Global Citizen Perspective
As populations have grown and more inventions are made around the world with new technology, the time is now to connect with each other and collaborate our ideas and inventions to make the world a better and more efficient place. In this 21st century a technological explosion has occurred around the world where new groundbreaking technology and discoveries are made commonly. When you think about the discussion of being a global citizen versus a local citizen is how local citizens want to solve problems and focus mainly on their own country; whereas, a global citizen is open to the rest of the world in help and trade to better everyone and expand globalization. In my opinion, I strongly believe that the USA along with all other countries need to come together and work together. I am a global minded citizen because I have a heart for others and always willing to give a helping hand to someone in need. Being a global citizen means someone who is aware of and understands the wider world — and their place in it. I believe countries should share ideas and discoveries with other countries; however, I think this should be done to a certain extent where countries aren’t releasing all secrets and resources but I think it is right to help countries in need. Although some may argue that focusing only on their country with a local citizen mindset is the best way to solve global problems, global identity allows help and resources to be provided to others to improve their lives on a global scale.
Some of you may be wondering why I am a global citizen and I am going to explain my reasoning. I believe I am a global citizen because of where I have grown up and the people who have impacted my life in a way where my eyes have been opened. Being born and raised in Southern California, I have grown up with diversity all around me because of how Los Angeles and California in general is a hub for relocation and travel. My best friends and teammates growing up were a mix of all different races and ethnicities and to be frank, I never thought of any of them differently than the rest. I see people as people. Taking this to a more personal level, I am a mixed American mixed with White, Hispanic, Hawaiian, and African American so I have ties to many different races and ethnicities with many traditions. Many of these traditions have very similar values and common themes throughout the different races which is which is why I believe most people have similar values in general but traditions may differ.
One of the major factors that shaped my view on my opinion on global citizenship versus local citizenship is growing up seeing the homeless population under every overpass and on the side of every freeway. Seeing these individuals and families all living in tents and tarps as I drive by looking out the side of my window made me wonder why their lives were different than mine. Why were they treated and viewed differently? Why did they deserve to live there with nothing and nowhere to sleep? This engendered thoughts about why people aren’t focusing the money and technology around the world on creating better lives for these individuals. Why people were not more active in focusing their money and time for all people less fortunate around the world.
People around the world and honestly in our cities still have stereotypes and beliefs about people of different races. This is a major problem in the world where people automatically have a target on their backs in a sense due to something that they can’t control. There is an immediate reaction and belief that these individuals are different from others. This is a major problem to this day and changes needed to be made to see people all as one without the initial perception of people based on their looks.
When I think about this topic, I find myself thinking about others before thinking about myself. Even though our country can focus on ourselves first to fix our problems or better our lives, I believe we should also expand to helping third world countries that need help. When you think about our lucky and blessed our lives are in comparison to people’s lives in Africa and other places where they don’t know where they will find their next meal, you realize that our abundance of resources can be useful in huge ways towards these people.
On a personal note, whenever I think about the term “globalization,” the movie Black Panther immediately pops up in my head. In the movie, at first the Wakandans didn’t want to share with the world their vibranium to protect their secret country and out of fear of what others would do with it. In the end of the movie, the Wakandans were willing to spread their resources to the world and share their lives.
No matter where individuals are from, people are people, and being a global citizen means you understand this and have respect for all people no matter their race, ethnicity, or origin. Even though I believe most people are localized global citizens, meaning that they want to better their lives first but also help others, being a global minded citizen frames a way of thinking to engender actions that help people around the world. It is a way of taking action in not only a national way to better our country but an international way to help others as well. With all of our advances in technology and the increase of people around the world, having a global mindset can help countries solve problems together. These are reasons why I identify as a global citizen rather than a local citizen and my thought process regarding this discussion. After thinking about this topic, there is no right answer to this discussion but rather one’s own perception and perspective.
