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This image shamelessly swiped from http://www.everythingbutcomputers.net. I neither promote nor discourage use of this site. I just liked the image. The Global Village: Must our world-wide reach be at the expense of our local communities?
Without question, the global village has changed the way we look at our relationships. Because of technology, people are able to share experiences with people all over the world. This sharing of experiences leads to a greater sense of community. Through the internet, you can develop associations, or even a form of friendship with someone you may never meet, in a continent you may never visit. Obviously, the input from different influences can help create a more rounded, globally aware individual, and many would agree that's a great thing. The question remains, however; is it a good thing? There are negative consequences to our expanding ability to reach beyond our communities; namely, we tend to routinely reach beyond our communities. Consider the following: Instead of going to the local bookstore, people have become more comfortable with ordering books online through outlets like amazon.com or virtual used bookstores like alabris.com. People have become comfortable with ordering clothing online through their favourite major clothing store, and people more frequently turn to their virtual associates during free time. Meanwhile, local stores are closing down and traditional areas of gathering remain empty. It seems ironic that the attempt to save a buck (purchasing online from a high volume distributor) may actually cost you many bucks (fewer jobs in your area) in the long run. Your challenge is to write a FULL PAGE, SINGLE-SPACED RESPONSE to address the following questions: Has the development of the global village resulted in a decay of our local communities? Support your answer. If you feel that we have lost something locally, your challenge is to discuss whether or not we need to work harder to regain it. Some may be eager to embrace the traditional sense of community, but others may consider its decline a fact of life - some things endure, others go by the wayside when newer, better things emerge. If you feel that we now have the best of both worlds - a thriving local environment and a lively extended community, then discuss the benefits of this phenomenon, and offer suggestions for the future of this situation - how do you think the global village should expand next? A FULL PAGE, SINGLE-SPACED RESPONSE. Enjoy!
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