Globalization is a term that I hear frequently in many aspects of my everyday life. To better understand globalization, I felt that it would be best to conduct a little personal research into its true meaning. The term globalization has a futuristic ring to it. I have always found that the best way to look forward is to first look backwards. As we have all heard so many times in our lives, history is cyclical. Although we continually progress, most of the core problems in our society tend to reappear in one form or another.
To further understand the meaning of the term globalization, I opted to first look into the past. I have a favorite dictionary that was given to me by the owner of a company that I still am employed by today. Unfortunately, Mr. Kenneth Haynie Sr. passed away about ten years ago. The Winston College Dictionary that he gave me, which was printed in 1947, did not list the word. The word global was listed and defined as follows, “Sperical; taken as a whole or in a lump; as global tonnage of a navy; pertaining to the world as a whole or to the whole surface of the world; as a strategy of war” (Winston). I can only assume that the fact that this dictionary was written and published shortly after WWII might have had some influence on its definition of this word. Next I looked up this term in my husband’s desk dictionary printed in the seventies, only to find the term global defined succinctly: “Worldwide, comprehensive, general globality.” (Miriam Webster) Finally, I turned to a current dictionary and found the following definition of globalization: “The process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a global network of communication, transportation, and trade, increasing the connectivity of the world” (Miriam’s world dictionary 2010). This gave me a better understanding of the term.
I conducted a quick search on the University of Evansville’s library multi-search engine for globalization. The results were overwhelming. This simple entry turned up over 28,000 academic options, over 15,000 electronic journal options, another 35,000 options from JSTOR, over 1,000 options from the New York Times, over 10,000 options from Project Muse, and World Cat offered over 97,000 articles. I would say that over the past thirty or so years the topic of globalization has become a hot topic (Libproxy@evansville.edu).
With this information, I felt that I could now take a closer look at the theory of globalization. Is this really such a new theory, or is it simply newly defined? I am inclined to believe that although globalization is a relatively new term, its meaning is as old as time itself. My first thought is that travel and forms of communication regionally, as well as throughout the world, have existed as long as there has been the any form of life on our earth. We are the newcomers on a planet that has a history yet to be fully discovered.
I have taken a brief look back to about forty million years ago, a time that, as we are now aware, whales were freely swimming in our oceans-perhaps I should say their oceans. Science shows us that these early mammals instinctively migrated over 12,000 miles round trip to ensure their survival. They were certainly successful. Indeed, they are still in existence today. This very early example of globalization shows these mammals fully understood and utilized this entire planet as their home. They only took what they needed for survival and left the rest untouched.
Humans contemplate many questions regarding their race: Where did it all begin, how did we come to be the stewards of this great world of ours, who is responsible to teach us what is best for our world? And finally, what is it really all for? Although these questions are important to ask, more often than not they only complicate our lives. The answers to our questions are all around us. Nobody can really survive as an island, we must connect with others to flourish. It is important that we find ways to use our resources. We must be willing to change and grow with the times to preserve our future. It is necessary that we show respect and take care of our mutual home, because it is the land that we share. If things were as simple as the life of a whale, perhaps our world would be a little less complicated.
As humans we have developed and adapted to our environment socially, physically, economically, and emotionally. We have adopted a variety of beliefs and faiths that are of great importance in our lives as well as an important part of the diversity that makes our world rich with culture. Perhaps we have worked so hard to build and perfect our own cultures that we have lost focus of where we have come from, the human race to which we all belong.
Pointing to our past connections, current studies suggest that the American Cherokee Indians may have migrated to North America as ancient Hebrews. They have been referred to as “The lost tribes of Israel.” The web site www.history.com is currently documenting an ongoing study involving DNA testing. However, the DNA has become so convoluted, making it very difficult to either prove or refute these theories (www.history.com).
I propose that globalization is not as much about the connectivity of our world, but the re-connectivity of our world. We need to find the best way to reconnect for the betterment of all of the citizens in our world. As we have developed cultures and nations in our own right, we have further divided ourselves as a people. Some have grown to be very powerful cultures, while others have maintained a simpler way of life showing a moderate amount of progress.
In order for each of our individual cultures to grow, we have had to organize. Some have become far more complex than others creating strong political systems such as the type of democracy that we as Americans enjoy. Other cultures are very basic, such as a small tribe that organizes with a single leader at a time to protect and preserve their way of life. Each would have established rules and penalties to maintain order and stability. All cultures have a plan to protect themselves against any outside threat. Some use a modern military force, while others resort to less sophisticated procedures to protect the future of their culture.
Globalization is not neutral and unproblematic as many would believe. It stands to reason that as each society grows many see a need for an increased amount of land to not only sustain themselves, but to grow stronger and more powerful. As cultures assimilate they build power. A goal of every society is to have a stronger economy, military, and political system. One society grows at the expense of another resulting in many being left in impoverished, vulnerable conditions, and virtually forgotten by the rest of the world. We all have the responsibility to view the effects of globalization both analytically and critically. We have a responsibility to look beyond the propaganda.
We are not all a part of the same global culture with the same values. It is unfair to diminish less powerful cultures and religions to create a super powerful global culture. Humans disagree, become contentious, and even kill one another over religion. It is wrong to eliminate other religions or to ignore traditions that have been a basis for any civilization. This is necessary to ensure a stronger global economy.
As some nations become more powerful than others, it only stands to reason that a lack of balance regarding opportunities for the citizens of the world is the result. When respect and understanding of other religions and cultures are overlooked, who then can we depend on to ensure that we are each kept free of the manufactured controversies that are created as a result of globalization?
Every successful society has a propensity for discovery and growth. Currently we are faced with wars without end, economic problems, and huge cultural changes within our society. The world economy is changing from industrial, to technological, to global at a very rapid pace. The state of the economy tends to set the tone for the citizens. Real power comes when the natural desire to dominate another culture is curbed. The focus can then be to learn from one another and find better methods of building and improving the quality of life for all people.
In the seventies Coca-Cola, a major international corporation had an advertising campaign depicting people from around the globe singing “in perfect harmony” while sharing a coke and a smile. This is, I believe, to be an unrealistic blending of cultures, not the “real thing.” The reality is that a high and influential number of people refuse to be accepting of others who are different from what they perceive themselves to be. A Hasidic Jew holding hands with an 80 year old rape victim from the Congo, holding hands with a Lakota Indian gang member, holding hands with a severely deformed victim of war, holding hands with an openly gay HIV positive individual, all singing in perfect harmony would be a better representation of true respect and acceptance of one another. In today’s society, we are clearly lacking in this regard.
Our global economy is suffering. It is believed that greed and social imbalance has been a major factor in our current failures. These imbalances have further divided the classes of our world citizens creating an environment of mistrust and blame. Who is feeling the greatest effects of these failures in our world economy? Without a doubt, the poorest of the poor are suffering more than ever before.
In prosperous times most would agree that nearly every progressive society has benefited from the labor of immigrants. According to The Christian Science Monitor, an article entitled Global doors slam shut on immigrants, “The number of people living outside of their country of birth is larger than at any time in history, in part because it has never been easier to communicate and relocate.” “The United Nations Population Division (UNPD) estimated that the world has about 200 million international immigrants. If they created their own country, it would become the fifth largest in the world” (Christian Science Monitor). This is quite remarkable, as so many of the people in our world see themselves as living in a heterogeneous society. Most of us tend to have an innate and somewhat natural propensity to project nativism reflecting a desire to live in a more homogenous society. The article goes on to state, “Much of the resistance to outsiders stems from familiar fears: that immigrants will take jobs, tax services, increase crime, and alter national identities.” (Christian Science Monitor)
Most economist agree that we need immigration. Some say that it is the lifeblood that drives our countries. More often than not, we see a very open sentiment against non-white immigrants. These fears have ebbed and flowed throughout our history. Currently however, we are faced with two major problems; one being that our economy is nearly as bad as it has ever been in modern history, second being that we have the highest number of illegal immigrants within our population than ever in our history.
I recently attended the University of Evansville International Speaker Series presentation of a conversation with Dr. Khaled Hosseini. Dr. Hosseini is the author of the “Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” He was born in Afghanistan and at age eleven relocated to Paris and eventually moved to the United States. I was very impressed by his passion for humanity. He and his family are citizens of the United States, but would love to visit his homeland as a family. Although he travels to Afghanistan to provide humanitarian assistance, he knows that his birth country is very unsafe and chooses to not take his family at this time.
Afghanistan has been wracked by wars for many years. The lack of stability has forced a great number of its citizens to leave the country seeking refuge in nearby nations. As Afghan citizens return to their homeland they are finding themselves exposed to numerous dangers that threaten their very survival. Many are faced with the tragedy of not being able to provide their families the most basic necessity of a roof over their heads. Dr. Hosseini explained that Afghans are very proud and caring people. They love to invite visitors into their homes, no matter how modest their living conditions may be. To share simple cup of tea with good conversation is very meaningful in the Afghan society. Not being able show this simple gesture of kindness is humiliating to them.
In the notes that I took during this conversation with Dr. Hosseini I quoted him as explaining: “Most people would prefer to be in their native homeland if the opportunity existed.” Not being able to fulfill the basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and a safe place to rest creates a necessity for people to cross boarders and become immigrants. As odd as it may sound, many people think of immigrants as imperialist. This is not a realistic viewpoint. Most immigrants don’t leave the land that is home to take from another their motive is usually for survival. The imperialist are the “Great Nations” that take over and oftentimes wreak havoc on other countries, usually in the name of humanity.
It is easy to see why people are frustrated. When we are faced with high unemployment and poverty rates, most natural or naturalized citizens feel that they should be taken care of first. I propose that we take a look at what it takes to be a great leader. If we are a stronger nation then perhaps we can lift up other nations to be stronger and self sufficient as well.
As listed in the book “Lincoln on Leadership” by Donald T. Phillips, some of Lincoln’s principles for leading with integrity are listed as follows:
* Refrain from reading attacks upon yourself so you won’t be provoked.
* Remember that truth is generally the best vindication against slander.
* Do the very best you know how, the very best you can, and keep doing so until
the end.
* The probability that you may fall in the struggle ought not to deter you from
the support of the cause you believe to be just.
* Give your subordinates a fair chance with equal freedom and opportunity for
success.
* When you make it to the top, turn and reach down for the person behind you.
Leaders lead best when they are servants and when they are willing to give back to others. An effective leader will take the time to completely listen to others, even if others are not comfortable expressing their personal point of view. A truly effective leader will take the time to ask others to fully explore options that can contribute to their collective success. A leader who leads with integrity must be brave and unafraid of confrontation, for integrity shows greatest under pressure (Lincoln on Leadership).
I have faith in mankind, I may not always agree with “the man,” yet ultimately I believe that our world will continue to improve. I am aware that we cannot impose social change, as change has to come from within a society. By being a good example and by sharing the tools that we know will create success, perhaps we can assist in the improvement of our world. Our globality ultimately depends on this. A strong sense of community and an attitude of caring about today and all of our tomorrows can make our world a better place. We are all citizens of the world and that is just as important as being citizens of our own community. Nothing that we do is too small, everything matters. This I believe to be the real thing.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Root and the Meaning of Culture
A summarized definition of culture is the specialized behavioral patterns, understandings, adaptions, and social systems that make up a group of peoples way of life. Culture is learned, not biological. The level of learning is affected by age, sex, status, or occupation. We are all born into certain, already defined cultures based on learned behaviors ranging from the language spoken to the tools used or games played. We, as the human race, have historically seen the possibilities of improving or utilizing the natural landscape that is our environment to make the quality of our lives easier to manage.
Our ancestors in the Paleolithic ages struggled to survive using basic skills as hunters and gatherers, and then advanced to the Mesolithic ages transitioning to a culture that produced many of their own sources of food by domesticating plants and animals making better use of their natural resources. Our ancestors were progressive and formed the viewpoint that they as people, not the environment, were the forces to bring cultural development. This brought about the innovative period known as the Neolithic ages. With the use of new innovations to make daily survival less difficult they were afforded more leisure time to accelerate the development of culture.
Over thousands of years we have had a desire to improve the quality of our lives. By making these improvements, we have had to communicate with and learn from others. We have found or designed shelter to protect us from the natural elements of our local environment. We have buried our loved ones either above or below ground as our environment would allow. To be successful and coexist, we have learned for the most part to understand and respect the diversity of people within our society. I have always felt that we must be aware that we are citizens of the world as well as the communities in which we live. We must learn to take care of our natural resources and be mindful that there are limits to the carrying capacity of our environment. We require food sources and safe drinking water to meet our most basic needs. For success in the advancement of our world, we must be mindful to use our moral compass as well as a mechanical compass for proper direction in our world development.
As there have been generations before us, there are sure to be many generations to follow. We must accept as our responsibility the need to protect our planet earth and to preserve all that is valuable as a necessity for the survival of mankind and all of its diversity.
Our ancestors in the Paleolithic ages struggled to survive using basic skills as hunters and gatherers, and then advanced to the Mesolithic ages transitioning to a culture that produced many of their own sources of food by domesticating plants and animals making better use of their natural resources. Our ancestors were progressive and formed the viewpoint that they as people, not the environment, were the forces to bring cultural development. This brought about the innovative period known as the Neolithic ages. With the use of new innovations to make daily survival less difficult they were afforded more leisure time to accelerate the development of culture.
Over thousands of years we have had a desire to improve the quality of our lives. By making these improvements, we have had to communicate with and learn from others. We have found or designed shelter to protect us from the natural elements of our local environment. We have buried our loved ones either above or below ground as our environment would allow. To be successful and coexist, we have learned for the most part to understand and respect the diversity of people within our society. I have always felt that we must be aware that we are citizens of the world as well as the communities in which we live. We must learn to take care of our natural resources and be mindful that there are limits to the carrying capacity of our environment. We require food sources and safe drinking water to meet our most basic needs. For success in the advancement of our world, we must be mindful to use our moral compass as well as a mechanical compass for proper direction in our world development.
As there have been generations before us, there are sure to be many generations to follow. We must accept as our responsibility the need to protect our planet earth and to preserve all that is valuable as a necessity for the survival of mankind and all of its diversity.
"All the Single Mothers"
As I was once a very young single mother, I completely understand the limits faced by any single parent. We have a responsibility to offer improved opportunities benefiting the children of single parent homes. Our society should provide better and more affordable childcare for those with the greatest need. Nearly everyone wants to be self-sufficient and offer the best opportunity for success to their children. It isn’t always a case of having a lack of ambition; in many circumstances it is a lack of opportunity with far too many obstacles in our way.
According to the most recent U.S. census data, working women under the age of thirty are out-earning their male counterparts. The caveat is that most of these women are childless. These statistics create or perhaps confirm a new form of inequality, not so much regarding sex but familial status. The responsibility to be the sole provider of the basic necessities of life requires a much higher than average income for a single person. If a person is also a single parent, on top of the additional financial responsibilities, he or she has the added emotional and physical pressure of all daily decisions and task that will impact their family. Many times these decisions and task have to be managed with fewer and less desirable options.
Although I am frustrated when I see discrimination and biases against single mothers, I do understand the hardships that having a single mother on staff can present. There tends to be a higher absence rate, which can disrupt the productivity schedules within most companies. Many metropolitan cities offer numerous options for public transportation to their citizens; and more companies currently offer on-site childcare programs making life easier for their employees, both allow for greater possibilities to a single mother. A highly determined single mother would benefit by improved laws in place offering greater opportunities for success rather than by simply adding entitlements.
As a society, we oftentimes fail our children by overlooking their basic needs. I feel that the absent parent should be held accountable both fiscally as well as emotionally to support their children. Our country is facing a crisis caused by the high number of fathers that walk away from their families. When a father fails to live up to his responsibilities, first his children, then our entire society suffers. My hope for the future is that educational opportunities are made available and presented to young women creating a greater awareness of the difficulties faced by single mothers. Being fully responsible for our own lives is a serious matter; the added responsibility of an innocent child is beyond compare. Our future depends on the decisions of our youth. It is our responsibility to offer the best opportunities giving the children of our country every tool available to ensure a stronger, more prosperous, and secure nation. This is our moral responsibility.
According to the most recent U.S. census data, working women under the age of thirty are out-earning their male counterparts. The caveat is that most of these women are childless. These statistics create or perhaps confirm a new form of inequality, not so much regarding sex but familial status. The responsibility to be the sole provider of the basic necessities of life requires a much higher than average income for a single person. If a person is also a single parent, on top of the additional financial responsibilities, he or she has the added emotional and physical pressure of all daily decisions and task that will impact their family. Many times these decisions and task have to be managed with fewer and less desirable options.
Although I am frustrated when I see discrimination and biases against single mothers, I do understand the hardships that having a single mother on staff can present. There tends to be a higher absence rate, which can disrupt the productivity schedules within most companies. Many metropolitan cities offer numerous options for public transportation to their citizens; and more companies currently offer on-site childcare programs making life easier for their employees, both allow for greater possibilities to a single mother. A highly determined single mother would benefit by improved laws in place offering greater opportunities for success rather than by simply adding entitlements.
As a society, we oftentimes fail our children by overlooking their basic needs. I feel that the absent parent should be held accountable both fiscally as well as emotionally to support their children. Our country is facing a crisis caused by the high number of fathers that walk away from their families. When a father fails to live up to his responsibilities, first his children, then our entire society suffers. My hope for the future is that educational opportunities are made available and presented to young women creating a greater awareness of the difficulties faced by single mothers. Being fully responsible for our own lives is a serious matter; the added responsibility of an innocent child is beyond compare. Our future depends on the decisions of our youth. It is our responsibility to offer the best opportunities giving the children of our country every tool available to ensure a stronger, more prosperous, and secure nation. This is our moral responsibility.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Technology in our world today...a few of my thoughts
How to use Technology and not be abused by it
I remember my first important job and the amazing technology that made my great accomplishments possible. I was about five years old when I started my career as an imaginary professional; sometimes writer, sometimes secretary. I would sit at my grandmother’s desk and type away for hours on a huge caste iron typewriter. The only time that I would take a break would be to make a very important imaginary telephone call on a phone that was just as antiquated. With all of the pleasure that I found hunting and pecking on this amazing piece of machinery I was certain that I would enjoy a bright future doing amazing things. When I look back now, all that I can say is “we’ve come a long way baby.”
I have worked at a local travel agency for over twenty years. This agency was started over seventy years ago by our current owner’s grandmother. Mrs. Haynie utilized pretty much the same technology that I used in my first job. Mrs. Haynie began her business with a typewriter, a telephone, and on occasion a lithograph. With these tools Mrs. Haynie was able to build an incredible business by fulfilling the dreams of seeing the world for many amazing people.
Now fast forward to the eighties when technology has grown by leaps and bounds. The personal services which once consisted of phone calls to many different places in the world confirming specific details for client’s, has become an environment of nearly all communication being handled electronically. Now travel agents have become facilitators of supply and demand. Most luxury travel has fallen to the wayside making room for mass transportation. Today travel consultants are rarely referred to as professionals.
We no longer type personal itineraries for our clients. Nor do travel consultants type airline tickets and validate them on semi-precious metal plates from the airlines. Today we talk less, email more and rarely print on paper. Although I greatly appreciate the savings of our natural resources, we have stepped away from many of the personal aspects of business. We tend to stay connected with our clients electronically. This means of communication has even carried over into our personal lives, as we tend to communicate with friends and family via social networking sites. Oftentimes while sitting at our desks at work we use the internet to post on Facebook, play video games, and to instant message our friends. Sometimes employees post information regarding corporate policies with a total disregard for professionalism which could warrant job termination. Many professionals feel they are justified in using the workday in this manner as a tradeoff because they are connected electronically to their jobs twenty-four hours a day.
Many travel less for business because they can now go to meetings via a website. One can talk to a person on their smart phone and at the same time text or email another person. When we are hungry we can tell our smart phone and be given instant options of many places to eat, including directions as well as menus. We can easily do this sitting at our desk. Unfortunately, too many of us use this technology while we are driving our cars risking our lives as well as the lives of others.
In our personal time we rarely write privately in our journals, we now blog on the world wide web for the entire world to see. We are more about expressing ourselves and less about listening to and understanding others. I recently asked my son where they plan to live when they move to Pittsburgh. His reply was to simply pick up his “Driod” and to speak his new address into it. He then turned the screen around for me to view. I saw a satellite view of Pittsburgh dropping like a rocket right in front of his new home. He then took me on a virtual tour of his street. As impressive as it was, I could only be thankful that my beautiful granddaughters were not “safely” playing outside when the video was made to facilitate what some believe to be necessary technology.
I am amazed that in our thousands of years of history how far we have advanced in the most recent thirty years. I feel we should all understand the need to communicate should the availability of electronics disappear, even if it is just for a short period of time.
I remember my first important job and the amazing technology that made my great accomplishments possible. I was about five years old when I started my career as an imaginary professional; sometimes writer, sometimes secretary. I would sit at my grandmother’s desk and type away for hours on a huge caste iron typewriter. The only time that I would take a break would be to make a very important imaginary telephone call on a phone that was just as antiquated. With all of the pleasure that I found hunting and pecking on this amazing piece of machinery I was certain that I would enjoy a bright future doing amazing things. When I look back now, all that I can say is “we’ve come a long way baby.”
I have worked at a local travel agency for over twenty years. This agency was started over seventy years ago by our current owner’s grandmother. Mrs. Haynie utilized pretty much the same technology that I used in my first job. Mrs. Haynie began her business with a typewriter, a telephone, and on occasion a lithograph. With these tools Mrs. Haynie was able to build an incredible business by fulfilling the dreams of seeing the world for many amazing people.
Now fast forward to the eighties when technology has grown by leaps and bounds. The personal services which once consisted of phone calls to many different places in the world confirming specific details for client’s, has become an environment of nearly all communication being handled electronically. Now travel agents have become facilitators of supply and demand. Most luxury travel has fallen to the wayside making room for mass transportation. Today travel consultants are rarely referred to as professionals.
We no longer type personal itineraries for our clients. Nor do travel consultants type airline tickets and validate them on semi-precious metal plates from the airlines. Today we talk less, email more and rarely print on paper. Although I greatly appreciate the savings of our natural resources, we have stepped away from many of the personal aspects of business. We tend to stay connected with our clients electronically. This means of communication has even carried over into our personal lives, as we tend to communicate with friends and family via social networking sites. Oftentimes while sitting at our desks at work we use the internet to post on Facebook, play video games, and to instant message our friends. Sometimes employees post information regarding corporate policies with a total disregard for professionalism which could warrant job termination. Many professionals feel they are justified in using the workday in this manner as a tradeoff because they are connected electronically to their jobs twenty-four hours a day.
Many travel less for business because they can now go to meetings via a website. One can talk to a person on their smart phone and at the same time text or email another person. When we are hungry we can tell our smart phone and be given instant options of many places to eat, including directions as well as menus. We can easily do this sitting at our desk. Unfortunately, too many of us use this technology while we are driving our cars risking our lives as well as the lives of others.
In our personal time we rarely write privately in our journals, we now blog on the world wide web for the entire world to see. We are more about expressing ourselves and less about listening to and understanding others. I recently asked my son where they plan to live when they move to Pittsburgh. His reply was to simply pick up his “Driod” and to speak his new address into it. He then turned the screen around for me to view. I saw a satellite view of Pittsburgh dropping like a rocket right in front of his new home. He then took me on a virtual tour of his street. As impressive as it was, I could only be thankful that my beautiful granddaughters were not “safely” playing outside when the video was made to facilitate what some believe to be necessary technology.
I am amazed that in our thousands of years of history how far we have advanced in the most recent thirty years. I feel we should all understand the need to communicate should the availability of electronics disappear, even if it is just for a short period of time.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Do What You Are
Personality Type: ESTJ
Described profile as: Very Accurate
It is not always easy to agree with science when it comes to our personal insights. I have always felt that we, myself included, tend to have a greater awareness of others personality types than our own. As I read the “Understanding Gloria” section of this report, I clearly can see that there must be a vast amount of accuracy in the science involved. I do not agree fully with the results of the test. The areas that I differ were probably close to the fifty/fifty markthat could go either way, still making this a fair assessment.
I am outgoing, responsible, and very strong willed. I most definitely learn better when working as part of a group. Most people see me as quite confident, I see myself as poised, but not always so confident. I have very little tolerance for injustice. It was difficult to read about myself as one that may sometimes interrupt or bluntly step on peoples’ toes without even realizing it. This is, as well a very accurate description of how I relate to injustice, especially social injustice. I have taken on a great amount of responsibility in my life and have always placed a lot of pressure on myself to be successful. I have had difficulty feeling confident that I can fully depend on others. This has created what can appear to others as a lack of trust in those whom I must depend. The events and experiences in my life have written many of the scripts of behavior that I follow. It can only be my decision to be more relaxed and have faith in those in my life both personally or professionally.
I do become bored and frustrated with too much theory and long discussions about things that may never happen. I consider my time to be too precious to waste on matters that I feel are of little importance to me. I hold myself fully accountable for my actions and expect others to do the same. I have made many mistakes in my life and am certain that I will inadvertently make more as I continue to find my way in this world. The area that I have made great personal improvement’s, is being able to admit that I am wrong or have made a poor choice. The inability to admit fault is a trait that many in my family have, I consider this to be a huge character flaw that I never want to see within myself.
As my weaknesses, I do agree that I sometimes act swiftly and firmly, as I feel the situation may require. I absolutely disagree that I may be too serious, and not friendly or enthusiastic enough in conversations. I am very certain that this is not the case. I am consistently charged by my peers as being too bubbly and overly enthusiastic. I am firm and speak with great clarity when it is necessary to defuse a situation or when addressing a serious matter. I am open minded and want to be assured that I have gathered and taken into full account all of the necessary details when making a decision. I consider it impossible to arrive at a fair result without the above mentioned details.
My preferred learning style does require interaction with other students. I enjoy the feedback of others, because I respect their insight. I may not always fully agree with their beliefs, but I do my best to fully understand their reasoning. My personal and professional growth comes directly from these experiences. Becoming a student as I am so close to turning fifty is a wonderful experience. A good grade is important to me, but it is more important that I have made a choice to improve my life and to be a great example to others of what can be achieved.
I have never seen myself as being as rigid as is depicted in my type profile. I may tend to conceal the seriousness that is within me when relating to the world as an “actress” would. I have spent the majority of my adult life in some form of direct sales. The responsibility of assisting another with the expenditure of their discretionary income, no matter the amount, is an important responsibility and should be treated as such. I feel that I accomplish this without compromising the need to show and feel compassion for others that are depending on me to do my job with integrity.
A final and very important point that I would like to make is that I feel completely blessed being a part of this particular “Global Leadership Cohort.” I have made new friends that have treated me with the greatest amount of respect. They have at times kindly pointed out some of my weaknesses, and I have respected their input with appreciation allowing me to continue to grow both in my education and personally. Nothing can compare to this experience.
Friday, March 19, 2010
New Writing Assigment, Opinion Paper on Vasco Da Gama
Gloria Barnett
GLS 414
March 22, 2010
A Taste for Spice Could Change the World
With a great desire to better understand the world in which he lived, Vasco Da Gama studied and became proficient as an astronomer, mathematician, and navigator. He was known for his firmness and fortitude. Vasco Da Gama was a very intellectual man with great courage; he even fought in wars against the Castile in his youth. Prior to his discovery of the sea route to India, most of Europe had been racked by war. England and France had been fighting for over 100 years, destroying much of their land as well as the lives of many. Famine and disease, especially the Black Death, great political instability, and financial crises had tormented all of Europe for generations. The fearless explorations of Da Gama changed history, possibly saving Western Europe from being taken over as another conquest by the Ottoman Turks or their ilk. The success of Vasco Da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India contributed to the rapid development of trade in the 1500s and beyond.
A sea route to India was transformative for Portugal and most of Western Europe. The success of a civilization requires communication outside of the boundaries of Western Europe. Without Vasco Da Gama’s great intellect and bravery, this feat could not possibly have been achieved. It could be argued that another person may have easily taken his place had he never existed. I must admit that I initially had those thoughts when beginning the research for this writing assignment. It became very clear, however, that it would have been virtually impossible to duplicate what Da Gama accomplished with the same successful outcome. His plan was an almost perfect recipe for success to which he was the key ingredient. Da Gama was blessed with not only a desire to learn, but also a very influential family at the perfect time in history. This was the very beginning of the age of discovery and exploration. Perhaps fifty or even 100 years later, another may have taken on the task with a similar desire, but many things would likely have already changed within the world, diminishing the opportunity for success.
New technology such as lens grinding for eye glasses, telescopes, and the magnetic compass for navigation were just being introduced to Europe at this time. This was perfect timing for sea exploration. Gunpowder, which was introduced from China, had recently become available as well. This revolutionized warfare by making cannons and firearms available as a tool for battle. There was a new motivation for wealth and a desire for wealthier lifestyles by common citizens. It had become well known that many highly desired commodities were being traded through treacherous areas blocked by the Ottoman Turks. A new route had to be discovered...so, in about 1497, “A Portuguese captain, Vasco Da Gama, was commissioned by his king to find a route to India” (252). His discovery was less expensive and ultimately safer than the original land route. Without the ability to tap into the industry of buying and selling spices, gold, and silks along the silk routes controlled by the Turks, Portugal and all of Western Europe would likely have become weak, leaving them open to takeovers by more powerful and wealthier countries. Had Da Gama not discovered the sea route, many European countries might have lost their abilities to sustain themselves, much less to grow to be contenders in the international trade market.
Vasco Da Gama undertook this endeavor with a crew of 170 men, most of whom were released from local prisons or from the drudges of society. He had to contend with fears of the virtually unknown. Many in his crew had concerns about sea monsters and were fearful of their vessels falling off the edge of a flat earth. There were many uncertainties that they faced as they sailed through uncharted waters for nearly a year. Their vessels were wooden ships averaging about eighty feet long. Their rations were meager at best. Da Gama had the advantages of being a well educated soldier who attended the Portuguese court and of the ability to speak several languages, which allowed him to contend with the most adverse conditions. He was also a master of physics, geometry, and astronomy and had fearless spirit of confidence that rarely existed in his time. His strong leadership earned him the respect and allegiance of his crew members who were content to do their duty with great hopes of earning honor within their homeland, and they succeeded.
The Portuguese began to trade with Asia, breaking the Venetian monopoly. This discovery helped build wealth throughout much of Western Europe. Banks in Italy and Germany profited by financing Da Gama’s early explorations. Many of the goods obtained through use of the sea route were shipped to port cities in Northern Europe such as Antwerp, many of which profited as much as if not more than the Portuguese. Access to these new luxury goods boosted the commerce of Western Europe, stimulated manufacturing, and instilled a sense of hope in a society that had long been oppressed by feudalistic standards. Capitalism became the “ism” of the future, in a sense, allowing people to put many of the difficulties of medieval Europe behind them.
The newfound strength of Western Europe helped push the Turks back to the easternmost parts of Europe, affording Western Europe the freedom to grow and become the most relevant contender in the world economy. Hundreds of years after Da Gama’s death, we are still influenced by the same standards by which he lived, strength, perseverance, nobility, and a strong desire to be educated. Without the early endeavors of Vasco Da Gama we as a society, may have never experienced many of the freedoms we enjoy today. If we did not have the freedom to utilize international trade, our international economy would be severely off balance. Our world would likely be different had it not been for the great accomplishments of Vasco Da Gama known as the Admiral of the Indian Ocean.
Work Cited
Roberts, J. M. A Short History of the World. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993
GLS 414
March 22, 2010
A Taste for Spice Could Change the World
With a great desire to better understand the world in which he lived, Vasco Da Gama studied and became proficient as an astronomer, mathematician, and navigator. He was known for his firmness and fortitude. Vasco Da Gama was a very intellectual man with great courage; he even fought in wars against the Castile in his youth. Prior to his discovery of the sea route to India, most of Europe had been racked by war. England and France had been fighting for over 100 years, destroying much of their land as well as the lives of many. Famine and disease, especially the Black Death, great political instability, and financial crises had tormented all of Europe for generations. The fearless explorations of Da Gama changed history, possibly saving Western Europe from being taken over as another conquest by the Ottoman Turks or their ilk. The success of Vasco Da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India contributed to the rapid development of trade in the 1500s and beyond.
A sea route to India was transformative for Portugal and most of Western Europe. The success of a civilization requires communication outside of the boundaries of Western Europe. Without Vasco Da Gama’s great intellect and bravery, this feat could not possibly have been achieved. It could be argued that another person may have easily taken his place had he never existed. I must admit that I initially had those thoughts when beginning the research for this writing assignment. It became very clear, however, that it would have been virtually impossible to duplicate what Da Gama accomplished with the same successful outcome. His plan was an almost perfect recipe for success to which he was the key ingredient. Da Gama was blessed with not only a desire to learn, but also a very influential family at the perfect time in history. This was the very beginning of the age of discovery and exploration. Perhaps fifty or even 100 years later, another may have taken on the task with a similar desire, but many things would likely have already changed within the world, diminishing the opportunity for success.
New technology such as lens grinding for eye glasses, telescopes, and the magnetic compass for navigation were just being introduced to Europe at this time. This was perfect timing for sea exploration. Gunpowder, which was introduced from China, had recently become available as well. This revolutionized warfare by making cannons and firearms available as a tool for battle. There was a new motivation for wealth and a desire for wealthier lifestyles by common citizens. It had become well known that many highly desired commodities were being traded through treacherous areas blocked by the Ottoman Turks. A new route had to be discovered...so, in about 1497, “A Portuguese captain, Vasco Da Gama, was commissioned by his king to find a route to India” (252). His discovery was less expensive and ultimately safer than the original land route. Without the ability to tap into the industry of buying and selling spices, gold, and silks along the silk routes controlled by the Turks, Portugal and all of Western Europe would likely have become weak, leaving them open to takeovers by more powerful and wealthier countries. Had Da Gama not discovered the sea route, many European countries might have lost their abilities to sustain themselves, much less to grow to be contenders in the international trade market.
Vasco Da Gama undertook this endeavor with a crew of 170 men, most of whom were released from local prisons or from the drudges of society. He had to contend with fears of the virtually unknown. Many in his crew had concerns about sea monsters and were fearful of their vessels falling off the edge of a flat earth. There were many uncertainties that they faced as they sailed through uncharted waters for nearly a year. Their vessels were wooden ships averaging about eighty feet long. Their rations were meager at best. Da Gama had the advantages of being a well educated soldier who attended the Portuguese court and of the ability to speak several languages, which allowed him to contend with the most adverse conditions. He was also a master of physics, geometry, and astronomy and had fearless spirit of confidence that rarely existed in his time. His strong leadership earned him the respect and allegiance of his crew members who were content to do their duty with great hopes of earning honor within their homeland, and they succeeded.
The Portuguese began to trade with Asia, breaking the Venetian monopoly. This discovery helped build wealth throughout much of Western Europe. Banks in Italy and Germany profited by financing Da Gama’s early explorations. Many of the goods obtained through use of the sea route were shipped to port cities in Northern Europe such as Antwerp, many of which profited as much as if not more than the Portuguese. Access to these new luxury goods boosted the commerce of Western Europe, stimulated manufacturing, and instilled a sense of hope in a society that had long been oppressed by feudalistic standards. Capitalism became the “ism” of the future, in a sense, allowing people to put many of the difficulties of medieval Europe behind them.
The newfound strength of Western Europe helped push the Turks back to the easternmost parts of Europe, affording Western Europe the freedom to grow and become the most relevant contender in the world economy. Hundreds of years after Da Gama’s death, we are still influenced by the same standards by which he lived, strength, perseverance, nobility, and a strong desire to be educated. Without the early endeavors of Vasco Da Gama we as a society, may have never experienced many of the freedoms we enjoy today. If we did not have the freedom to utilize international trade, our international economy would be severely off balance. Our world would likely be different had it not been for the great accomplishments of Vasco Da Gama known as the Admiral of the Indian Ocean.
Work Cited
Roberts, J. M. A Short History of the World. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Missing my father on the anniversary of his passing
A favorite story of my life has very little to do with me. It is a simple observation that I have made in the past year. I remember walking along side my house in late summer 2008 and noticing a bright blue bird nest in a shrub near my walkway. I thought that it was so beautiful and pointed it out to my parents, who were living with me at the time.
Their comments took me by surprise. It appears that this act of kindness has been an enjoyable little aspect of both of their childhoods. Each of my parents told me that their respective mothers would purposefully lay out bright little threads or strings for birds to utilize during the nest building season. They always enjoyed seeing their contribution decorating the homes being built to protect a family of birds yet to be born. My mother continued to do this throughout her life though I never knew.
After my father’s passing, I once again had a similar discussion with my mother and her neighbor about the colorful bird nest. I was amazed to hear that my mother’s neighbor loved to do the same thing. She would place threads outside on the ledge of her office window. She as well enjoyed the experienced of seeing her contribution to a newly built nest near her view.
It has occurred to me that we live our lives in so very much the same manner. We offer threads to those who are willing and interested enough to pick them up and make them a part of their lives. Much like a tapestry of the people we become, yet adding a protective and loving support system. These threads can be used to make others lives a bit softer and more secure. They can add hope and instill a desire for a better life or foundation to grow on. We cannot force our gifts on others, they are simply left for those who seize the opportunity by accepting a gift of love.
I hope that I am leaving threads worthy and interesting enough for those whose lives I hope to touch. I pray that they make the best of my meager offerings and find a way to enhance their lives and remember the small part I played in it. I am thinking of the passing of my father one year ago, and feeling grateful for the threads that he left behind. I am proud that I had the fortitude to pick up at least some of those threads and add them the woman I have become. Thank you Daddy!! I love you, as I am you, a part of the legacy of love that you have left in this world.
We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Thank you again for the threads Daddy…no regrets!!!! You are our one true love!
~Gloria February 20, 2010
Their comments took me by surprise. It appears that this act of kindness has been an enjoyable little aspect of both of their childhoods. Each of my parents told me that their respective mothers would purposefully lay out bright little threads or strings for birds to utilize during the nest building season. They always enjoyed seeing their contribution decorating the homes being built to protect a family of birds yet to be born. My mother continued to do this throughout her life though I never knew.
After my father’s passing, I once again had a similar discussion with my mother and her neighbor about the colorful bird nest. I was amazed to hear that my mother’s neighbor loved to do the same thing. She would place threads outside on the ledge of her office window. She as well enjoyed the experienced of seeing her contribution to a newly built nest near her view.
It has occurred to me that we live our lives in so very much the same manner. We offer threads to those who are willing and interested enough to pick them up and make them a part of their lives. Much like a tapestry of the people we become, yet adding a protective and loving support system. These threads can be used to make others lives a bit softer and more secure. They can add hope and instill a desire for a better life or foundation to grow on. We cannot force our gifts on others, they are simply left for those who seize the opportunity by accepting a gift of love.
I hope that I am leaving threads worthy and interesting enough for those whose lives I hope to touch. I pray that they make the best of my meager offerings and find a way to enhance their lives and remember the small part I played in it. I am thinking of the passing of my father one year ago, and feeling grateful for the threads that he left behind. I am proud that I had the fortitude to pick up at least some of those threads and add them the woman I have become. Thank you Daddy!! I love you, as I am you, a part of the legacy of love that you have left in this world.
We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Thank you again for the threads Daddy…no regrets!!!! You are our one true love!
~Gloria February 20, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
