Globalization: What do you think?

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nelison
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Post by nelison »

In my opinion the greatest thing globalization has done is that is has allowed us to have more knowledge of the world around us. In my opinion it gives us more choice (though I've had this debate with my TA a number of times as she feels it gives us less choice) in our daily lives and allows individual expansion.

The technological aspect alone of globalization is immense. The economic side currently derives from neo-liberalism, and much of the exploitation that Kermit mentionned comes from governments, NOT corporations. Don't forget, it is the nation state that decides what type of rules they would like to enforce in their country, and all countries have the ability to outlaw slave labour.

In my opinion, globalization is nothing new, it has simply grown exponentially since WWII.
I can't wait until the day schools are over-funded and the military is forced to hold bake sales to buy planes.

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reza
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Post by reza »

Long Jonny wrote:so many of the things which you probably consider to be good are actually the product of globalization.

Example:

I'm sure you would consider a microwave to be a good thing. (I know this isn't the best case, i'm just showing it the easiest terms).

The case for the microwave may be made in Kentucky
The electronic element of it might be made in Japan
The heating components may be formed in China
Assembly could take place in Mexico.

I consider a microwave as something that is helpful to me. Therefore, in a sense, globalization is actually a good thing.

Now I know that doesn't represent the whole argument of Globalization, I'm just giving a pro to come out of globalization.

There are so many things around us that are the product of globalization- you may just not realize it.


Yeah, that's all great. but the problem occurs when the company that makes the microwave moves the assembly plant to mexico just to save money on labour, thus explointing the people. There's nothing wrong with making something in a different country, it stimulates your economy as well as the other countries, but there are a lot of human rights issues that come along with moving a factory to a third world nation.

**Points towards Nike**
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nelison
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Post by nelison »

but companies are just playing by the rules... it's the fault of the governments.
I can't wait until the day schools are over-funded and the military is forced to hold bake sales to buy planes.

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reza
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Post by reza »

Not really, there are laws against child labour that multinational companies must follow. These corporations or businesses choose to go into (for example) Malaysia and pay children 5 cents a day.
The rules are set, but they're being broken.
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nelison
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Post by nelison »

it's because MNC's are given large areas in which they do not have to abide by national law. They're called EPZs (Export Processing Zones) and governments give these areas to companies to ensure that their citizens get jobs. It is ultimately the government's choice as to whether they want to let laws slide for certain companies.
I can't wait until the day schools are over-funded and the military is forced to hold bake sales to buy planes.

"It's a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself. Makes you wonder what else you can do that you've forgotten about"
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reza
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Post by reza »

The companies should also be held accountable, it's not like they can't pay the labourers what they deserve, or hire adults. You can't just pin it on the government.
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nelison
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Post by nelison »

Sure you can. Companies are only playing within the rules. Sure it's ethically wrong, but it is legal because the governments are allowing it to be legal.
I can't wait until the day schools are over-funded and the military is forced to hold bake sales to buy planes.

"It's a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself. Makes you wonder what else you can do that you've forgotten about"
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