What is globalization?——WANG SIWEN

Reflecting on Globalization: Connections, Culture, and Challenges

Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I do is reach for my phone—a device assembled in China, running an American operating system, and powered by a Korean chip. Next, I might brew a cup of Colombian coffee, slip into sneakers made in Vietnam, and watch a video by a British YouTuber while eating breakfast. It all feels so natural that we rarely pause to consider: this is the most tangible manifestation of globalization.

Globalization is often simplified into the concept of a “global village,” as if the world were merely a collection of places connected by technology and trade. But to me, globalization is far more than that—it is a profound transformation that is redefining cultures, economies, and personal identities.

A New Landscape of Cultural Globalization

Today's youth freely traverse diverse cultures, forging entirely new identities. My sister enjoys Japanese anime, Korean pop music, and Chinese classical-style songs simultaneously—she feels no conflict, but rather sees this cultural fusion as perfectly natural. Social media platforms make such cultural exchange more direct and instantaneous. A Turkish dance video might spark a viral trend in China, while a Spanish-language song could top the Billboard charts in the United States. Culture is no longer confined to geographical origins but has become a globally shared resource. Yet cultural globalization also raises new questions. As American films, Japanese anime, and Korean pop music dominate global markets, are other cultural voices being marginalized? Are we moving toward genuine cultural diversity, or are we creating a new form of cultural homogenization?

Technology: Accelerator and Divisive Force of Globalization

Technologies like artificial intelligence and the internet are accelerating globalization at an unprecedented pace. Language barriers are gradually being overcome by translation software, knowledge flows globally at an unparalleled speed, and remote collaboration has made multinational teams the norm. Yet technology may also exacerbate global inequality. While Silicon Valley tech elites discuss “technological accelerationism” and disruptive innovation, vast populations worldwide lack basic digital access. The technological divide may be emerging as a new global frontier.

The Paradoxes and Challenges of Globalization

Globalization presents an intriguing paradox: we are more interconnected than ever before, yet nationalism and protectionism are simultaneously on the rise. While some embrace openness and integration, others call for a return to local roots and cultural purity. Economically, globalization has generated immense wealth, yet its distribution remains profoundly unequal. Multinational corporations seek out the lowest costs and largest markets worldwide, but labor standards and environmental regulations are often eroded in the competitive scramble.

Education's New Mission in a Global Culture

Faced with this landscape of globalization, education must rethink its mission. Merely imparting knowledge is no longer sufficient; we need to cultivate global citizens capable of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. This entails not only learning foreign languages but, more importantly, developing cultural sensitivity, a global perspective, and critical thinking skills. I have encountered individuals who master English grammar flawlessly yet struggle to comprehend communication styles rooted in different cultural contexts. True global literacy must transcend technical proficiency to reach deeper levels of understanding and respect.

Globalization for Everyone

Ultimately, globalization is not some distant macro-process detached from our lives, but one shaped by each of our daily choices. From the products we consume, to the content we share, to how we treat people from different cultural backgrounds—we are all writing the next chapter of globalization. Globalization brings unprecedented opportunities alongside formidable challenges. It opens doors to a wider world while demanding we rethink our identities and values. What we need in this journey is not simple acceptance or rejection, but critical engagement and creative reshaping. Perhaps the true meaning of globalization lies not in whether we are connected, but in how we choose to connect and what kind of world we aspire to create through those connections.


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