Globalization, Polyethnicity, and the Middle East

In this weeks readings polyethnicity, globalization, and the middle east were main topics. Polyethnicity is basically the idea that people from many different cultural backgrounds can live together and spread their beliefs to others. This idea directly links to globalization because the more people are subjected to different ideas the more open-minded and accepting they are of other people's beliefs. In order for the world to ever become completely globalized it will be necessary for everyone to understand and accept other people's beliefs and ideas. A good example of how polyethnicity can lead to globalization is New York City(NYC). In NYC there is a plethora of different groups of people living together. With all of these people living together they form bonds and friendships which can eventually lead to things like investments into foreign business. Because these people are submerged in a culturally rich environment they have plenty of opportunities to meet and understand other people's ideas and even have interests in their countries. Some places are very opposed to polyethnicity, however.

In class we discussed how the Middle East is very opposed to change and foreign ideas. People and governments in the Middle East have survived years of foreign interference and are mostly still monarchs with "pseudo" elections. We also discussed how these people will not be forced into change and this will have to happen on their own. I believe that this will occur eventually but not until the people there become more open to one another's ideas. Most of the conflicts in the Middle East stem from religion and land. Once these people can rise up and overcome there differences, only then will they be truly able to change and unite under one flag. Nationalism, being part of a country, was also another topic briefly discussed. The people in some Middle Eastern countries have ties more towards there own factions rather than the country as a whole and this is why their governments will not change, because the people are not united and do not have a strong enough voice to begin change. Once the people of the Middle East can settle the differences between countrymen, then they will be able to unite, regroup and change some of the outdated rules and laws of their countries.