As our world has become so technically advanced, it has caused various
countries, nations, and people to collide and/or converge with one another on
such a greater scale then every before. A
global reality has emerged - global
citizenship. With the emergence of
this new citizenship and all that it entails, it is the rightful duty of our
global governments, educators, mentors, parents, and so forth, to take the responsibility
to educate people, especially our youth, in understanding the importance of global
citizenship.
According to Dr. Vanessa Andreotti, a professor at the
University of Oulu, Finland, "As we face more complexity in society, more
uncertainty, more diversity, and much more inequality; so global education
serves to equip people to live together in the world, addressing different
dimensions of globalizing societies that were probably not so much of a
priority in the past" (Studio12TV,
2012).
This much needed education, will give the global citizen the proper
“tools” to connect, interact, communicate, and function effectively and harmoniously
with other global citizens. Understanding
various cultural values, ideas, and beliefs, should not be reason for conflict
and separation, but govern a curiosity and/or appreciation for the vast
differences amongst the global citizens.
It should strengthen our societies, build strong relationships, and
promote equality in every avenue of life, i.e. business, education, families,
and communities. It is in our
differences where new and exciting realities can emerge. The Maastricht Global Education Declaration (2002) states it
quite nicely, “it is “education that opens people's eyes and minds to the
realities of the globalised world and awakens them to bring about a world of
greater justice, equity and human rights for all" (Studio12TV, 2012).
As I have familiarized myself with the
outcomes of global citizenship, I have come to realize I do have a good sense
of global awareness. I can positively identify with each of these outcomes: Intergroup Empathy is defined as "a
felt connection and concern for people outside one’s ingroup” (Reysen & Katzarska-Miller, 2013). I am an empathetic
person by nature. I naturally connect and identify with people and their
emotions, problems, etc. This empathy is extended to whomever I come in contact
with whether part of my “ingroup” or not; it does not matter. My concern for
others has caused many to request my insight and counsel. Valuing Diversity is defined as “an interest in and appreciation
for the diverse cultures of the world” (Reysen & Katzarska-Miller, 2013). As far back as I can remember (4th grade
maybe), I was fortunate to travel to various places throughout the
country. This caused me to be exposed to
different cultures, people, ideas, beliefs, etc. at a young age. I was curious and fascinated to learn about these
differences; something new and exciting to see and learn. I am still that way today.
Social Justice is defined as “attributes
concerning human rights and equitable and fair treatment of all humans” (2013).
I may not agree with the way some people conduct their lives or the type of
lifestyle they choose to live; however, I do strongly believe that everyone
deserves to be treated fairly and share equal human rights. Environmental Sustainability is the belief that “humans and nature are
connected, combined with a felt obligation to protect the natural environment”
(2013). Of all the global citizenship outcomes, I would have to say I least
identify with this one. I am not saying I do not have some concerns regarding
the health of our environment and/or Earth; however, my concerns for this particular
outcome versus the others are not as strong. Intergroup Helping is
defined as “aid to others outside one's group, and is enacted through behaviors
such as donating to charity, volunteering locally…” (2013). Growing
up in church and attending Catholic schools placed me in roles of volunteering
my services for the greater good. I learn to be a “giver” and to help those in
need. I have worked with the Salvation Army, food pantries, and I give
financial assistance where needed (domestic and abroad). Responsibility
to Act is "an acceptance of a moral duty or obligation to act for the
betterment of the world" (2013). Not knowing the words to describe
it, I have felt righteous indignation towards this world’s injustice. When I
witness the inequalities and cruelty of this world, I feel as though I have to do
something about it; an obligation or duty to set things right. I have a pull
towards truth and integrity, ethics, morality, compliance, and so forth. Even as I am writing this paper, I feel
compelled to right all the wrongs of this world; if only I was capable of doing
that.
Many would say I was sheltered while growing up. I guess
to some degree that was true; however, my mother made it her business to
expose us to as much of this world and its realities as possible. My mother raised my brothers and me to be able
to handle or deal with any given situation we may find ourselves in and to
conduct ourselves accordingly to that given situation. She exposed us to the
best education she could offer, and any extra curriculum activities to enhance
our education and awareness. We regularly attended church to strengthen and
build our faith in God. My environment consisted of a father and mother in the
home along with my siblings (three brothers). I was my daddy's little girl,
spoiled, but yet I understood what it meant to share and to give. My values
have not changed, only tweaked for the better. Growing up, I do not recall the terminology of
global citizenship, although my environment as a young child, teenager, and young
adult has shaped my mindset, beliefs, and values to qualify my global
awareness. Also, traveling to various parts of the United States and Canada
along with private education has truly influenced my view and understanding of
global awareness. In retrospect, as an older and more mature adult, I can see
how all my life experiences - jobs, career, people, family, and friends - have
all played a vital role in shaping my identity in this global citizenship. Looking back at my general education courses, such
as psychology, has helped me to understand people and how they think; their
values, traits, ideas, and beliefs. Geology helped me to understand the Earth's
atmosphere and the topology of different regions of the world and how those
different dynamics affect the people and their society within a region. Every
general education course has contributed its portion to the development and
understanding of my global awareness.
References
Pinterest. (2016, April 22). multicultural. Photo
retrieved from Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/farleyj1144/multicultural/
Reysen, S., & Katzarska-Miller, I.
(2013). A model of global citizenship: Antecedents and
Outcomes. International
Journal of Psychology, 48(5), 858-870.
doi:10.1080/00207594.2012.
Studio12TV. (2012, January 3). Global education
and global citizenship [Video file]. Retrieved
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