For Love or Money

Many societies and cultures today are judged by what makes them unique and significant, compared to a modern day society in industrialized countries. Specifically, the musical practices of a culture is a major determining factor of significance. These musical practices are able to influence society because they are a window to help better display the values and morals of that community. By going to a traditional pop culture based concert, the values of presentational music can be understood and appreciated. If one attends a Shona mbira ceremony in Zimbabwe, then participatory music and its values would be present. The musical practice a society chooses to associate with is similar to one choosing a religious practice. Both decisions are based on the values, purpose, and goals that one can relate to, or wants to be associated with.

In my final days in this class, the concept of "Global Citizenship" has been coming up frequently. We discussed it's meaning, what it is to be a global citizen, and I've come to this understanding. A global citizen is one who recognizes that they are a part of multiple cultures and communities all over the world, not just locally. An example of a global citizen could be a man who has associations with different groups and organizations locally, but also understands that he has an indirect relationship with citizens in other countries. This indirect relationship comes from the globalization of capitalism, and that how this man spends his money very well could dictate if a person in Indonesia keeps their job. This understanding and realization of how local behavior can effect others on a global scale is key to being a global citizen.

If one does come to recognize that they are a global citizen, this person has a new sort of control on what happens in the world. They have a rare perspective to see how their decisions of spending money, can influence different aspects of different societies. Because of capitalism, money is a definite factor to progress. If a town, or company, or country wants to develop they need to somehow raise money. Obtaining revenue and income can happen hundreds of different ways, but one of the primary methods is to utilize money gained from consumers. They will ask for your support, they will try and sell you a product, whatever their method they want your money as a means of survival. Many don't notice that this dependance on money puts consumers at a position of power. As a consumer, where you spend your money potentially determines what develops and what does not. If you wish to see your town grow and become a more pleasant place, then spend your money in local shops or farmer's markets. This keeps the money circulating locally and increases the quality of that town. Local shopping may not seem very influential in the short term, but in the long term, it greatly increases the quality of life in that area. If you spend your money on corporations or big businesses, then you are giving them the ability to spend your money however they wish. This relationship usually results in instant gratification for the consumer, but in the long run does not benefit the consumer at all.

As a global citizen, it is our responsibility to spend our money wisely. To put our money towards organizations or communities that benefit the quality of life for all people, not just investors or corporations. By applying our money to the right causes for the right reasons, it's possible that everyone can go from being individual global citizens, to becoming a global community.