Chapter Thirteen: Social Change And Pressing Issues

Chapter Thirteen Social Change And The Pressing Issues Of Our Timeas

Chapter Thirteen: Social Change and the Pressing Issues of Our Time As we continue to debate health care in our country, worldwide, several issues globally affect billions of people. This issue has been largely ignored by our media. A Larger Killer than Conflicts …….From the World Health Organization (WHO) one billion people lack access to health care systems about 11 million children under the age of 5 die from malnutrition and preventable disease AIDS/HIV has spread rapidly: 32.8 million are estimated to be living with HIV. tuberculosis kills 1.75 million people each year. There are roughly 8.8 million new cases each year. malaria causes more than 300 million acute illnesses and at least one million deaths annually. 600,000 die of typhoid each year. half a million die annually from measles. lower respiratory tract infections kill 4 million globally every year. diarrheal diseases are the second-leading cause of infectious disease deaths. someone in the world is infected with TB every second.

Discussion Question

Why do you think that these illnesses have not captured the attention of the American public even though we are more connected to the rest of the world than in any other time in history? How does globalization factor into this discussion? Explain.

Paper For Above instruction

The persistent global health issues outlined by the World Health Organization reveal a significant disconnect between the severity of these diseases and the level of attention they garner within the United States. Despite the undeniable reality that we are more interconnected than ever, with rapid communication and travel facilitating an intertwined world, these pressing health crises remain relatively underreported and underrecognized in American public discourse. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, each intertwined with the dynamics of globalization and media coverage.

One fundamental reason for the lack of awareness about these health crises is the geographical and cultural distance that often separates the American public from these issues. Many of the diseases listed, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and typhoid, predominantly harm populations in developing countries located far from the borders of the United States. The concept of geographical proximity strongly influences media coverage and public concern; issues closer to home or perceived as directly affecting American interests tend to receive more emphasis. Consequently, health crises in distant regions may be seen as less urgent or relevant, leading to a phenomenon where global health issues are overshadowed by domestic concerns.

Another contributing factor is the media landscape itself. The American media, driven significantly by commercial interests, tends to prioritize sensational stories and issues that directly impact their audience’s daily lives. Stories about local crime, politics, and economic issues often overshadow global health crises unless an event occurs that directly impacts American citizens, such as the emergence of a pandemic. Moreover, with the proliferation of entertainment and social media, narratives that do not fit into immediate domestic interests often struggle to remain prominent in the public consciousness.

Globalization has a complex role in shaping this disconnect. While it has undoubtedly increased our connectivity—facilitating international travel, trade, and the rapid spread of information—it has not necessarily translated into greater awareness of distant health crises. In fact, globalization can contribute to the geographical and cultural distancing of these issues. The rapid movement of goods and people across borders often emphasizes economic and political interconnectedness but may simultaneously obscure the ongoing health struggles faced by less-developed regions. As global networks expand, media and policymakers may focus more on issues that threaten economic stability or involve immediate security concerns, such as terrorism or migration, rather than ongoing health emergencies.

Additionally, globalization can lead to information overload, where consumers are flooded with news from around the world but are selective about what they engage with. Responsible coverage of global health crises requires substantial resources and prioritization, which may not always be available or deemed worthwhile from the perspective of media outlets driven by viewership and profitability. Consequently, while globalization theoretically increases awareness of international issues, practical limitations in media coverage and public engagement can diminish the impact of this interconnectedness.

Furthermore, cultural perceptions and media framing influence which issues are highlighted. Many Americans may view foreign health crises as distant problems that do not personally threaten their well-being, leading to a form of emotional and cognitive distancing. This psychological barrier reduces the motivation to seek out or value information about these diseases, even as globalization brings the world closer physically and economically.

In conclusion, the limited recognition of global health issues within the American public despite increased connectivity is rooted in a combination of geographic, media, and perceptual factors. Globalization enhances our ability to connect with distant regions but does not automatically foster awareness or concern for international health crises. Addressing this disconnect requires a deliberate effort from media outlets, policymakers, and educators to frame global health issues as interconnected with our own well-being, fostering a more empathetic and informed global citizenry.

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