Globalization x Humanism
By Krysia Gayle Solon
HAPI Scholar
In the fast pace of modern society, we don’t immediately perceive the impact of our actions on the world around us. However, the truth is that even menial things like subscribing to Netflix, patronizing Samsung or Apple devices, or collecting Rick Riordan’s books are great contributors to a rapidly developing world. We currently live in the “Global Age” where humans are interconnected despite living under different roofs or nations. Be it due to technology, economy, cultures, or even the survival instinct of the human species, we have many reasons to interact with each other in a globalized age.
Globalization has never been more prevalent than it is now. At the rate we are going, countries will gradually be interdependent on one another. It is a good impetus for people, corporations, and each country’s government to interact regardless of their differences, given that whether the results of their interaction are positive or negative, both outcomes bring us “together”.
There are side effects, of course. Globalization is usually driven by international trade and investment, primarily focusing on the “liberation” of the market. As a consequence, it affects our environment, culture, political systems, economic development and prosperity, and even the physical well-being of humans in their societies. A good example of the effects of globalization in the Philippines was when the country started opening itself to the world and welcomed the United States of America and other Asian nations. There were different reasons for these connections, from economic alliances to defensive alliances. The Philippines has also grown closer with other Asian nations due to our interdependence on one another and the continued melding of our cultures.
What does this mean for our sense of identity?
As globalization redefines nationalism and national interest, it can, unfortunately, result in the loss of self-identity. If countries seek progress and prosperity, then they must recognize that it must be done within a globalized context where a country has lesser chances of becoming a lone island. These countries must first seek out opportunities for engagement and cooperation with their closest neighbors, then the region, and finally the rest of the entire globe if they intend to reach their goal.
What does it mean for our ideals of “faith”?
As the world has grown closer to each other because of globalization, so too has humanity. Humans have grown more trusting of one another rather than praying to the divines for answers or material objects. Instead of placing their trust solely in divine entities, many humans now rely on the wonders of science and prioritize progress for the good of mankind. Humanity has grown to be there for one another not because it was through the will of the divines, but because we have learned to be more thoughtful of others.
This is Humanism, the act of placing more importance on other human beings rather than the divines. It encourages the people to utilize technological advancements, scientific discoveries, and innovations to ensure a bright future for the succeeding generations to come.
“The notion of humanism is evolving, apace with scientific discoveries and political developments. In this digital age, technologies are increasing the opportunities for the hybridization of cultures, but also encouraging the advent of democracy and the emergence of a universal form of humanism.”
– Milad Doueihi
