I see, I hear, I say nothing

Posted by admin on Sep 21, 2010 in Featured Articles | 0 comments

“I see, I hear, I say nothing.” In todays society, borders seem to be a thing of the past. With communication technologies instantly uniting people across the world, global ignorance seems inexcusable. But are people in North America globally unaware? And what should the proper response be to this? I see nothing. In 2000, the Geographical Review published an article by Martin W. Lewis entitled “Global Ignorance.” “A large proportion of students fail to place major countries on a globe, just as they are unable to locate such pivotal events as World War II on a time line,” argues Lewis. But what is the cause of this ignorance?

One argument is that North American mindsets tend to focus solely on local issues and ignore issues from around the world. And years ago there was no need to think otherwise. “Several generations ago, it might have been argued that students did not need to know much about the world. Their lives and careers were likely to be limited to the United States… Today, the need for global understanding is compelling. A large proportion of university students are destined for careers that are profoundly international in one way or another,” Lewis explains. Careers in fields such as politics, communications, business and many more already operate in a global workplace and, according to the website TED.com, most future jobs have yet to be created, and will most likely be in some way international.

In recognition that there is a need for global awareness in Western culture, many groups have started campaigning to create awareness, but it isn’t always effective. I hear nothing. A large factor that Lewis considers in global ignorance is education. Without providing foundational understanding to current generations required to teach global themes, future generations will consequently misunderstand these themes. Even political figures, Lewis points out, are often mocked because they lack awareness.

Without global perspectives being presented in education, societies seem destined to remain ignorant about global issues. Even media coverage tends to ignore many issues, or over sensationalize the ones it does cover. With claims that the world will end unless you buy a hybrid, or warnings against leaving your house during flu season, it’s easy to be confused and question which claims are truthful. In fact, with so much exaggeration in the media, a refreshing spin is an honest portrayal of the news. But even though an easy scapegoat to global ignorance is media and education, isn’t awareness really the responsibility of the individual?

I say nothing. In modern culture, being uninformed or misinformed seems unforgivable on just about anything related to pop culture. To not be aware of what Snooki’s latest antics were can alienate a person. But is the same standard applied to global awareness. Especially as today, information regarding global issues is as readily available as ever. A simple Google search for global awareness offers numerous organizations whose aim is promote global education. But is education enough?

According to the Global Issues 151 class at the University of Prince Edward Island the answer is no. Every semester the class posts videos on Youtube communicating the need to be globally aware as well as encouraging action. One video entitled “If I Could Change the World” not only asks students what they can do, but asks them why they should take action. What is the answer? According to the video, “be the change you want to see in the world” –Mahatma Gandhi.

Author: Jason Brandl