The process of globalization is one with many advantages. It allows for the interchange of ideas, products, and world views between many different nations. It also lets these nations communicate with each other in a much easier way. But one of the disadvantages of globalization is that it often discourages individuality within a nation’s culture. Whether it is intentional or not, globalization often results in the spread of western ideas and culture. Many countries around the world have lost their individual culture in favor of a more westernized one. This is what makes the country of Israel so impressive.
In an age of globalization, Israel has managed to build up their individual culture. The Jewish people were often criticized for failing to have a nation-state, but have formed one in the most difficult of times. Israel was founded as a Jewish state in 1948, and while it does not fit the usual definition of a nation-state, it has the essential elements of one. Not only has Israel built up their cultural identity, they have blended the benefits of globalization within that culture. There is no doubt that Israel is one of the most democratic and free states in the Middle East. They are an incredibly successful democracy, all while maintaining close proximity to countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia. It is very impressive that the people of Israel have managed to build such a successful democracy, all while maintaining their individual cultural identity.
In his book How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization, Franklin Foer dedicates an entire chapter to what he calls the “Jewish Question”. He quotes University of Chicago political theorist Mark Lilla, who said, “Once upon a time, the Jews were mocked for not having a nation-state. Now they are criticized for having one” (Foer, 84). Many globalized Europeans cannot understand the concept of Israel as a nation. They do not understand how the people of Israel could be proud to be a nation-state. This is one of the problems with globalization. People who step outside of the bounds of the process are thought of as odd. Others don’t understand why they would be proud to be different. They think that the globalized way is the only way, but Israel is proving that it is not.
Foer also explains that there is a hint of irony with the Europeans’ misunderstanding of Israel. European soccer clubs like Tottenham and Ajax are thought of as “Jewish” clubs, but still think of the Jews in Israel as outsiders. It’s almost as if globalization brings about resentment of one’s historical past. While this process certainly has its benefits, we can see how some might question some of its results. In this age of constant globalization, we have to celebrate Israel for what it has accomplished.
Source: How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization (Franklin Foer, 2004).
"It?s almost as if globalization brings about resentment of one?s historical past." Is incredibly interesting to me. What other situations do you think this might be true or false in?
ReplyDeleteI think the resentment comes a few generations into globalization. There becomes this sense of "Whoever doesn't believe this way is wrong", and leads to resentment of one's historical past, before globalization. Whether it pertains to cultural ideas, political ideas, etc., I think we see globalization make people think in a very wary and almost embarrassed way about their past.
DeleteZack, this is an interesting way of looking at Globalization. However, while Israel's successful independence can definitely be celebrated, I am not sure if I would celebrate it's nationalism and it's unique culture, as it is not really a real Jewish state...I think it is still greatly struggling to be that, as there are many Palestinians still living there with very conflicting ideas fighting for their own ideas, and other still fighting for their right to return. I do, however, think Israel has done a sufficiently good job integrating other aspects of globalization to their advantage, such as technology, so I would agree with you to some extent.
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