western culture and sensibilities. However, 'colonisation' has somewhat of a negative implication nowadays (I've even heard it compared to brainwashing), even though it is what influenced our modern way of life. I believe that the 'colonisation' caused by globalisation is largely positive. Other countries, and even individuals, can make their presence known and communicate with the 'rest of the world' (read: the United States). This will bring great change to the economy, as individuals and corporations from other regions, therefore possessing different perspectives, can bring great innovation and change. The United States may no longer be seen as the most powerful country; globalisation and given so many other countries a chance and economical and political power. I believe this is a great thing, giving opportunity to so many others. Although many in developing countries don't have the means to such communication (i.e. e-mail, internet), I believe it may still help decrease poverty. I understand this may be a stretch, but I truly believe the economic 'playing field' will be flattened, therefore giving so much opportunity to those who's potential may have otherwise gone unrealised, and forced to lead a life of poverty.
Monday, 24 October 2011
AIC Simulation - Early Thoughts
I have found the AIC simulation very interesting, albeit quite stressful. There are so many small decisions one must make daily, and I couldn't imagine having this responsibility in real life. This simulation has definitely been humbling and has also given me a greater appreciation for political leaders. Even if they make poor decisions and may be corrupt, they are still making very important decisions while trying to please their people.
I have been representing Israel, and the other 'players' who frequently communicate with me are the United States and France. The U.S. has been a great support, so far, and has expressed interest in a missile defence system (Obama and I are currently negotiating this). France, on the other hand, wants Israel to surrender, in a sense, and allow Syria to gain access to Golan Heights. Although (our interpretation of) Israel wishes to invest monetarily in Syria, as a sign of cooperation and future peace, the country is not willing to sacrifice this land at the moment.
Throughout this simulation, I have learned how much Israel is investing in their Western image. This has apparently worked out well, since Benjamin Netanyahu is very popular in North American and the United States is still a great support of the country.
Speaking of Netanyahu, he is my 'character' for the simulation. In real life, he is an excellent communicator and therefore has made many allies. However, he is also known to be quite corrupt. It will be interesting to see how these traits influence other nations communications with 'me' over the course of the simulation.
I have been representing Israel, and the other 'players' who frequently communicate with me are the United States and France. The U.S. has been a great support, so far, and has expressed interest in a missile defence system (Obama and I are currently negotiating this). France, on the other hand, wants Israel to surrender, in a sense, and allow Syria to gain access to Golan Heights. Although (our interpretation of) Israel wishes to invest monetarily in Syria, as a sign of cooperation and future peace, the country is not willing to sacrifice this land at the moment.
Throughout this simulation, I have learned how much Israel is investing in their Western image. This has apparently worked out well, since Benjamin Netanyahu is very popular in North American and the United States is still a great support of the country.
Speaking of Netanyahu, he is my 'character' for the simulation. In real life, he is an excellent communicator and therefore has made many allies. However, he is also known to be quite corrupt. It will be interesting to see how these traits influence other nations communications with 'me' over the course of the simulation.
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Brigitte's Summer
My summer... was actually quite uneventful.
There was so much I wanted to do, it's a real shame I didn't follow through.
Let's see... I wanted to write a screenplay. The problem was, every day I wanted to right a different story! One day would be a minimalist drama (think Sofia Coppola), the next a post-apocalyptic epic, the next a quirky comedy. Obviously, this made actually sitting down to write one quite difficult.
Apparently... I'm supposed to relate all these events back to world issues. Let's see: Film is an extremely influential medium with a well established position in society. The films we see define who we are, and also send a message to filmmakers about what we want to see more of. Audiences can learn so much by watching provocative political dramas, historical accounts, and documentaries. Or... we can watch Transformers (bad idea, Michael Bay shouldn't be allowed to direct).
I wanted to work out and practice dance all summer. Nope. Didn't happen. At all (blame the TV).
The world issues relation? Dance is a great way to be cultured, as the genre, or style, of dance varies greatly within cultures. Dance is also a beautiful way to tell stories and express emotions. And, of course, dance often goes hand-in-hand with music. The kind of music one listens to says a great deal about their beliefs, interests, and culture.
Instead my summer ended up revolving around Harry Potter. I got early access to Pottermore (I'm MoonWolfsbane106), saw Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the midnight premiere (dressed as a Gryffindor student, naturally), went to the Wizarding World and Universal Studios Orlando, and went to a sci-fi/fantasy/comic/horror (the list goes on and on) convention, once again in costume, to meet Tom Felton.
The most obvious world issues connection here, I believe, is my trip to Orlando, Florida. This not only demonstrated the tourism in the state, but I was also able to see the security measures taken at the borders. I also spent a great deal of money, so I suppose this could be related to the economy.
I believe my Pottermore efforts demonstrate what a global village we have become; I have been able to interact and chat with fans from all over the world.
Finally, Harry Potter is British. I wish I was...
Did I do anything 'productive' over the summer? I worked at my dance studio, teaching dance and drama to campers aged 5-12. It was stressful at times, but I enjoyed myself.
Once again, dance is a cultural phenomenon, and I was proud to teach the art to others. I also believe that I was able to add productivity and meaning to their days, as opposed to the older ones running around on the street (engaging in some less-than-appropriate activities).
Seeing as class is done, and that is about the extent of my summer activities, I shall bid you all fare well.
Have a great day, lovelies.
-Brigitte
There was so much I wanted to do, it's a real shame I didn't follow through.
Let's see... I wanted to write a screenplay. The problem was, every day I wanted to right a different story! One day would be a minimalist drama (think Sofia Coppola), the next a post-apocalyptic epic, the next a quirky comedy. Obviously, this made actually sitting down to write one quite difficult.
Apparently... I'm supposed to relate all these events back to world issues. Let's see: Film is an extremely influential medium with a well established position in society. The films we see define who we are, and also send a message to filmmakers about what we want to see more of. Audiences can learn so much by watching provocative political dramas, historical accounts, and documentaries. Or... we can watch Transformers (bad idea, Michael Bay shouldn't be allowed to direct).
I wanted to work out and practice dance all summer. Nope. Didn't happen. At all (blame the TV).
The world issues relation? Dance is a great way to be cultured, as the genre, or style, of dance varies greatly within cultures. Dance is also a beautiful way to tell stories and express emotions. And, of course, dance often goes hand-in-hand with music. The kind of music one listens to says a great deal about their beliefs, interests, and culture.
Instead my summer ended up revolving around Harry Potter. I got early access to Pottermore (I'm MoonWolfsbane106), saw Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the midnight premiere (dressed as a Gryffindor student, naturally), went to the Wizarding World and Universal Studios Orlando, and went to a sci-fi/fantasy/comic/horror (the list goes on and on) convention, once again in costume, to meet Tom Felton.
The most obvious world issues connection here, I believe, is my trip to Orlando, Florida. This not only demonstrated the tourism in the state, but I was also able to see the security measures taken at the borders. I also spent a great deal of money, so I suppose this could be related to the economy.
I believe my Pottermore efforts demonstrate what a global village we have become; I have been able to interact and chat with fans from all over the world.
Finally, Harry Potter is British. I wish I was...
Did I do anything 'productive' over the summer? I worked at my dance studio, teaching dance and drama to campers aged 5-12. It was stressful at times, but I enjoyed myself.
Once again, dance is a cultural phenomenon, and I was proud to teach the art to others. I also believe that I was able to add productivity and meaning to their days, as opposed to the older ones running around on the street (engaging in some less-than-appropriate activities).
Seeing as class is done, and that is about the extent of my summer activities, I shall bid you all fare well.
Have a great day, lovelies.
-Brigitte
Welcome from Brigitte
Welcome to Brigitte's World Issues!
This blog was created for a grade 12 course, and will feature posts pertaining to and analyzing current world issues.
Posts will be posted inconsistently, as needed for the course.
I hope you will enjoy this blog and learn from it!
-Brigitte
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