What is globalization?---CHEN SIYU진사우

summary:

  When it comes to globalization, my understanding is that it functions like an invisible web, tightly connecting people, goods, capital, and information from around the world. The food we eat, the phones we use, the news we watch, and even the air we breathe can all be the result of global collaboration and mobility. To me, globalization is not an abstract theory but a tangible reality in my life.

Interesting point：

The most interesting aspect is that globalization has made the world both "big and small." To call it "big" is because we have never had such easy access to products, cultures, and opportunities on the other side of the Earth; to say it "small" is because distances and boundaries seem to be disappearing, making interactions between people more convenient than ever before. This sense of contradiction is captivating in itself — we are both residents of a particular place and villagers of the "global village."

If we were to discuss this, I would particularly focus on the following three points:


First, cultural fusion and identity reconstruction. Globalization has blurred cultural boundaries, yet we listen to K-Pop, watch American dramas, wear daily makeup, yet may also be passionate about our local traditions. This blend creates a new "global indigenous" identity—where we are no longer defined by a single culture but become a blend of multiple cultures. This brings freedom of choice and occasionally leads to a sense of "who I am."


Second, economic interconnectivity and local shocks. Global supply chains make goods cheaper and offer a wider range of choices, but they also expose local industries to significant competition. I enjoy being able to buy specialty products from various countries, but I've also noticed that some small shops around me have disappeared due to their inability to compete with international brands. This deep economic interconnectedness creates a win-win situation while also concealing inequalities.


Third, virtual connections versus real detachment. The internet allows us to communicate with people far away at any time, but it may also weaken our connections with those around us. We focus on global issues and speak out for distant events, but at times we overlook our neighbors next door. This "distant intimacy and unfamiliarity" has become a delicate interpersonal state in the age of globalization.

Finally, I also want to ask, what exactly is globalization? Is it faster logistics, ubiquitous networks, or a gradually converging lifestyle? Perhaps it is more like a mirror—do we really see the entire world when we look at it, or that tiny, infinitely connected self still filled with confusion?

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