Tuesday 25 October 2016

Norms vs. Novelty

Norm vs. Novelty

The fact that globalization has shrunken the world to fist size is no news. We are now forced to be part of situations that we would rather not be for the life of us. It is unavoidable and needs not our permission before it lays itself in our nest; the one we have built over the years based on what seems to be the best practices shaped by our personal and cultural values. Globalization now poses itself a threat to what we know, what we choose to know and how we choose to know it. It brings new knowledge to our doorstep even without our going out to look for it.




The world today as a result of globalization is engaged in a constant battle, the battle between the old and the new, the known and the unknown, a battle between the norm and novelty.
We are engaged in situations that cut  across the globe, that call for a change in what we know, the ways we have chosen to live and the rules by which our lives are guided, to this extent we seem to have been thrown into perpetual confusion.



I will give examples of these constant battles, some cultures demand that you do not allow into your house a person whom you do not know but globalization tells you to adopt a refugee. Girls and boys should not be seen as equal in terms of capacity but globalization says no, by 2030, the goal on gender equality is to be reached in every part of the world, we are taught from childhood to mind our own businesses but globalization tells you that you have to step out of your business and mind that of those whom you do not know and may never come in contact with . We are advised to be global citizens but we were taught in elementary school that you owe allegiance to just your country and as such you are taught your national anthem and pledge and could care less about that of the neighboring country .



We must now take a global perspective on the rules that guide our lives, the cultural practices we choose to continue with, our actions and relationships generally.
Global consciousness is the key to sustainable development, However, certain norms clog our capacity as regards global consciousness.



This post intends to get you thinking about the things you do and the rules that guide your life while viewing them from a global perspective with the ultimate aim of getting us all to be forward thinkers and global citizens.

It is not intended that we drop all our cultural values, however, some practices, which are not sustainable or built on sustainable principles have to go in order to ensure that we have a better world for us and generations to come .



You are encouraged to think about norms that you hold on to so tight, and ask yourself, whether or not they are sustainable given the present age, if they aren't, it's high time you cut them loose.
Please share some of the existent norms in your surroundings (related to the topic) with us so we can learn and suggest ways to reform or abolish them.

Thank you for taking time to read this post, should you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask using the comment box!

4 comments:

  1. Yesterday I had a vivid experience on the regular clash between customs/culture and globalisation. This is against the culture that when adults talk you should make little or no contributions at all. Yesterday I was called to give an opinion on an issue that was being discussed by adults. Maybe I'm already being regarded as an adult (Loool) or maybe times have changed so much that everyone's opinions should be respected even if not totally agreed with. I'll go with the latter. Globalisation encourages sharing of ideas and opinions which will ultimately encourage development of not just a nation but the world at large.

    This is a great article Bamise ��

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing Toyin! Hopefully people accept the dictates of globalization, localize them and ultimately see that the world is a better place!

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  2. Great Post Bamise. People are slowly doing away with certain cultures and norms that are not realistic. But it is going to take a while we can on our own try to educate and enlighten people around us

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