Globalization

Is Globalization a Good Thing?
A homesick American traveling in another country would not need to feel homesick for long as he/she would soon begin to notice many sights similar to those back home. In order to get over his/her homesickness, the American would easily be able to find some comfort in that country’s version of McDonalds, or in the bright glaring lights, reminiscent of Times Square, which would comfort a traveling New Yorker. Some Americans would be surprised to know that McDonalds, an American company, can be found in more than 100 countries around the world. However, McDonalds is just a small part of ever growing global integration movement. (Hoovers)
This “phenomenon” or “movement” is called globalization. Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines globalization as, “:the act or process of globalizing: the state of being globalized; especially: the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markers.” (Merriam Webster‘s) Globalization primarily affects the economies of the world; however, it also affects the cultures and politics of many countries.
Though globalization is not by any means a new term, nor a new phenomenon, it is now being reviewed critically worldwide for its benefits or lack thereof. One benefit of globalization is supposed to be the birth of a “global” nation where the entire planet is seamlessly connected technologically, economically, and politically while preserving cultural differences. The other benefits include greater accessibility to democracy, economic freedom, ideas, and material goods on a universal level. These are the benefits that idealistically globalization is supposed to bring about. Globalization is supposed to benefit everyone across the board, yet in practice it is quite the opposite. (Globalisation Yes, Globalisation No)
The reason for this re-questioning of globalization is due to the fact that...