Globalization and Starbucks

You know... I have to say that I am of mixed feelings about the concept of Globalization.

I agree 100% that the destruction of cultures in the name of progess is reprehensible. Western culture is particularly insidious; it is seen by many as the 'civilized' world, and many countries want to not only emulate but also participate in Western culture... opening the doors for the horrifying spectre of a McDonald's in Piazza Rotunda last year. I am frightened that the merging of cultures (really, the encroaching of Western ideas on the rest of the world) might result in the disappearance of local cultures everywhere. (I'm not convinced this is inevitable but for the sake of argument I can state vehemently that if it happened, this would be tragic.)

However, if the concept of Globalization is understood as an opening of communication, a sharing of ideas and concepts and/or a breakdown of stereotypes and misunderstandings throughout the world, with easier access to others' cultures and ideas... and if it all is approached with care, then I applaud it.

As with the advent of any new thing, it is the application of the technology or concept that matters, not the thing itself. Arguments could be made for the good and bad in almost every concept or invention throughout history -- from the big giant stick that could be used both as a weapon to beat one's neighbor or as an oar to row a boat, to nuclear power which has the potential to destroy us all, or power entire countries -- and Globalization is just as potentially terrifying, and potentially wonderous.

Bottom line... I dread the day Starbucks worms its way into Rome (though at home I visit it three times a week or more), and I hope countries worldwide don't get caught up in the game of trying to "keep up" by installing Western versions of all things in their cities and their lives. The danger lies in the potential for destruction of cultures around the globe.

On the other hand, I have faith that people will hold to their senses of identity (another slippery concept) and will still be Italians, still be Turkish, still be Germans, whether drinking a glass of wine or eating an order of fries.

I hope.....

New Directions

I've been writing on various slips of paper for a number of years the following goals:

• Travel, Write and Teach
  
• Run writing retreats in Italy
• Learn Middle Eastern Dance
• Speak Italian
• Travel in Turkey
• Write movies
• Write books
  

All of which seemed normal and doable - and so, I did them. And continue to do them. But there was this other goal...

• Be Peter Bergen... wait, what?
  

Obviously I don't want to really be Peter Bergen - that would be silly, and impossible. What I want is to do what he does, or what I imagine he does based on reading his books and hearing him speak.

To that end I finally applied for and was accepted into a PhD program at the University of New Mexico to study... cultural theory, terrorism - the history, the mindset, the groups, the way they shift and eventually become entities other nations will deal with - and how 'othering' is accomplished through word and image in media, and what are its inevitable results. What I intend to do with this degree is write about, teach, and become an expert on those subjects. (See, there's the tie to Peter Bergen - tenuous as it is. I'll be an expert on terrorism in the Middle East, an expert on othering, and will theoretically be called by CNN or other news orgs to give my two-cents worth. Would love to be interviewed on Foreign Exchange, too, once I actually have something to say.)

I set up this blog spot specifically to have a space for my thoughts on various political and cultural issues as they came to me. I subsequently wrote nothing in it for a year.

I'm back. The PhD program will provide me with not only a place to learn and explore new concepts and ideas, but will generate a ton of new thoughts about the world we live in, the way it's shaping up and breaking down, and how it seems to be moving inevitably toward... well, maybe the only thing that's inevitable is the future. We'll see how it works out.

I'm excited that we'll see the first black American president in three months, and I'm apprehensive and hopeful both about the way the world is moving. Peace talks seem to be replacing bombs in some areas of the Middle East; and on the streets of Afghanistan, women still can't show their faces.

Paradox.
It's at the center where we'll find the truth.

Until next time....

Answering Fareed

Greetings!

If all goes well, this blog will be updated each week a few days after I receive and process my Newsweek Magazine. I have been reading and watching Fareed Zakaria since I read his book The Future of Democracy. I think he's brilliant, and he more than anyone has been fueling my ever-growing interest (my friends call it an obsession) with politics around the globe. I will attempt to address ideas/concepts he discusses in his editorials, and I welcome others' comments as well.

And this won't only be about those issues/events.

My fascination with the world political scene started before I found his book. And my interest - though it covers politics and political systems in general - is centered in what we call the Middle East, and in Russia. Therefore most of what is posted here will involve events and situations in those areas, as well as inevitably addressing how the U.S. and its policies are affecting the world.

More of my writings on various subjects can be found here http://tlc-travels.blogspot.com/ (travels through Italy) and here http://tlc-home.blogspot.com/ (mostly holdovers from my travels, thoughts on Globalization and other subjects).

And my business website is http://www.inkwell-inc.biz/ for anyone who'd like to see more of what I do.

Talk to you all in mere days, when I get through this week's Newsweek!

Teresa

PS -- Oh, and about the dance part. I have done Middle Eastern dancing for many years. Give me a drummer and a small space to move, and I'm content. Since my political interest and my dance interest meet in the same place, I will often comment on the dance and music coming out of the Middle East as well.