Reason #304: Global Citizenship

Posted at April 14, 2010

These days we are connected to and affected by people in diverse locations of the globe more than ever before in history. To try to deny it is to be the proverbial ostrich with his head in the sand. As a result I believe it is important to strive towards “global citizenship.” What does that mean? It means recognizing that “we” (meaning all peoples of all nations) are sharing this rotating sphere and need to work together in order to improve our global situation. It also means recognizing and relishing in the fact that people, though we all share common interests, are inherently different. I believe a global citizen seeks out the common without attempting to stamp out the unique. Throughout history there have been too many instances of the opposite. Where one nation attempts to interfere in the affairs of others in a way that neither seeks out the common nor respects the unique. Most such attempts have been disastrous for all sides. There are many ongoing conflicts in this world that are the result of those efforts that have fomented deep seated resentments of one goup of people towards another. I believe global citizenship is where one is willing to set aside “nationalistic pride” in an attempt to seek out the common and respect the unique. However, there are and always will be insidious forces at work to thwart one’s attempt toward global citizenship. Those are the powers that be that cry “that’s unamerican” or some similar hyperbolic hogwash. “America” is not the world and neither is the world america. I can give some examples of folks who I believe are “global citizens.” I would include people like Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Oscar Arias, and even performers like Shakira, Bono and Angelina Jolie on the list. They recognize and care about the common and unique that is found in the vast and diverse locations of our planet. They seek to make a difference for all people, not just the few that are “like them.” I believe there needs to be a new form of citizenship. One that knows no boundaries nor banderas. One that is welcome to anyone, anywhere, regardless of race or religion. One that is truly and uniquely global. A true global citizen is proud of who he or she is, but is also intensely interested in knowing who you are, even if you look, talk and think differently.