Can identifying globally lead to a sustainable future for society?
I identify as a global citizen which refers to someone who sees themselves as part of a community who helps internationally because we advocate for equality in many countries rather than only one nation. Everyone can have their own opinion on this type of discussion but I want to advise you on how you should lean towards identifying as either Globally or Nationally. Although some may argue that identifying as a global citizen contributes to cultural homogeneity, I believe that it doesn’t because it strengthens our knowledge which helps create a sustainable future for society.
I am Guatemalan & Mexican-American, when I was younger I always believed that I identified nationally because as Americans we grow up believing that we must praise our country because we are seen as the representatives. This country isn’t what everyone thinks it is, there is still inequality within our society even if we were born here. People here, mainly the government, don’t care about the people within this nation, they care about themselves and their reputation. I am American but I will not “praise” a country that doesn’t accept me as a person of different cultural backgrounds. I don’t think I can identify nationally because I’m not only American, I don’t feel like I fit the American stereotype because I am a Chapina y Mexicana. So, I will identify globally because I am willing to help internationally. As global citizens, we help each other and others around the world to create a better world. Being global citizens we can come together and help the less privileged countries that need resources. For example, foreign aid is how some countries are supporting the less privileged countries who need resources during the COVID-19 crisis. Ever since the pandemic hit every country has reacted differently and some couldn’t respond to it the way they wanted to because they lacked resources which created a bigger problem since the virus was taking the lives of many people especially people of color. If we as global citizens support these countries during these crises we could prevent those deaths and conquer these kinds of obstacles that happen. If you can help others, what else do you need, feeling that you helped others is a boost to your self-esteem and it demonstrates that you are capable of advocating for others and yourself.
As a result of supporting other countries, we are more likely to understand different cultures around the world. When I took my trip to Guatemala this past summer I was exposed to different cultures. When I visited other small towns like San Cristobal, Quetzaltenango, and San Francisco El Alto, I had a great experience and I realized in a first-person viewpoint that Guatemala is a multicultural country that has indigenous people and afro-descent communities. Having exposure to these different cultures brings us closer to the people in these countries because we view things from different perspectives. This can extend social relationships and expand diversity within countries all around the world. We truly understand cultures around the world by learning about their behaviors and perspectives. It is good to be open-minded and learn about other cultures because it can also benefit us as a whole and that way there is equality in the world. By contrast, national citizens can’t acknowledge other cultures or countries because they are a closed community that solely focuses on common aspects like nationality or ethnicity. For example, national citizens can be thought of as selfish because they only focus on the issues within the country and believe in having one culture. Those who identify nationally are patriots but that can also lead to negativity because they believe that if they share what they have there won’t be one nation alone. Here some may object that excessive focus on other countries rather than their own can contribute to cultural homogeneity. This can lead to everyone having the same culture and therefore, it’s better to think nationally. They are right — this is a problem. Therefore, instead of thinking nationally, we should figure out how to provide cultural awareness without combining all cultures, that way there is still diversity. For example, we can celebrate traditional holidays from around the world and create more restaurants with cultural foods so we can all enjoy la Comida deliciosa, from street tacos to Wonton soup.
This will result in collective actions, such as to fight for equality, that includes equal distribution of resources to poorer countries and exposure to different cultures. We have to come together as people with different backgrounds and become the world’s most diverse group. Doing this will make us stronger individuals and our countries better. We will not lose our other identities along the way instead we are adding more to become stronger.
