Globalisation is a phenomenon that has taken over the world in the 21st century. It is characterised by increased interconnectivity and interdependency of nations with each other making it a Global Village.
We, as students, are only brought to light about the positive side of globalisation in our course books and from our teachers. As a nation, we are largely unaware of the numerous setbacks of this phenomenon. One of the major negative outcomes of globalisation is that it threatens and undermines the local culture.
The norms and value system of the Western culture is infiltrated as the dominant culture of the world. Moreover, the farmers in the under-developed countries, much similar to our agricultural based economy, find their jobs threatened by the highly subsidised crops from USA.
Globalisation is creating a polarity between the upper and lower classes despite the claim that it is beneficial for all. This can be gauged from the fact that the annual revenue of Microsoft is more than the collective GDP of Africa. Globalisation advances material values over other values such as the concern for the environment or life itself. Survival of local industries and local investors is severely threatened by globalisation.
The cruel consequences of globalisation are increasingly undermined. It is making the basic necessities of life expensive with time and destructive technology such as mobile phone cheaper with time. This is surely something to think about.
YUMNA RAFI
Karachi
