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Importance of Becoming a Global Citizen

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Importance of Becoming a Global Citizen

Becoming a global citizen in an interconnected world means recognizing that people

belong to a larger international community regardless of their backgrounds. With technological

advancement, globalization has increased in various upfront, assisting people in meeting their

academic and professional goals. However, differences still exist among theorists on the meaning

of global citizenship due to its components, such as the level of responsibility to act for the

betterment of this world. This disagreement is also witnessed when talking about globalization,

which, despite its benefits, also has challenges that should be addressed effectively to end

globalization at a crossroads perspective. Therefore, it is essential to understand the nature and

concept of globalization and global citizenship to develop evidence-based strategies for its

improvement and benefit for all people.

The distinction between "Globalism" and "Globalization."

Globalism is the political ideology that promotes the integration and interconnectedness

of countries and cultures. It perceives the world as one big global community with shared

interests, goals, and values (Infobase, n.d.). Also, it focuses on creating free trade and promoting

cultural exchange among different nations to have a unified global economy helping all countries

achieve prosperity and stability. However, this has not been the case. Developed nations such as

the United States that control major international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund

have made developing countries like Venezuela over-dependent on foreign aid through high-

interest rates making globalism a paper idea and not moving to globalization (Infobase, n.d.).

Conversely, globalization is achieving globalism, the interconnectedness among nations and

world economies hence the practical aspect. It is the implementation of the ideologies arising
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from globalism, such as expanding investments, communication, and technology between

nations (Infobase, n.d.). It has also led to the rise of multinational corporations, which are

unfortunately owned by developed countries benefiting from the growth of global supply chains

that have developing nations at the center, although they do not develop.

The Benefits of Being a Global Citizen in the World of Advanced Technologies for

Achieving Personal, Academic, and Professional Goals

As a global citizen, I have actively engaged in the global community, allowing me to

understand new ideas uniquely. Being exposed to new cultures has increased my learning

opportunities to understand the importance of diversity and social justice, which I would not

have had. Being a global citizen has also increased my chances of accessing information and

tools vital to being updated on the latest trends and developments (Arditi, 2004). With the help of

technology, I have become more knowledgeable on global trends, helping me gain a competitive

advantage in the job market and increasing my attractiveness to potential employers. I have

developed essential personal and professional skills through technology in the face of global

citizenship. These include cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, creativity, and

adaptability, which have helped me on all fronts, from maintaining personal relationships to

achieving academic goals and professional development.

Disagreements among Theorists on the Definition of Global Citizenship

Defining global citizenship has been contentious among theorists because it is a dynamic

and multifaceted concept that can be understood from different perspectives. According to some

theorists, global citizenship is simply being aware of and accepting diverse cultures. Others

perceive it as fostering social justice and considering various ways to address international
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concerns. Reysen and Katzarska-Miller propose the definition of global citizenship to consist of

cognitive and behavioral aspects. The cognitive element encompasses knowledge and awareness

of global issues and concerns, while the behavioral aspect considers taking the initiative and

being actionable to address those global issues (Reysen & Katzarska-Miller, 2013). From this

understanding, I can define global citizenship as recognizing the differences elicited by diverse

cultures by being culturally competent and acknowledging that these cultures face some

challenges that can be global and specific, requiring strategic addressing to achieve a sustainable

world.

Outcomes of Global Citizenship

Valuing Diversity

Valuing diversity is a significant aspect of globalization. As a global citizen, I would be

interacting with different cultures requiring an understanding their traditions and values. A

person who does not value diversity, which is ethnocentric, may find it hard to learn from people

from diverse backgrounds and will have a hard time getting new opportunities as a global citizen

(Reysen & Katzrska-Miller, 2013). By valuing diversity, a global citizen appreciates diverse

cultures, understands how global issues affect them, and develops ways to address the

challenges. This leads to an aspect of trust and achieving social justice and equity.

The Level of Responsibility to Act for The Betterment of this World

Everyone has a role to play in making the world a better place. However, this is a more

special issue for global citizens. They are responsible for promoting a better world everywhere

they go, in parts of the economy and society, from education to health, the environment,

agriculture, and transport. Being a dynamic global citizen will enable them to be well conversant
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in the different places where challenges may come from and develop evidence-based solutions

(Arditi, 2004). This is opposed to only handling one aspect with others remaining unaddressed.

Therefore, by being responsible, they can initiate positive changes in different sectors and

improve the world.

Personal Examples Related to the Outcomes of Global Citizenship

Listening to Diverse Perspectives

As a global citizen, I have always sought and actively listened to people from diverse

backgrounds to better understand their cultures and experiences. This has enabled me to improve

my cross-cultural communication skills because I am culturally conscious. Moreover, this

interaction has helped me gain new ideas on the problems affecting different people. For

instance, I have learned the aspect of human rights violations in other countries and gender

discrimination and how to address these sensitive issues. Valuing diversity has helped me

improve by dropping stereotypes and prejudices and understanding the need for social justice

and intergroup empathy.

Participation in Local Environmental Conservation Efforts

I participated in local environmental conservation efforts towards the COP27 Climate

Summit in Egypt as a global citizen. These efforts aimed at public education on why everyone

was responsible for climate change and their role in addressing it. Campaigns were done via

social media platforms, and I actively participated in them. There were also donations to be made

to plant trees and achieve a high forest cover in one of the towns in the country. Participating in

the program enabled me to understand that there is a collective responsibility and that little effort

can bring significant change.

Conclusion

Global citizenship is essential to globalization, especially in the current world where

technology is taking over every part of society. The concept of globalism ensures ideologies

made at this level are implemented at the experimental globalization stage. However, this has not

been the case, as developed countries make the ideas to their favor instead of achieving

globalism. Understanding the meaning of globalization is significant in creating influential

global citizens, which includes valuing diversity and being responsible for making the world a

better place. Moreover, through technological advancement, I have achieved personal, academic,

and professional goals that have enabled me to be a competent global citizen. Therefore, through

globalization, people can maximize their different opportunities to improve interactions and the

sustainability of the globe.

Specific General Education Courses and Their Influence on Becoming a Global Citizen
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References

Arditi, B. (2004). From globalism to globalization: the politics of resistance. New Political

Science, 26(1), 5-22. [Link]

Infobase. (n.d.). Globalization at a crossroads - Embedded content - Films on

demand. [Link]

token=39350&wID=100753&plt=FOD&loid=0&w=640&h=480&fWidth=660&fH

Reysen, S., & Katzarska-Miller, I. (2013). A model of global citizenship: Antecedents and

outcomes. International Journal of Psychology, 48(5), 858-870.

[Link]