America’s Role in the World: Globalization and the Clash of Cultures
Presented by Henry Cisneros, PhD, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, George Washington University
About the Speaker
Henry Cisneros was elected Mayor of San Antonio in 1981, selected as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Men of America” by the U.S. Jaycees, and was nominated by President Bill Clinton to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He was sworn into office by Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist on January 22, 1993. During his term, he reformed the public housing system, and successfully resisted efforts to substantially reduce or wholly eliminate the Department.
About the Event
Announcements
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Presentation
For the meeting today, Freethought met along with the public at the GR Community College for their 8th annual Diversity Series. Henry Cisneros, former HUD director under Pres. Clinton, spoke on “America’s Role in the World: Globalization and the Clash of Cultures.”
Mr. Cisneros said globalization is making our world smaller by interweaving economics with interlocking industries. Telecommunication has expanded, exemplified by the proliferation of cell phones, used exclusively by some countries that do not have wired systems. With economic trade increasing, war becomes less likely. Population increases in third world countries have urgently created the need for jobs. Since Japan, France, and Italy have aging populations, personnel of third world countries are helping to fulfill those needs. As this movement takes place, however, immigration concerns then arise.
PLUSSES OF GLOBILIZATION
Mr. Cisneros first listed the pros of globalization, one being the new opportunities that are surfacing. India, with many trained engineers, is assisting other countries not blessed with this profession. New jobs grow and more commonality occurs. Improvements occur in medicine, nutrition, foodstuffs, and farming.
MINUSES OF GLOBILIZATION
The difficulties are illustrated by the pace of change, which occurs so rapidly that it is disorienting to some cultures. Resentment results from the impression that the rich will get richer and poor will lose out even more. American culture appears to win over local cultures. Since subjugation of women is the natural order in some places, connections and religions are affected. Capitalism has not been honorable in some areas, as it has disregarded environmental concerns and fair wages. Nafta, he said, has been positive, certainly for Mexico and likely for the U.S. Michigan, however, has been hurt somewhat but he feels it may be only temporary.
KEY ISSUE
The biggest issue he said is the clash of cultures. The feeling exists that U.S. imposes its will on others. It is viewed as imperialist, and is hated in some areas. Religious beliefs and threats to tradition provide troubling scenarios. Some countries feel threatened by our democracy and freedom, as a number of them in the Arab world do not have them. Most Americans feel these attributes are worth dying for as they are deeply held. We are sincere in believing that the world would truly want these attributes. But any change will take a long time, and complicating the picture is the huge gap between rich and the poor.
HOW THE U.S. IS CHANGING
A positive element in the U.S. is the existing diversity. Our culture is proof that people can live together in peace. Currently in the U.S. there are 35 million Spanish, 34 million African American, and 14 million Asians. California does not have a majority racial group and other states are headed that way. Cultures are melding and there are more interchanges. He made light of the fact that at Wrigley Field, nachos have outsold hotdogs. Mexican-American relations have been given priority with the establishment of a cabinet position. Since computers can now convert languages, communication will be enhanced.
Use of the Internet will grow continually. China will be the country that will have the most Internet connections. Older populations will present a challenge in that those over 80 are in the fastest growing segment. It is likely, though, that younger people will feel more like global citizens.
WHAT THE U.S. SHOULD DO
Mr. Cisneros said that schools should provide language skills He urged the study of comparative systems of governments. More and more jobs will become involved with other countries’ systems. He feels it is important to study literature, history, poetry, music, philosophy and religion of other countries, and preferably to do this in their language. Traveling, studying, and working abroad are becoming more popular in college curriculums. Peace Corp results have been very favorable.
All professions have an international component. Within our own country we need to be aware of our diversity. Flexibility is important because long-lived jobs are no longer likely, as they were when U.S. was heavily industrialized. Instead of having 4 or 5 jobs throughout our worklife, we are likely to have 4 or 5 careers. He concluded by saying that despite 9-11, human progress will continue.
DISCUSSION
During the discussion, his thoughts were as follows: The U.S. economy is sound but is in a course correction. Productivity has increased substantially while changing from manufacturing to technology. Tax cuts did not help economy because a number of them occur later and favor the wealthy. A worry is that the Middle East trouble may affect our economy, especially with the fear of more attacks in the U.S. Pres. Bush can’t really do much about the economy; it has to be ridden out. Corporate abuses have not helped.
We are viewed as selfish, hawkish, but he feels we are becoming sensitive to our consumption excesses.
He urged increasing the minimum wage, noting that the wage does not allow the purchase of a home in any state, and in many states a home is not affordable even with both spouses on minimum wages. Flexibility is important because it is virtually impossible to predict the direction the economy or technology will take.
He said we should continue to push for our values. Freedom, women’s rights, etc, dignify the human phenomenon. But we can’t really dictate change. Our economic power has made us an empire of sorts, but we know it would not be healthy to think of ourselves as similar to the Roman Empire. He wonders, though, if we are not behaving like Romans against Iraq. The difficulty and dilemma has occurred because never in world history has there been a time when mass destruction can occur.
Globalization is sometimes perceived as westernization. It is not likely that there will be world government. The developed countries will certainly want to hold on to their interests. The United Nations will get stronger, especially in dealing with the environment. Another element that needs attention is the fact that multinational corporations have been become very powerful.
He feels Iraq probably does have mass destruction weapons. There is evidence that Saddam has been seeking products to assist in weaponry. Presently Iraq may not be able to launch these weapons. The question is: “How long do we wait?”
Prepared by Don Hansen
