Friedman’s explanation of a flat world can be
easily understood – as jobs or tasks are outsourced to different parts of the
world the world becomes more flat. People, in other words, from all over the
world can stay in their country of origin at a financial gain rather than
moving to America (Friedman, 2007). The world then becomes less spiky and more
flat as people from all over the world are given the opportunity to excel in
the same ways. Florida’s argument centers around “the explosive growth of
cities worldwide” which causes the geographical landscape to take a spiky
appearance (http://www.creativeclass.com/rfcgdb/articles/other-2005-The%20World%20is%20Spiky.pdf)
My view is that our world is progressing
towards a more flat appearance. Sure, there are countries which are booming at
an alarming rate – India is one of those countries. However, India’s booming
economy is only helping it to be on a more even field with countries such as
the United States or England, hence the flattening of the world. Florida is
referring to the world being spiky in relation to the money and power brought
about by economic changes. Conversely, Friedman’s reference to the world being
flat relates to everyone having an equal chance in the economic landscape. Both
the article by Florida and the book by Friedman continue to be relevant in
today’s world despite the gap from time written to now.
My preconceived notions in regards to the
impact of the web on my world are that the web provides a way for me to be
connected with friends, attend school, and teach. On the contrary I often think
perhaps I have become too dependent on the web in my daily life. The impact of
the web on my world is huge – finding a balance is the key! With the web the
world is at our fingertips! We can see glimpses into other parts of the world
at the touch of a button and connect with humans from across the globe. We are
learning all the while – about ourselves, about the world, and about humanity.
Sara,
ReplyDeleteYour comments suggest that according to Florida, urban centers are increasingly the beneficiary of spiky economic growth (2005). Alternatively, Friedman suggests that some urban centers such as Bangalore are more prepared to seize opportunities presented by a flattening global economy? What conditions predispose a country or urban area to seize the opportunities presented by a flattening global infrastructure? Are their attributes – either technologically, culturally, politically, or geographically -- which enhance a region’s ability to capitalize on a flattening global economy? What types of measures might certain nation states or individual regions adopt to more adeptly leverage the benefits of a global economy?
Political scientist, Harm De Blij argues that despite the flattening of global networks, geography continues to alter a countries ability to seize opportunities in a flattening world economy (2007). Specifically, his research asserts that place matters. “Earth may be a planet of shrinking functional distances, but it remains a world of staggering situational differences. From the uneven distribution of natural resources to the unequal availability of opportunity, place remains a powerful arbitrator” (Blij, 2007, p. 3). As globalization extends its reach, what obligations do we in the developing world have to those who are in “places” less adept at stimulating economic growth? My hope is that as we embrace a globally interconnected world, we also recognize that with this privilege comes an obligation of solidarity for our brothers and sisters in Christ who may find themselves in less hopeful situations or less hopeful places. The Catholic social teaching on solidarity recognizes our interconnected responsibility for just and fair treatment of our neighbors – locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Catholics who embrace solidarity necessarily commit to understanding our role as a global citizen, thereby working for respect and human dignity for all people and striving to eliminate the disparities documented by Florida and others in their thought provoking analysis on the disparities rising amid a flattening world (Himes, 2001).
Amy Novak
Blij, H. (2007). The power of place. New York, NY: Oxford Press.
Florida, R. (2005, October). The world is spiky. The Atlantic Monthly.
Friedman, T. L. (2007). The world is flat. New York, NY: Picador.
Himes, K.R. (2001). Responses to 101 questions on catholic social teaching. New York, NY: Paulist Press.
Amy,
DeleteWe definitely have a role in being a global citizen to provide respect and dignity to those who are in disparate groups across the world. I especially like your statement that as brothers and sisters in Christ we must see that not just those in our communities rather all around the world are provided with fair and just treatment. Excellent points!
In any area of the world when a country views an opportunity to stabilize or boost their economy they will seize the opportunity. Technology has made this possible in many parts of the world as people are now more exposed to the opportunities which technology offers all of us. Our program is an example of how the world is flattening as students from all across the world are brought together in one program to study leadership. Years ago an opportunity like this would not have presented itself to even some of us in the United States, let alone individuals in the various countries which come together to comprise our diverse program. Technology plays a role in a country being able to capitalize on a flattening global economy as does culture, politics, and geography. Politics and culture frequently play a role in economies around the world and whether or not opportunities are seized.
Good post, Sarah, and I like the questions Amy raise - as Will noted, neither author is totally right or wrong. Place does continue to matter...yet there is now a worldwide infrastructure that is certainly unprecedented! I take solace that the Pope now tweets! As brothers and sisters, we are even more interconnected...but it is not homogenous. As with Twitter, there are nodes and there are voids.
ReplyDeleteAmy did raise some excellent questions! I learn most from the questions my peers ask me - they urge me to stretch my point of view and see the world through a different lens!
DeleteI think the impact technology has on flattening the world is far greater than the Web as you describe. Certainly the Web has mobilized us to connect to many more and gain access to a plethora of information not otherwise so easily accessible, but what about the advances technology has created in finding solutions to issues? Technology has advanced healthcare to a new level. Water purification in third world countries is now believable. Recycling is a reality that didn’t exist 25 years ago to the extent it does today. Simulations being run on profit margins, human bodies, and construction projects all bring the world together. The world is a better place regardless if you buy into Friedman’s theory that the world is flat or Florida’s belief that the world is spiky. As I understand their theories, both have validity.
ReplyDeleteIn my profession, the flattening of the world related to solving global issues fascinates me. I probably am geographically located in one of the spikes referenced by Florida in his article about the world being spiky. At Creighton University I am blessed to witness experts in various fields expanding research due to technology. That could mean collaborations around the world. It could mean utilizing an available technology for the advancement of existing research. An entrepreneurial spirit enhances Friedman’s theory that the world is flat. Florida on the other hand makes a great point in that when financial backers can collaborate with entrepreneurial-minded people in population pockets, spikes in the economy are apt to take place. Regardless, I think both Friedman and Florida have provided solid backing for their assertions. It will be interesting to evaluate which is more accurate during the next decade.
Mary,
DeleteI appreciate your reply! You definitely bring a valid point to light - that technology far surpasses the web! There are times when I find myself viewing the world through a more narrow lens than I should - so often my world view is stretched based upon the comments I receive from my peers.
There are so many ways in which technology has changed our world - mostly for the better! Technology does help us find solutions to issues we encounter. One solution my community college has found is utilizing simulation more in our nursing program to account for a lack of clinical sites. Simulation is technology at its finest - providing a real life scenario in a safe environment. Students are given the opportunity to be flustered and scared or to shine and excel. Technology impacts all our lives - whether we like it or not, technology has changed us. Thank you again for your post!
Sara,
ReplyDeleteGreat points! Do you think that as technology enables us to become more connected with our global neighbors that this awareness necessarily requires a stronger committment to global solidarity? As we become aware of greater disparities or inequities, what is our obligation as Christians to respond to the needs identified by our technological knowledge explosion?
Thanks for your response-
Amy
Amy,
DeleteI do believe that as we become more connected with our global neighbors we will begin to foster a stronger commitment to global solidarity. Solidarity is involves "fellowship arising from common responsibilities" (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/solidarity). I believe as we become more globally connected to one another we will all see the need to enhance global solidarity. When we become connected to something that is bigger than any one of us we begin to see how important it is to foster the relationships we have forged with each other and with technology. Our obligations as Christians is to ensure we share the wealth technology has created with all our brothers and sisters - in the best ways we can. As Mary pointed out that could mean using technology to ensure safe drinking water. Attempting to touch the world with technology - not just our little corners of the world.