Globalised Identity

Humans are generally the most insecure living beings on the planet. The need to belong and the need to be able to relate to similar people are high. Hence, we tend to exist in groups with other people who have the same beliefs, values and thoughts as us. This mentality has led to the creation of many different civilisations all over the world, where societies were mere tribes with a similar set of rules and norms. Cast, religion, colour and creed led to formation of further tribes. This division kept increasing till the beginning of the 18th Century. New religions and beliefs came into existence and the number of followers kept increasing. With the Industrial Revolution, British Colonisation and World Wars, people started to become exposed to other cultures and societies.
In this day and age, where Globalisation is the key to any successful business venture, interdependence between nations has become important. This has helped several countries to acknowledge and accept the free-thinking attitude of other countries and add the values which can help improve the society. Many countries have also made economical and industrial advancements to help the people and make progress. However, it has also led to several problems in other countries.
Many believe that over-exposure to the lifestyle and standard of living in developed countries encourages people in lesser developed countries to act or do things which can be against common values and norms. The blame of such behaviour is then put on western countries and the belief that they are trying to influence the youth in other countries to forget their native culture and adopt the western way of living. Although this kind of thinking can be considered backward and intolerant, we must respect it. Culture plays a pivotal role in the way the society behaves. If the lesser developed countries cannot enjoy the same economic benefits as other countries, they take pleasure in the fact that they still have their culture and that it will be passed on and followed by the children. When western thinking threatens this hope, many react aggressively and protest to the changes.
In present set-up, we can see that there are organisations all over the world, which are against the social behaviour of other societies. Even in developed countries, many organisations exist which are against liberal thinking and way of life. For any society to progress, each and every member must participate and be active in the decision making process. If some people decide not to do so, the country fails to progress as a unit and power gets concentrated in a few hands, while others get left behind.
Regarding the global scenario, international governing bodies must work with governments of different countries so that globalisation doesn’t alienate people of one country from each other. This will only lead to further social problems. Social change is a very slow process. It will only take place after an economic change. Any sudden social change will lead to resistance and intolerance of people in other countries. Finally, regarding local scenario, the state must make sure that any differences which divide the people of the same country must be removed. All problems of inequality and discrimination must be solved, before the government can think of making progress. Only if everyone is united and ready to participate, will the country make economic and social advancements.