The Importance Of Becoming A Global Citizen 071511
The Importance of Becoming a Global Citizen
Prior to beginning work on this assignment, read the A Model of Global Citizenship: Antecedents and Outcomes article and watch the Globalization at a Crossroads (Links to an external site.) video. Go to the Ashford University Library and locate one additional source on global citizenship that will help support your viewpoint, or you may choose one of the following articles found in the Week 1 Required Resources: From Globalism to Globalization: The Politics of Resistance Globalization, Globalism and Cosmopolitanism as an Educational Ideal Transnationalism and Anti-Globalism Reflect: Please take some time to reflect on how the concept of global citizenship has shaped your identity and think about how being a global citizen has made you a better person in your community.
Write: Use the Week 1 Example Assignment Guide Download Week 1 Example Assignment Guide when addressing the following prompts: Describe and explain a clear distinction between “globalism” and “globalization” after viewing the video and reading the article. Describe how being a global citizen in the world of advanced technology can be beneficial to your success in meeting your personal, academic, and professional goals. Explain why there has been disagreement between theorists about the definition of global citizenship and develop your own definition of global citizenship after reading the article by Reysen and Katzarska-Miller. Choose two of the six outcomes of global citizenship from the article (i.e., intergroup empathy, valuing diversity, social justice, environmental sustainability, intergroup helping, and the level of responsibility to act for the betterment of this world). Explain why those two outcomes are the most important in becoming a global citizen compared to the others. Describe at least two personal examples or events in your life that illustrate the development of global citizenship based on the two outcomes you chose. Identify two specific general education courses. Explain how each course influenced you to become a global citizen. The Importance of Becoming a Global Citizen Must be 750 to 1,000 words in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style, as outlined.
Paper For Above instruction
The concept of global citizenship has become increasingly relevant in the context of globalization and technological advancement. To understand its significance, it is essential to distinguish between "globalism" and "globalization." Globalism refers to the ideological or philosophical perspective that promotes the interconnectedness and interdependence among nations and cultures, emphasizing a shared global identity. Conversely, globalization is the process driven by economic, technological, and political changes that facilitate the integration of markets, societies, and cultures worldwide. While globalism is a worldview advocating for global unity, globalization is the phenomenon that actualizes interconnectedness through trade, communication, and cultural exchanges (Reysen & Katzarska-Miller, 2015). Recognizing this distinction helps clarify debates about the impact and direction of global interconnectedness.
In an era characterized by advanced technology, being a global citizen offers numerous benefits that can facilitate personal, academic, and professional success. Digital connectivity allows individuals to access diverse perspectives, educational resources, and global networks that were previously unavailable or limited. For example, engaging with international online communities enhances cross-cultural understanding, which is crucial for success in a competitive global job market. Furthermore, being a global citizen fosters adaptability and cultural sensitivity, skills highly valued in many careers. On a personal level, it cultivates a sense of empathy and responsibility toward global issues such as climate change, inequality, and human rights, motivating proactive engagement in community service or activism. Academically, heightened awareness of global challenges broadens research interests and encourages interdisciplinary learning, which can enhance academic performance and innovation.
Discussions among theorists about the definition of global citizenship often highlight disagreements rooted in cultural, political, and ethical perspectives. Some argue that global citizenship is a unifying ethical ideal that transcends national boundaries and emphasizes shared human rights (Schattle, 2008). Others contend that it risks diluting cultural identities or imposing Western-centric values. Reysen and Katzarska-Miller (2019) propose a more nuanced understanding, emphasizing social responsibility, active participation, and intergroup empathy as core components. Based on their insights, I define global citizenship as the conscious acknowledgment of interconnectedness among diverse communities, combined with a proactive commitment to fostering social justice, sustainability, and mutual understanding across borders. This definition emphasizes responsibility and active engagement as fundamental aspects of global citizenship, aligning with contemporary challenges.
Two outcomes from the article that I believe are most vital for cultivating global citizenship are intergroup empathy and environmental sustainability. Intergroup empathy involves the capacity to understand and share the feelings of individuals from different cultural or social groups. This outcome is essential because fostering empathy reduces prejudice, promotes social cohesion, and encourages collaborative efforts toward resolving global conflicts. Environmental sustainability, on the other hand, underscores the importance of responsible stewardship of natural resources to ensure the well-being of future generations. These two outcomes are critical because they directly address interpersonal understanding and global ecological health—both foundational for effective global citizenship.
My personal experiences exemplify the development of these outcomes. First, participating in a multicultural voluntarism project during university exposed me to individuals from diverse backgrounds, and engaging with their stories cultivated a deep sense of intergroup empathy. Recognizing common human aspirations and struggles helped me understand the importance of compassion across cultural divides. Second, I became involved in local environmental initiatives advocating for sustainable practices like recycling and conservation. This involvement heightened my awareness of ecological issues and reinforced my sense of responsibility to promote environmental sustainability as a citizen of the world.
Two general education courses that significantly influenced my development as a global citizen are International Relations and Environmental Science. The International Relations course broadened my understanding of geopolitical dynamics, international institutions, and global conflicts, fostering an appreciation of complex interdependencies among nations. This knowledge encouraged me to think more critically about diplomatic solutions and human rights advocacy. The Environmental Science course deepened my understanding of ecological systems, pollution, and sustainable practices, inspiring me to take concrete actions to reduce my ecological footprint and advocate for policy changes. Both courses instilled a sense of global responsibility and equipped me with the knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.
In conclusion, embracing global citizenship is vital in a highly interconnected world. Recognizing the distinction between globalism and globalization helps clarify the processes shaping our global society. Developing qualities such as intergroup empathy and environmental sustainability equips individuals to foster social justice, reduce division, and protect the planet. Personal experiences and educational pursuits serve as catalysts for cultivating these outcomes, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and active engagement. Ultimately, fostering global citizenship enhances not only individual growth but also the collective capacity to address pressing worldwide issues, making the world a more just, sustainable, and empathetic place.
References
Reysen, S., & Katzarska-Miller, K. (2019). The development of global citizenship: An examination of the antecedents and outcomes. Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 12(4), 289–310. https://doi.org/10.1080/17513057.2018.1530880
Schattle, H. (2008). The practices of Global Citizenship. Rowman & Littlefield.
Globalization at a Crossroads. (n.d.). [Video]. Retrieved from [insert URL]
Globalism and Cosmopolitanism as an Educational Ideal. (n.d.). [Article].
From Globalism to Globalization: The Politics of Resistance. (n.d.). [Article].
[Note: Insert actual URLs and publication details for the specific articles and videos used.]