There is no doubt that globalization is a continuing force that envelopes us all, each and every day. It would be impossible to count the number of ways it impacts my life. Still, I wonder, is it good or is it bad?
Because of globalization, I have access to the same produce at my local grocery store year round. I can enjoy my favorite Mango-Pineapple smoothie when it is far too cold to grow mangoes and pineapple in the United States. But why, I ask, does my smoothie taste better in the Summer months than it does in the Winter? It has nothing to do with the weather outside, and yet it has everything to do with it. It doesn't matter the time I consume my smoothie, but the freshness of the fruit used. Yes, globalization has allowed me access to mangoes and pineapple in the Winter months, but under the condition that freshness has been sacrificed. Either, the fruit is picked prematurely and arrives at my local grocery store not quite ripe, or the fruit is picked at its peak of freshness and arrives over ripened. This sounds petty, I know, but if globalization can have an affect as this on the quality of a smoothie, don't you think it could do the same (or more) to our daily lives?
Let's continue on the topic of food, shall we? McDonald's. It is safe to say that McDonald's is a globalized company and they have worked hard to be, but there is now a price to be paid that McDonald's isn't paying. Overall, their food is cheap and it is almost easier to access than a chewed up piece of gum found on the side of the street. As the number of McDonald's increases, so does the number of obese children. Could this be a coincidence or do these numbers work hand-in-hand? There is no denying that today's world is fast-paced and we all need ease and convenience, but has McDonald's and other fast food restaurants of the like, made it too convenient? I say yes. It is far easier for parents to pick up some burgers or a box of pizza on their way home from work than it is to make anything at home. The lights are flashy and the sign-holders' dances are just a little too fun, that we are drawn to the deals and discounts going on at the restaurants. This isn't entirely the fast food industry's fault, and it isn't entirely the consumer's either. It's a combination of them both (with some help from globalization as well). Globalization has set a standard of Go, Go, Go and Bigger is Better. It has almost sped up the world, the days have become shorter and the number of things "needed" to survive have increased. Before, it was enough to own a cell phone and you were considered cool if you had the game "Snake" on it, but now, if you don't have an iPhone or Android with all the latest apps and games, how are you even surviving? New inventions--bigger and better than the last--are reaching the market every single day and globalization makes us believe we need it. Globalization gives me a "Utopian" feel, that we all must have everything and be equal in every way, but is it worth it? Is it worth the price we must pay and the sacrifices that must be made to be equal?
Globalization isn't all bad, I am often a fan and take advantage of it daily. Even though it's not as fresh, I do thoroughly enjoy a Mango-Pineapple smoothie in the middle of winter and McDonald's combo number ten sometimes hits the spot, my iPhone is usually in my pocket, but like all things, globalization should be taken in moderation.
No comments:
Post a Comment