Our globalising economy

There is a principal question that I’ve been considering for some time now.

Whose responsibility is it to make the world a better place; to support the third world and eradicate poverty, to create opportunity for those who, by fate of birth, are in developing countries where opportunity is limited?

The capitalist points the finger at the state, and everyone else (the state included) points their finger at the multinational corporations (MNCs). Through hegemonic existence, the MNCs are an easy target — they have the capital, they are (in some instances) the ones utilising labor in developing countries, why shouldn’t they be held responsible — it’s the easiest excuse to make for one’s self because it does, theoretically, make sense. Blame doesn’t solve anything.

I struggle to support the accusation against economic growth, that the degradation of human living conditions are entirely the fault of MNCs and globalisation, and therefore they should be the ones fixing the problem.

By the same token, I do not see a long term capacity for solitary prosperity in an economic, social or environmental context without the prosperity of all three components. Disregarding the morality of prosperous practice for each (it’s impossible for me to glorify capitalism over looking after human life), I think the finger should be turned right around and face each and every individual — as we all have the capacity to change the lives of others. The MNCs are bringing us economic prosperity, jobs, innovation. Let’s stop battering them, and instead work cohesively (or independently if necessary) to better the conditions of others, rather than expecting someone else to do it.