Lesson 3c

Many people around the world are very globally aware. They know what happens in other parts of the world, and in the ways that they can, they try to change it. They are responding to global issues and issues that result from globalization; all of them to a different degree or to a different issue. Not everyone will react the same way when they learn of torture in a third-world country, but deciding to make a difference in the life of one of those victims is what matters.

We can work to help people in other countries through many different means. By being a consumer, you can choose to buy fair-trade coffee, and the grower of the beans will get his fair share of the profits, which means he will be able to buy his family dinner tonight.

By becoming a part of civil society through community groups, NGOs, etc., you can make a difference by working towards goals set out by you and your group, and many groups in this sector of society have great influence on larger, even more influential groups, such as governments or groups like the UN.

Businesses and governments are also working towards goals that they have set. Some corporations have adopted ISO standards, to protect both the environment and their workers. Transnationals hold a position of power also - they are more than capable of making a difference in the world if they try hard enough. The government also holds a position like this - should they decide to change our countries to achieve their goals of fairness and equity, they are in a great position to reinforce a law like this.

Finally, I don't think it's how much we respond to issues caused by globalization, it's just that we do. No matter how small, I think that every action can make a difference.