(Research) Globalisation and Culture

GLOBALISATION is an economic activity where businesses in domestic markets are allowed to move beyond itself to other markets around the world, thus interdependence among different markets. This has not only caused international trade, it has also caused CULTURAL exchange.

'States of Discord' - debate on the definition, impacts of globalisation between Friedman, Thomas and Kaplan, Robert

http://utminers.utep.edu/blaynep/states%20of%20discord.htm


'Globalization and its Discontents' - Political economist, Marvin Zonis and his thoughts on globalisation with NEWSWEEK

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3606142/site/newsweek/


'Poor among Plenty' - Poverty moving into the suburbs of USA for the first time

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16960673/site/newsweek/


'The opportunity cost of Globalization' - Al-Ahram Weekly

http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1999/415/op5.htm


'Measuring Globalization: Who’s Up, Who’s Down?' - Globalization index

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/wwwboard/g-index3.php#

Discrimination (Research) ; Gender Discrimination

BRIDE BURNING is is a form of domestic abuse practiced in parts of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh that is often disguised as a kitchen accident or suicide.

- brides are burnt over wealth, due to husband or in-laws not being satisfied with the amount of dowry that is brought by the bride or if dowry arrives late.
- accompanied with other forms of emotional abuse
- prevailing because of Hindu attitudes on the status of a woman in a marriage is always lower than her husband.
- offenders normally go unpunished.
- Roughly 1200 women die from dowry-related deaths in Bangalore yearly,

Sources/Articles: http://www-cgi.cnn.com/WORLD/9608/18/bride.burn/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/431607.stm

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SATI/SUTTEE is an illegal act or practice of a Hindu widow's cremating herself on her husband's funeral pyre in order to fulfill her true role as wife.

- practiced mostly by Hindus although there is no scriptures condoning such an practice, it originated in Greeks instead.
- been made illegal in 1829 but is still being practiced now

Article: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/07/1028157964815.html

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GLASS CEILING is an unacknowledged discriminatory barrier that prevents women and minorities from rising to positions of power or responsibility, as within a corporation.

Articles: http://www.eeoc.gov/stats/reports/glassceiling/index.html (Statistics)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0208/p01s02-ussc.html

Discrimination ; Sexuality - Gay Marriages

Is same-sex marriage a practical consideration in this age of globalisation?

Same-sex marriages are the communing of two people with the same gender and forming a family. While many countries still do not have laws which supports such practices, the recent trend is that more countries are in the process of adopting it. Even amidst the general public’s opposition, governments are undergoing to changing federal laws and penal codes. Hence there seems to be a vested interest in their constant pushing for talks for legalizing of gay marriages. It simply could not be just because of giving homosexuals their supposedly, human rights.

Currently, only 5 countries in the world allow same-sex marriages. Yet, it is safe to say there are large volumes of gays judging from the turn outs at gay parties and the many gay rights movements that have been set up, although it is impossible to give an exact figure due to the fact that some people avoid the topic of sexuality. It is impossible for them to get married in their own countries due to the laws, thus the only solution is to migrate and tie the knot in countries where it is legalized. It has been said that many of the talented people are prone to be homosexuals, thus being able to attract huge amounts of such couples into any country will benefit the country economically. When one side is benefiting, other countries will inevitably be losing out. Consequently, something has to be done in order to prevent these people from migrating. And the only way is by legalizing same-sex marriage.

Moreover, in countries like Denmark, gay couples do not have to worry about their welfare. They need not cope with the opposing expressions of passer-bys while strolling down the road hand-in-hand with their partners. As they are provided with equal rights, saving them from the risk of being victims of hate crimes or discriminated. Conversely, in their hometowns where homosexual acts are banned, they would not be able to enjoy such freedom.

However, looking from the perception of the population where values are emphasized by their religions or family, same-sex marriage seems like a no deal issue. No matter the economic benefits that might be brought in or even if they are living in an age of globalization where developments are stressed, they do not agree to homosexual relationships, needless to say, the legalization of gay marriages.

In conclusion, there are different responses to whether same-sex marriage is a practical consideration. As such, it is dependent on the government and their priorities, if it will be economic benefits or values that are to be retained in the country.

More Article: (The Global View of Gay Marriage) http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/03/04/world/main604084.shtml
(Legal in Unlikely Places)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20647865/site/newsweek/page/0/

Discrimination ; Poverty, Crime & Revolution

"The mother of revolution and crime is poverty"(Aristotle) Do you agree?

Revolution is a sudden and drastic change that happens almost overnight either in terms of social or politically while crime is an act that is against the law. Mostly, both takes place when the welfare of the people are not being taken care of, feeling dissatisfied or they feel threatened by the current situation, thus wanting change.

Money is the root of all evil, which is a common saying that supports Aristotle’s point of view. As people are poor, hungry, unsheltered and jobless, but nothing is seemed to be done by the government to help them, after a period of time, people’s tolerance level are reached and start to resort to methods to protect their welfare or get their so called, rights. Nonetheless, there is a limit to the types of crimes and revolutions that are caused by poverty. Crimes such as vandalism, arson, rape cannot be linked to poverty in any way just like revolution against any types of discrimination.

One good example of crime caused by poverty will be human trafficking in various developing countries in Asia such as China, India and North America’s Brazil and Africa. From a report by the U.S Department of State in 2004, an estimated of 600,000-800,000 people are being trafficked across international borders illegally. Including activities that are not discovered, it is actually adds up to even more people and with 50% of them being children and 70% women. This is only possible when people are desperate to earn a living but unable to do so, pushing them to believe in tricks of agencies that are responsible for the huge volume of human trafficking.

As for revolution, taking China’s Cultural Revolution will be a good example when the current government wants to develop the country so much, in hope to deliver the country from poverty and make it one of the major powers. Conversely, it did much harm than good for the people, who became even poorer than before. Thus the possibility that revolutions and crimes are causes of poverty is present too.

However, it is definite that poverty is not the only factor. Other factors will be the lack of education and personal moral standards. Taking Singapore for example, we are considered one of the “better-off” countries with little poverty, compulsory education and with an acceptable standard of living. Ironically, youth crimes, thefts, embezzling and drug trafficking activities are rife in Singapore. Also compared to other countries, Singapore is one of the six countries which prison has consists of more than 10% women.

In conclusion, as much as poverty does accounts for various crimes and revolutions, it is unfair to say it is the only factor. On the whole, I will like to believe that most people are kind in nature and will not kill or rob unless forced to, apart from people who are mentally-ill. Nonetheless, such things are not absolute in this world where moral standards are dropping due to the chasing after of material wealth.


SOURCES:
http://www.primaryresearch.org/bh/research/morse/index.php (Opposing View)
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/ncvrw/2005/pg5l.html (Statistics on Human Trafficking)
http://www.nationmaster.com/country/sn-singapore/cri-crime (Singapore’s Crime statistics)

Discimination (Research) ; Other Forms Of Discrimination

LOOKISM is prejudice towards people because of their appearance.


ABC News: The Ugly Truth About Beauty (Commentary)

Chicago Sun Times: Some say it's pretty ugly: Real life is full of 'lookism' (Commentary)

Personnel Today: Overweight and underpaid as 'lookism' sweeps the world

Looks could kill your cahances of a landing a job

Star Bulletin: An Ugly War (Real life story)


AGEISM is the unfair treatment of people on the basis of their age.


BBC News: How Age Laws Work Across the Globe

Quick guide: Age discrimination

Fighting Ageism

The Australian Business: British Statue may allow ageism

Informatics: UK operators shun mobile for the elderly

DISABLISM is discrimination against disabled people who are deemed as inferior to others.


BBC News: Disablism ain't the same as racism (Commentary)

Guardian Unlimited: Attacks on disabled people are hate crimes, too

XENOPHOBIA is the unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or simply, strangers.


Financial Times: Rights group hits at Malaysia worker crackdown

* Reuters: South Africa takes practical steps to combat xenophobia

allAfrica.com: South Africa: Inaction By Mbeki Government On Zimbabwe Forces Border Farmers to Form Vigilante Groups

China Daily: Xenophobia at heart of product panic in US

Discrimination (Research) ; Racial Harmony

Ideal:
- Currently racial riots are curbed and have not happened for a long time. In 1964, Singapore had a few tragic occasions of racial riots when many were killed and injured, including the Maria Hertogh Riots. Thus compared to many other countries where social stability is not present, Singaporeans are fortunate.

- Especially important now as Singapore faces the threats of terrorism; relationships of different races are under strain due to suspicion. With racial harmony, education on the different teachings of religions of different races will reduce such suspicions.

- To promote racial harmony, the cultural heritages of different races in Singapore had been preserved over years, contributing to the economy as revenues are brought in by tourists.

- When integration of races takes place, people can live together harmoniously and accept the way people are.

Not Ideal:
- When it is solely based on tolerance, no true harmony, empathy and understanding of different races is present. This means racial harmony which is present is just an illusion and might escalate into riots when there are small disputes.

- When the government tries to improve racial harmony by ensuring all races have equal standing in the economy through giving a certain race more aids. Causing the possibility of other races viewing it as biasness.

- When segregation takes place, awareness on the presence of different races being present is Singapore is raised. People become more cautious in the sense of being “more careful of their backs”. For example, recently in US, people are once again reminded of the stark difference between blacks and white in terms of lifestyles and quality of life. [ST; 7/7/07; Integration just a pipe dream in US?]

Conclusion:
Of course racial harmony has it positive consequences but when it is overdone, it becomes something that is done deliberately and insincere. This is when it loses its meaning, instead of fostering better relationships; some races might even be offended in the process which leads to the negative effects. Therefore I think the more difficult question to think about will be, when will racial harmony be deemed as enough.

June Blog Task ; Free Speech

In the context of Singapore, I would agree that Szilagyi’s view of being socially responsible is more applicable. Compared to Szilagyi’s point of view, Singer believes that without the element, freedom of speech, countries will not be considered as having democracy.

On the other hand, having four major races (Chinese-77%, Malay-15%, Eurasian and Indian-8%) and different religions in Singapore, we are not able to survive in places where freedom of expression is given priority over the welfare of the citizens. Though we are considered a democratic country. Come to think of it, Singapore is only a small little red dot on the world map but we’re one of the most heavily diversified countries. If our media pushes for similar freedom of speech in Singapore, the effects will not be imaginable. As a group of people will eventually get offended by what another said in the process of freely expressing themselves. Moreover, cultural and religion matters have always been an issue close to the people’s hearts causing us to be especially sensitive.

Citing the racial riots in Singapore in 1964, it happened due to various reasons. One of the unanimous reason by Singapore and foreign bodies was agitation by Syed Jaafar Albar(a malay politician) and United Malays Nation Organisation(UMNO) who allowed ran the campaign. The agitation and carrying out of the campaign were evidences of freedom of expression. And the prices paid for this freedom were the lives of many people and the peace in Singapore. Come to think of it, which is more important?

People may argue that through all the education and information on racial harmony in Singapore, citizens are already sensible enough to react correctly to the comments communicated through the media. Unlike the Muslims that reacted violently to the Danish cartoon which was interpreted as insulting Prophet Muhammad. If that was so, why did Singapore ban the publishing of the cartoon in Singapore’s newspapers? The ban was an action against the freedom of expression. It was not because Singapore wasn’t in favour of democracy but instead to prevent any turmoil to brew. Through all the education, people have learnt to live with other races but it cannot ensure that emotions will not be stirred when insulting comments are hurled at oneself. Thus accounting for the measures taken in Singapore.

Singer mentioned, “Without that freedom, human progress will always run up against a basic roadblock.” I would beg to differ with this statement, as there were more bad consequences than good in the practicing of freedom in Singapore. Apart from the death toll and turmoil, Singapore’s economy was affected too. A curfew had to be enforced in order to control the situation thus causing trading, businesses had to be stopped at the same time. With Singapore being such an unsafe place, business partners would stop investing here. Obviously the roadblock for human progress will be the freedom of speech instead.

Although Singer is right to say that all human should be given the right to have a mind of their own without any interference from the government or borders. Nonetheless humans have proved themselves to be unable to be responsible for whatever they said whenever sharing their views on sensitive issues. Taking the case of the two young adults that were jailed because of the racist comments published in their blogs, although it did not cause any hurt physically, the Malays were affected mentally. Upon the fact that they were not little children but adults with a mind of their own, it proved Singapore is not ready for total freedom of expression.

Thus all of us have to prove ourselves to be responsible when communication before freedom of expression can be considered. Before this happens, Szilagyi’s viewpoint is a better solution for Singapore.