Can a constructive intercultural dialogue be developed before the tensions caused by globalization inflame intercultural tensions?
Friedman acknowledges that one of the greatest threats posed by globalization is that it intensifies intercultural tensions. These tensions derive from economic competition and the way it creates new winners and losers, but this is only one part of the problem. Significant differences in cultural values that were easier to ignore in a less connected world have become more pronounced, generating irritation, jealousy, and, in some cases, acts of violence. Cultural differences are not easy to navigate under the best of circumstances, and increased economic competition only makes this more problematic. One can see in our own society how a globalized economy has generated feelings of animosity towards other cultures that are perceived as having benefited from the movement of American companies overseas.
Who shall take the lead in developing the kind of open and constructive dialogue that is essential to effectively manage intercultural tensions? Corporations with vested economic interests in globalization lack the credibility to do this because it's too easy to dismiss their efforts as motivated by self-interest. Politicians supporting unfettered free trade often fail to address the attendant issues of intercultural conflict that globalization generates. Politicians concerned with the negative effects of globalization too often retreat to protectionist solutions that increase the tensions between cultures. Religious leaders, in many cases, respond defensively to protect traditional religious beliefs and values. Academics want to wait until more studies have been published before entering the fray. Unfortunately, in too many cultures, speaking out for open and tolerant dialogue with "outsiders" just isn't is "cool". Any volunteers?
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2 comments:
At the risk of seeming shamelessly self-promoting, I volunteer public libraries (at least in the United States) as being a forum for civil discussion for many of these delicate issues. One of the main purposes of this Regional Read is to offer people an opportunity to read and participate in what could become a global discussion. I firmly believe that in order to have a good dialogue, everyone must be invited to the table. For many of us, that concept is hard to swallow.
I am teaching a course on The World is Flat at New Hartford Senior High School. The course is a combination of the traditional economics and participation in government curriculum, but we are exploring these issues through the lens of what Tom Friedman calls Globalization 3.0.
The idea of an increase in intercultural dialogue is difficult for students to get their minds around. They have grown up in a world that is very "America Centered" and will have to adjust to the changing global realities. While there are many Indians going to accent neutralization classes in an effort to sound more American, my class somewhat rebelled at the idea of having to go to night school to learn Hindi or Mandarin Chinese.
Globalization is a reality that cannot be undone at this point. Students have to understand that the big picture of globalization actually increases the overall wealth of Americans even though it may cause some disruption to employment in specific industries.
The 21st century will be a century where the center of wealth creation will likely shift away from Europe and the United States to East and South Asia. The intercultural dialogue you mention is a skill our students will be forced to develop as the economic center of balance evolves. I stress the need for students to adapt and learn in my classroom. They will have to become more adept in an intercultural dialogue to survive in the business world of the 21st century.
I believe that the answer to fostering greater intercultural dialogue and minimizing tensions lies, as it does with so many other issues, in education. Hopefully my students will leave my class with a greater understanding of these issues than they entered with.
P.S. I am looking for some guest speakers for my classes. If anyone is interested or knows of any good candidates please let me know. I can be reached at cabdoo@nhart.org. Thanks.
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