Space and Reciprocity

Due to improvement in technology, particularly in communication and travel, exchanges of

information and even of people are now possible. The myth of the global village is closer to fully
being achieved. Yet, at the same time, the world seems torn by many differences. Initially, it is
fair to say that the world of the internet has revolutionized our lives by breaking the differences
between countries and people. Many were worried that the internet would turn people into
hermits, shut out of the real world. However, I see that the internet has put us in touch with so
many people around the globe. With a simple click we can get advice about our choices in
university, career and many more things. Actually there is a professor in the University of
Toronto in Canada that has come up with a term to describe how people interact these days, the
term is Networked individual. This term seems to contradict itself: How can we be networked
which describes a group of people and individualistic at the same time? But this term makes a lot
of sense in todays society, because like I said earlier, even when we are alone in our house, we
are connected to the world.
The internet offers possibilities for culture exchange as well, for instance, the side town serving
allows you to travel to different countries by finding online a local ready to offer accommodation
to travelers. Accordingly, they save money and get a real incite of another culture. Moreover,
space has shrunk because of the possibility of working from home. Again, because of the
improvement in communication, there is no limit to our reach. We can work from home, create
our own schedule, make the decision and explore wider markets of the globe. The e-world has
created new job descriptions and new opportunities. Thats why one of the texts studied in class
compares working from home to the big bang, given its power to change or concept of place and
distances. Additionally, in the text My online self the writer points out that social networking
sites have become a modern equivalent to a self portrait. People post pictures, information,
things they want others to see in order to create an image or a portrait of themselves. The latter
will give them a more firm idea of who they are, as well as who they wish to be. But, the internet
has many side effects. Online, we almost always read small paragraphs or one line ideas. This
habit has diminished our ability to concentrate for long periods of time, we can no longer focus
and read long text. Furthermore, as widespread as technology can be, it is still not common to all.
The picture of a two-story house is a critique of the inequalities in our world. The top floor
labeled North is white as it bares the logo of windows, while the bottom floor is the South and
has broken shutters on a dark wall. This image represent many issues in our developed world.
First off, the north has a much healthier cleaner and rich environment than the South. The North
also uses and exploits the Souths resources. They are considered the pillars of the north.
Through the 4 Ps of modernization that are (Progress promotion price place) we can see where
power truly lies. Our world is filled with deferent groups that seek our approval and loyalty.
Costumers are guaranteed through advertisement. In the next The New Gods we understands
that we live in a brandscape. Brand seek to change mans perception of a certain product.
Items that make us feel at home, safe, comfortable are sold at higher rates. The more familiar
the better. Marketing has become a game. By taking on good causes such as Aids or The fight
against poverty, they are simply presenting themselves as a compassionate corporation, thus
insure more customers. Advertisement has lead the world into a life style based on money and
consumption. Through Globalization, the human race has become a territory of brands. For
example, Apple is viewed as a cult that hold Steve jobs at a gods level. The creator of apple has
insured many followers in many different countries and from many religions. Even the Vatican
has approved the development of an app that offers to its readers the daily prayer. Hard copies of
the bible are no longer a necessity for mass. People that use apple technology, consider this new
technology an important part of their lives. The brand is very important to them. They would
never transfer on to a different one unless they were majorly disappointed with their own.
Last but not least, the US is a huge actor in globalization. Known as the land of opportunities,
this country has risen above all others. In the past, when immigrants search for a new home, the
US was always at the top of their list. In order to enter this country, they had to bass through a
thorough examination at Liberty Island. Only the best were allowed to stay. They were only
promise that if their worked hard, they would be rewarded. The US is therefore known for its
melting pot: people from various countries, cultures would meet and fuse together to create the
unique American culture. The text Melting pot or salad Bowl? describes how The UA the
number 1 destination for immigrants. All these people from different countries and culture, that
were once called US citizens, are now American. This new country has power through its unique
culture. Hollywood, movies, TV series, singers, books. Have been cast out into the world in
order to diffuse the American values: Liberty and democracy. The US has insured the loyalty of
its citizens. They are proud to be American since their culture is world renowned. In almost
every corner of the world we can find fast food restaurants. McDonalds, Apple, and even many
American clothes stores can be found in almost every city in the world. Some might think that
the world is at risk of becoming uncultured, but wherever its sent, the American way of life does
not impose but rather adapts itself to the countys own customs and culture.
To sum up, our world is a series of links that connect people from different countries and allows
them to be exposed to the same things. Technology, advertisement and the US are vessels of the
modern era where we are always up-to-date and connected.