The Economist is already calling the US election: Obama. I seriously hope The Economist is right. The result of this election is decided by a very small percentage of the people who are affected by its outcome and I’m certain the consensus around the world is that it is time for a change.
Here is my list of what Global Culture needs from the next president of the United States:
The US has some of the most successful cities in the world. Over the next decade that model needs to be replicated throughout America, creating new magnets for talent and investors.
The size of economic rescue that will be needed over the next few years can only be accomplished by creating entire new industries; let it be that of the cities of the future: sustainable, energy-efficient, less dependent of non-renewable resources, able to produce only the necessary goods and doing good through a well educated workforce.
After years of catastrophic diplomatic efforts, realize that your best ambassadors may be those US global citizens that are ready to embrace other cultures. Baby boomers may find their retirement funds will do better in other currencies.
Leverage diversity as a strength. Study the common grounds with other cultures that will create the opportunities for a more peaceful world. This is easy when your cities are some of the most cosmopolitan in the world.
In the era of increased mobility it is absurd to go on with measures to restrict the movement of people. Recognize this and capitalize on the increasing flow through programs to integrate migrants to the workforce, and create more tolerant, diverse and culturally rich urban centres.
Lead the globalization efforts through a renewed sense of corporate responsibility. Every corporation understand the value in reaching out to the world, but they can’t keep doing it at the expense of the world. If the recent crisis has taught us something is that moral leadership is clearly needed.
If you’re a US citizen vote. If you are not, send a friendly reminder to your known friends with the right to participate in this historic election.
It would seem as if large corporations, in their quest to spread around the world, are functioning as the engine for a more powerful effect than their mundane mission: they are forcing the convergence of centuries of customs and cultural manifestations within the economic hubs they require, creating a new global culture. All the participants will have no remedy but to confront each other and transform themselves in the process.
This is how I started this blog over two years ago. Since then the idea of a global culture has continued to evolve and I admit the 180 posts have taken me in directions I didn’t suspect. The understanding of cosmopolitanism has more recently taken this blog through an upbeat phase that aligns better with the events of my life. This month, my job got a little bit easier…
This is the theme of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. For a few weeks the whole world will be going oriental as McLuhan once said. Tourists impressed by the sights of a transformed Beijing, spectators bombarded by hours of “place branding” or Chinese not used to the sudden attention. Everyone should have a better understanding of China’s place in the world after the games.
I was told by an influential writer that science fiction is the literature of possibilities. Beyond all the laser beams, inter-galactic trips and aliens there are ideas explored that deserve full consideration. One such idea inspired me to start writing this blog: a society in which language had evolved to a point where the boundaries between English and Chinese had been blurred by centuries of integration. Forgotten the days when each nation would have its own language, everyone was able to communicate with each other using this lingua franca.
Spanish being my mother tongue, migrating to Canada implied using English on a daily basis to conduct business. Over the years I noticed how my brain “rewired” and started playing interesting tricks, creating concepts that could only be represented in one or another language forcing me to mix words at times. Most people would assume this to be a sign of lost cultural identity, but embracing the possibility that one day our children would have to play similar tricks to communicate with an increasingly diverse society I let it happen hoping I would be better equipped for the inevitable.
In 2006 I wrote the post déjà vu forecasting the growth of the Chinese influence on the evolution of the web. I may have been too conservative in my estimates as I realize their culture is about to take a giant leap forward propelled by the Olympic Games. China has invested heavily on the infrastructure required, but the dividends are likely going to be plenty when their culture decides to venture out of “Chinatown” to establish itself as an important component of global culture.
Back in September I made a cryptic invitation to those interested in previewing a new kind of travel guide. Since the most read post in the last year is best reasons to travel, I know that most readers of this blog are very interested in all things travel, foreign countries, cities in other latitudes and all the experiences that will derive from them. So now that the product is almost ready for public launch I wanted to extend an open invitation to get in: register for a free account, upload the best travel photos you have, geotag them and get a beautiful map of your trips around the world like this one:
It may seem like a simple tool, but the power of imagery to inspire can’t be denied, and somehow I believe this blog has the mission to inspire people to understand the world beyond the boundaries of your city and find opportunities to reach out and become part of a new global culture.
Every year Stan Stalnaker and his team of global citizens gather their experiences around the world and summarize in this, their now famous Hub Culture’s Zeitgeist Ranking, the cities that for a variety of reasons seem to be at the center of the Universe. An elusive classification that doesn’t get impressed with economic power, flawless life-styles or centuries-old traditions, is mostly based on heuristics that related to the needs and desires of global citizens hoping from hub to hub networking their way into urban authorities. This is their veredict:
Los Angeles, United States
In some ways, the doom and gloom LA has experienced recently has presaged the general red alerts now being felt elsewhere – from environmental crisis to economic lapse, LA seems to have arrived in the shits just before everyone else.
Berlin, Germany
As the cutting edge vibe in London wanes, Berlin continues to draw the young and the restless, and its ties to a resurgent East (i.e. Moscow, Warsaw) are really showing dividends.
Mumbai, India
Even as Mumbai gridlock threatens to become a 24/7 state of affairs, India in general and Mumbai in particular continue their assault on the global consciousness. It’s hard to argue against Mumbai, especially with so many new innovations popping up here. That includes the arrival of the TATA Nano, which will soon change the economics of transport across the developing world. Add in booming hotels, real estate and a stronger rupee, and Mumbai holds the course.
Beijing, China
2008 is Beijing’s year, and not just because of the Olympics. The financial meltdown occurring in other capitals has cast Beijing in a new light as the Chinese continue to show fiscal reserve while strengthening their own position.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is steaming! A combination of low prices, an awakening in the real estate sector, smart yen plays and new innovation in the music scene have breathed new life into Asia’s sleeping Godzilla.
London, United Kingdom
Overpriced by any measure and past the crest in nightlife, London seems to have dulled in line with the smaller bonuses being handed out in the City.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
BA has problems, but Argentina’s cheap prices are attracting legions of globalized people, especially financial types looking to make investments in everything from wine to hotels.
Dubai, U.A.E.
Global investment capability and a city awash in cash and construction make Dubai one of the world’s few economic bright spots in 2008.
New York, United States
While not great for the locals, that makes for a wonderful hub moment in the city: a bargain for visitors and a place more remarkably open and international than it has been for a long time.
Hong Kong, China
The scene remains predictable, but predictably fun, and Hong Kong’s leadership in fashion and Asian pop culture is steady – even if everyone is increasingly obsessed with Korean daytime TV.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul has dropped from last year – not because it is any less hot, just because other locations are now taking up more mind space. As the Islam threat feels like its cooling Istanbul continues to set the leadership example for the region while integrating ever closer to Europe.
San Francisco, United States
San Francisco continues to punch above its population weight, mostly because it continues to reinvent itself. From the technology space it is now leading the global green charge, spearheading investments and opportunity in the sector.
Sao Paolo, Brasil
Brazil’s macro success is manifesting in booming design, nightlife, and real estate in South America’s largest city with a young, increasingly educated, party population.
Shanghai, China
The city has recently blossomed and is now genuinely a fun place to live, filled with interesting people, a cosmo scene and true cultural innovation.
Moscow, Russia
Putin was named TIME’s Man of the Year for a reason: Moscow continues to grow its sphere of global influence, and instead of saber rattling the new vogue is suitcase rattling: as in suitcases of cash.
Madrid, Spain
Sunny Madrid is benefiting from stability and language. As South America continues to do well, Madrid benefits back in Europe, and a continuing influx of Northern Europeans adds to the cultural mix. Add in some of the best nightlfe in Europe, a hot art scene and lower living prices than other regional hubs, and Madrid looks ever more enticing.
Singapore, Singapore
Whether stepping up to the financial plate globally or announcing another outlandish designer building project, the tiny city state continues innovation at the macro level, providing economic security and iced whipped chai for its people in an ever more turbulent world.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is the terrycloth towel of urban hubs – rich, beautiful and soft enough to feel comfortable. In a land aloft in buoyant commodity prices and closer ties with the economic engines of Asia, some would argue Sydney never had it so good.
Mexico City, Mexico
The worlds largest city remains a study in contrasts, but times are so good that Mexican immigrants are even returning from California to seek opportunity in Mexico City. The city elite are still preoccupied with gringonomics to the north, but local growth and development auger well. Add in the city’s super young vibe, and one gets the feeling anything is possible.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver gets this year’s wild card, in the spirit of No. 10 Geneva last year. A combination of factors are benefiting this coastal hub, ranging from preparations for the 2010 Winter Games in nearby Whistler to an avalanche of business in the film industry on the heels of LA woes. Clean and pristine, Vancouver sums up the new environmental feel, and that strong Canadian dollar has Vancouver strutting its stuff in a newly confident way, from Seattle all the way to Shanghai.
A year is a long time and many cities have fought battles for the attention of this elite crowd. Take a look at the now obsolete 2007 ranking.
A few days ago I had a very stimulating conversation with a group of friends, each one sharing their account of recent travel abroad. While talking about Prague and Budapest evoked great memories, it was the story about cultural shock on a trip to India that had me fascinated. Was it not for the fact that I know the couple that had this experience very well, I could’ve dismissed their approach to Indian culture as narrow-minded. But they were very articulate to explain how even with the best of attitudes participating in a foreign culture successfully can be a though challenge.
When I explained how the imaginary global citizen Phileas Fogg“feels just as comfortable drinking his morning coffee at a Paris bistro as bargaining for the best fruit in a street market in Oaxaca. A true global citizen with knowledge of world affairs”, I was well aware that these activities require certain amount of cultural knowledge and the occasional tourist will always fall into the usual traps. The etiquette for coffee in Paris, according to Phyllis Flick
Know that having an espresso while standing at the bar will cost you considerably less than having it at a table. Sitting on the terrace will cost you the most; think of it as renting a piece of prime real estate for an hour or so. If the table has a placemat and silverware it is designated only for those customers who are eating; if the table is bare you are welcome to sit and have only a drink.
While I’m no expert on bargaining for the best fruit, I remember vividly the experience of walking into the food aisle of Benito Juárez Market in Oaxaca only to be overwhelmed by the loud invitations of every merchant in the area to join their already crowded space for lunch. It took me a while to figure out that the correct protocol was to buy something from each merchant: the tortillas from one, the meat from another, the drinks and the seat at a table from the last one in the aisle. The unbelievable amount of noise soon turned into a purposeful serenade of commands that you had to be attentive to in order to accomplish the simple task of having lunch there. I can see how a tourist, not familiar with the culture or not versed in the language would feel completely abused and manipulated. Walking into that space without warning may shock visitors as it seems to overflow with unnecessary chatter.
A few days ago I had a déjà vu while riding the subway to work. A group of teenagers, likely on a school trip, hopped in and as soon as they did the level of noise quickly raised to a point where most people already there seemed noticeably uncomfortable. Unlike conversations among other groups, theirs tend to happen in many simultaneous threads and their volume raises to compete for the attention of their distracted buddies. There was no structure, but after listening to them I was certain that all individuals within the group had accomplished their communication goal. To the unfortunate man that happened to be standing in the middle of the group during the ride I’m sure the experience was as close to a cultural shock as walking into Oaxaca’s market with no knowledge of Spanish.
At this point I’m reminded of my post a billion spaces in which I link to sources that suggest that teenagers are the most frequent users of such sites as MySpace that have become famous for the incredibly unproductive conversation that takes place within. I can’t help but realize that the noisy conversation taking place within the virtual realm only mimics the seemingly chaotic approach they use in real life when in large groups. And then I wonder if this may be some sort of axiom: any group of people that uses such intense methods of verbal communication will excel at methods put in place by modern tools such as blogs, chat groups and instant messaging. Furthermore, in my role as a global citizen I feel compelled to transfer one cultural mechanism into another context where it may flourish.
This kind of cultural transfer is exactly what Rising Voices attempts to do, as explained by the post Blessed unrest and Rising Voices by my now friend and utmost global citizen David Sasaki. Daring to find ways to transfer the tools of one culture into another. If as William Gibson says “the future is here, is just unevenly distributed”, the Rising Voices team is perhaps one of the very few organizations doing something about this gap.
A few months ago I echoed the notion that “nationalism is a disease”, and while out of context it may come across as a strong position, with this post I document some of the arguments that support it and perhaps soften the tone and conclude that more than a disease, nationalism is a doctrine that is fading and giving way to an updated notion of cosmopolitanism that is more compatible with our times and the beliefs of modern and progressive societies.
I’m also using this post to reorient the ongoing discussion hosted in this blog to assume the more optimist view provided by cosmopolitanism: migration and globalization have acquired negative properties and convey images of abusive corporations, defenseless people crossing borders illegally or having a very hard time to survive in their host countries. I’ve explored these issues and produced very few suggestions on how to fix them.
On the other hand, I’m finding the conversation around global citizens (not migrants) more productive, as they invest heavily in both their hometown and their destination. Global Culture becomes the backbone that allows people to find common ground when establishing relationships with people abroad and eases the way to better understanding among cultures, blurring the boundaries between them. Cosmopolitanism becomes a clear objective that is attainable given the current social, economic, political and cultural trends. I think it communicates a positive message even though it may be based on many of the same principles as globalization. It feels like a more deserving journey.
In this context it may be a little bit ironic that Monocle’s latest edition set to deliver a guide on “Making a modern state…” yet every page is a sophisticated ad to the various cultures showcased. It seems as if trying to create a nation these days had to be accomplished by selling the benefits of culture, life style, resources to global citizens that may be interested in establishing lasting relationships. That proposition dilutes the idea of “nation” as it implies that over time the survival of a region depends on how well it can incorporate other cultures and a diverse population. But this is not criticism, it’s a sign that even when we are trying to defend the notion of nations, our common sense will do nothing but weaken the concept. Us humans will always want to visit other places and expand our horizons. Just reading through the magazine I find myself wanting to move to South Tyrol and visit √Öland on my next vacation.
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