Globalization: Waist not, Want not...

In this ever expanding world, nothing stays the same for too long. I am a construction management student at California State University-Chico, and for me I want to change the world. The technology used today in the construction industry will change the world on how buildings are planned, designed and constructed. I am part of the next generation of construction managers where I use a computer to create a 3D model of a project, 4D scheduling/sequencing, and 5D cost management/estimating. Eliminating cutting down forests for print new sets of plans and paper for changes to plans. With the world expanding so fast it’s hard to recognize some of our greatest cities and landmarks. Globalization is everywhere but is that such a bad thing. Cities are growing and people are traveling. In expanding, do we lose sense of our own culture? Is this topsy-tervy world do we have to look for the flaws in globalization to see its true benefits? Taking architectural masterpieces from other cultures and applying it to our own buildings.

During my studies at CSU-Chico I took a literature class where we read different novels from authors like Ishiguro, Mukherjee, and Rushdi. All these artists had the same concept of the world being as one, only to find out through lives changes that there is good mixed in with the bad. Realizing that the world is not what it once was and change is inevitable. Globalization is that same way, where we experience new things in our own backyard. In the sense of adapting our architecture to those of other cultures, we eventually become one and the same. Architectural styles not completely different from one another but complementing one another to make things better.

These authors demonstrate a firm understanding of adapting to the world instead of ‘love it or leave it’ scenario. In the novel “An Artist of the Floating World,” written by Kazua Ishiguro. The portrayal of globalization has the power and opportunity to reduce the scarcity in the world. This is expressed when the author says, “I had no idea that supplies would remain so scarce.” (Ishiguro, pg 11) Whereas; one part of the world has a shortage the other has an over abundance of supplies. With international trade the balancing of trade goods can supply those who need them. This is a good thing as well as a bad thing. Outsourcing labor to areas where it’s cheaper to make a profit. In the same sense its able to lower the prices of supplies throughout. Mass production could be a stimulus to a poverty stricen society. On one hand were losing jobs to outsourcing but were not willing to live in an area that’s ridded with factories and warehouses.

Just like a coin, globalization has two sides. One bad, one good. In the short story ‘East, West: The Prophet’s Hair’ written by Salman Rushdie.  He makes the statement that ‘some people are willing “at all costs” to get what they want.’ (Rushdie, pg 50) most corporations are willing to take full advantage of globalization. Which means that unlike the United states, other society doesn’t have labor laws and minimum wage rates. So a worker could work eight hours or more a week only for a few cents a day. The character novel ‘Jasmine’ written by Bharati Mukherjee said it best when he said “I go the point. He needed to work here, but he didn’t have t like it.” (Mukherjee, page 153) Basic survival is more crucial then any wants or needs. Outsourcing labor is a major part of globalization and it has its ups and downs. It suppresses our growth and inhibits theirs. This way of thinking is very narrow minded. Yes, at the time being outsourcing labor to other parts of the world is hurting us but it’s also expanding the knowledge of everyone else. The balancing of resources is never a bad thing. Eventually once that society is able to operate without help they will be able to create and expand their own supplies and eventually will be able to contribute to everyone. Globalization maybe bad for a short time but in the long run it could be a blessing in disguise.

Globalization is a wonderful thing. Rob Burton said in his novel ‘Artists of the Floating World,’ that globalization is “an evolving dynamic that requires choices and responsibilities for those who, willingly or not, participate in it.” (Burton, page 126). Globalization is a strong power to balance and manage. Abuse it and terrible things will happen. Neglect it and the next person will push you out of the way. Helping others for the good of mankind is the best way to go. It doesn’t allow too much power to be possessed at one time. Instead its used to help other countries to get more stable.