Thursday, 17 May 2012

SS10-1 Lesson 1E (Globalization Pros and Cons)

So far, I have studied many different view points and aspects of globalization.  Many people think a globalizing world brings forth many opportunities for our race.  Others believe that globalization will harm everything that people hold deer.



So I must ask myself, to what extent do I, as a citizen, respond to globalization?







 "Globalization is Inevitable Mr. Anderson"

Taking into account everything that I have learned so far in this course, I can honestly state that globalization is inevitable.  It can't be stopped.  I respond to globalization as a opportunity for a better future. 


Because of globalizatioin, humanity has found and colonized North America, creating the greatest free nation on Earth. 




Because of globalization, humanity has leaped in understanding of nature, technology, and the universe. 



Because of globalization, humanity has connected the world with media and the World Wide Web. 


 
Because of globalization, humanity has prevented wars, created trade, and helped the lives of the less wealthy through non-profit organisations, and through organisations such as the World bank and IMF.

There are of course negative impacts with the growth of globalization, but I believe the pros outweigh the cons.  As I continue through this course, my perception and understanding of globalization will grow clearer, allowing an informed and thoughtful decision, regarding to the question, To what extent should I, as a citizen, respond to globalization?

SS10-1 Lesson 1D (Huma Rights, Democracy, and Globalization)

One thing that I strongly believe in is the equal and fair treatment of human beings.  I bring this up once again because I came across an article in my social course that shocked and appalled me.  I came across the term Human Trafficking.  Now human trafficking involves an act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring, or receiving a person through a use of force, coercion, or other means, for the soul purpose of exploiting that individual. 



Many people believe that globalization is a good practise.  However, the vary reason why human trafficking exists today is because of our globalizing world.


In today's society, moving from one country to the next is normally quite easy, due to the right of travel in most democratic countries and nations.  Because of this, criminals, scammers, and other abusing or corrupt organisations can easily find ways to lure people out of their country.  Like kidnapping, the victim finds his/herself in a different country as an illegal alien, with no one to turn to for help.



A great example of illegal human trafficking is explained in the blockbuster movie, "Taken," starring Liam Neeson.



A young woman visits Europe for a vacation.

She is kidnapped and illegally sold to an illegal company which creates prostitutes for sexual pleasure.


Liam Neeson stops at nothing to save his daughter.


In a nutshell, I think the reason why human trafficking occurs is because ciminal organisations are taking advantage of fleeing poor and desperate people from war torn countries.  Communication technologies are also playing a part in this terrible crime.  The Internet, cellphones, media, and other methods of communication allow human traffickers to coordinate, plan, and abuse innocent people.


And finally, I believe that corrupt companies, organisations, governments, and other democracies are playing a role in this terrible practise.


Human Trafficking is a disgrace and horrific crime caused by globalization.
It's scary stuff.

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

SS10-1 Lesson 1C (Democracy and Human Rights)

I have come to realise that although democracy maintains order and generally allows the people of the country to remain free, democracy can also harm and potentially destroy a nations way of life.

So I believe that there is a fine line between laws created by a democracy that protect and ensure fair treatment and laws which abuse and neglect the rights of the people.



Democracy in the works.


Canada is a great example of a democracy that works effectively. 



We speak what we wish to speak.



We read what we wish to read.



 We believe what we wish to believe
And
I believe in a country called Canada, strong and free.



We travel where we wish to travel.




We elect rulers we can trust.
Look!
Stephen Harper likes Keith's too!


The point I am trying to make is that democracy can be a great or terrible force.  It either works for the benefit of the people or it opposes the needs of the people.  Rich countries like Canada or the United States of America have so much collective and individual freedom opposed to countries like Rwanda or Afghanistan which are more constricted with unfair laws and endless violence.

And even though countries are gaining independence each year, the free countries often cannot support themselves, creating harsh and sometimes unbearable living conditions and harsh treatment of the people.



So what do you think about democracy?

Monday, 14 May 2012

SS10-1 Lesson 1B (Human Rights)

Who has the right to basic necessities for healthy living?  And just as important, who decides who receives the basic needs for life?  And Finally, who actually will supply or pay for the people with unfair and poor living conditions?

As you can imagine, these questions are not answered easily.  Each and every day, the rift between the rich and the poor, the healthy and the sick, and the fed and the hungry grows wider.  It is my opinion that all humans ( no matter their beliefs, culture, or race) should receive fair and equal living standards.  This is only my opinion out of many in the world.



Does everybody need water?




How about food?




Yes it is!!!




A Camaro would be nice,
But
I dont' think it counts as a basic human need or right.




 House says, "Health care is a human right."



The document, The United Nations Declaration of Rights really interested me.  It pretty much says that each and every human on earth should be treated equally and fairly in all aspects of law and right.  If only the world really was treated equally and fairly.  Sin would disappear to be replaced by happiness, peace, and love.  What a great dream.

It is sad to say that not everyone has the same equal benefits.  In fact, many third world countries live with hardly any human rights.  polluted water, limited food, and degrading shelter are just a few of the unfair problems. 

Basic needs are meant to be for all people.  tragically, people often receive little if any basic needs for survival. 

INTRODUCTION TO GLOBALIZATION

Hi everybody

The main purpose of this blog is to try to understand the guiding question in unit 4 of social studies 10-1.

Guiding Question:  To what extent should I, as a citizen, respond to globalization?


So what is globalization?  the term "Globalization" refers to the increased connections of the world's people and countries.  So in other words the world is growing smaller with new communication technologies and the destruction of trade barriers.  Economic Globalization refers to the increasing interdependence of the world market and production. 

Globalization can cause drastic changes in the functionality of the world.  Like a domino effect, people are affected by these changes that Globalization creates.  For example, when English, France, and Spain were racing to take control of the new world colonies, the native inhabitants suffered.  What is now North America, the native people of the land eventually were slaughtered to the point of extinction.  This is an example of Historical Globalization.  As the world grew in population, other isolated communities were over-run because of Globalization.

Is Globalization a bad thing?  Is it good?  Well, it all depends on how it's affecting you and your community. 

So we must ask ourselves how do we respond to globalization in today's modern society?