Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Definition And Examples of Globalization for Newbie

Banyak dari kita yang sering bertanya-tanya “Apa sih definisi Globalisasi itu?”, “Makhluk macam apa itu Globalisasi?”, “Pengaruh Globalisasi ke kita apa sih memangnya?” dan pertanyaan-pertanyaan lain sejenis. Lalu apakah Globalisasi itu sebenarnya?

Anda bisa saja mencari di Wikipedia, tapi tentu di Wikipedia anda tidak akan menemukan referensi-referensi terpercaya secara ilmiah (karena Wikipedia Indonesia tidak dicantumkan penulisnya). Satu-satunya jalan yang bisa anda lakukan adalah mencari dalam bahasa Inggris, dan itupun akan menjadi masalah tersendiri bila anda sangat kurang dalam berbahasa negeri Ratu Elizabeth itu.


Ada beberapa definisi Globalisasi itu sendiri. Definisi Globalisasi menurut Jagdish Bhagwati dalam bukunya In Defense of Globalization adalah proses yang mengintegrasikan ekonomi, masyarakat dan budaya regional melalui jaringan komunikasi, transportasi dan perdagangan. Sedangkan Achmad Suparman menyatakan bahwa Globalisasi adalah suatu proses menjadikan sesuatu (benda atau perilaku) sebagai ciri dari setiap individu/negara di dunia ini tanpa dibatasi oleh wilayah.

ESCWA (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia) mempunyai definisi dan penjelasan mengenai globalisasi yang cukup kompleks dan sangat relatif. Menurut mereka Globalisasi adalah suatu pengertian yang bisa didefinisikan dalam banyak hal. Ketika digunakan dalam konteks ekonomi, maka arti globalisasi adalah proses pengurangan atau penghapusan batasa-batasan zona kedaulatan negara dalam rangka mempermudah aliran barang, uang,layanan dan tenaga kerja. Globalisasi bukan fenomena baru karena Globalisasi sudah terjadi sejak zaman abad ke 19, tapi mengalami hambatan pada masa awal perang dunia pertama sampai sekitar tahun 1970’an. Hambatan ini dikarenakan kebijakan proteksi yang dilakukan oleh beberapa negara untuk melindungi industri dalam negerinya. Namun bagaimanapun proses globalisasi itu sendiri terus berkembang pada masa-masa setelahnya hingga hari ini.

Dari beberapa definisi dan penjelasan diatas dapat kita dapatkan kata kunci “Dunia”, “negara”, Jadi dapat saya ungkapkan dengan bahasa sederhana bahwa Globalisasi adalah proses penyatuan perspektif masyarakat berbagai negara di dunia dalam hal apapun. Ya saya cenderung lebih suka menyebut dalam hal apapun karena memang pada kenyataannya Globalisasi tidak hanya terbatas dalam sektor ekonomi, tapi juga telah menyebar dalam berbagai sektor seperti Globalisasi Politik (Blok Barat – Blok timur), Globalisasi Hankam (NATO, Pakta Warsawa), Globalisasi Budaya (lifestyle) bahkan ada pula istilah Globalisasi agama.


Contoh Globalisasi politik yang paling mudah bisa ditemukan adalah pada masa perang dingin antara Uni Soviet dan Amerika Serikat. Kedua kubu itu saling berebut pengaruh politik di tiap-tiap negara di dunia. Tujuan mutlak dari globalisasi politik ini cukup jelas, yaitu menyeragamkan perspektif politik negara-negara di seluruh dunia. Pada masa sekarangpun kita masih cukup mudah menemukan Globalisasi politik, yaitu propaganda AS akan kehebatan dan kesaktian Demokrasi. Terlepas dari benar tidaknya ideologi tersebut, namun yang pasti proses penyebaran nilai-nilai demokrasi itu adalah termasuk dalam proses Globalisasi.

Sedangkan Globalisasi Hankam ini sebenarnya agak rancu untuk dikategorikan sebagai Globalisasi dalam artian sesungguhnya. Kenapa? Karena Hankam ini pada umumnya adalah sebuah isu yang menjadi konsentrasi suatu negara/regional saja, tidak sampai pada tingkatan global. Contohnya adalah NATO, SEATO dan Pakta Warsawa (dulu). Organisasi-organisasi itu melakukan penyeragaman peralatan dan kekuatan militernya hanya untuk negara-negara yang menjadi anggotanya saja, sedangkan untuk negara luar samasekali tidak dianggap dan justru dianggap sebagai suatu “lawan”. Namun Globalisasi hankam ini tampaknya hanya berlaku bagi negara Superpower seperti Amerika Serikat dan Uni Soviet (dulu) yang bercita-cita menciptakan kesatuan militer dunia dibawah pengawasan dan komandonya.


Mungkin jenis Globalisasi yang paling mudah untuk dilihat oleh semua orang adalah Globalisasi kebudayaan (lifestyle). Globalisasi lifestyle ini mencakup kebiasaan, hiburan, teknologi, dan bahkan kebutuhan hidup. Contohnya adalah gaya hidup hedonisme yang mengharuskan kita berbelanja baju yang bermerek internasional, penggunaan Gadget tertentu yang populer di dunia dan lain sebagainya. Biasanya Globalisasi kebudayaan ini lebih cenderung ke Arah Westernisasi. Definisi westernisasi menurut Samuel P. Huntington dalam bukunya The Clash of Civilazation adalah proses yang mengikuti segala bentuk gaya hidup bangsa barat (Eropa, Amerika Serikat dan Kanada, kecuali Turki, Israel, Eropa Timur dan Rusia).

Sedangkan istilah Globalisasi Agama adalah istilah baru yang belum terbuktikan secara empiris oleh sekelompok pemerhati diskusi lintas agama (http://gazali.wordpress.com/2007/11/01/artikel-21/). Namun inti dari globalisasi ini bukan pada proses penyatuan agama di dunia, namun lebih ke arah sikap tenggangrasa antar pemeluk beragama di dunia sehingga seakan-akan tidak ada perbedaan. Implikasi negatif dari Globalisasi agama ini adalah terciptanya “agama langit” yang berkesan mencampuradukkan dan menyamakan semua agama di dunia.

Globalisasi ekonomi saya kira tidak perlu saya jelaskan karena anda akan menemukan artikel yang sangat banyak mengenai hal itu, baik dalam bahasa Indonesia ataupun bahasa Inggris.

Itulah kira-kira penjelasan mengenai Globalisasi yang saya nilai penting, yaitu mengenai definisi dan contoh. Tentu saja contoh dan definisi diatas belumlah sempurna dan lengkap. Anda dapat mencari contoh-contoh disekitar anda sendiri dan kaitkan dengan definisi dari peneliti tersebut diatas, maka anda akan mendapat pemahaman mengenai globalisasi. Karena bagaimanapun sebagai salah satu warga dunia, kita tidak mungkin lepas dari efek globalisasi itu sendiri.

Globalization

Impacts of Globalization

The forces of globalization have allowed for lesser developed countries to make meaningful socioeconomic progress and attain Western standards of living. Ever since 1950, life expectancy in many of the developing countries has increased over fifty percent. These large increases are directly linked to the lower infant mortality rates, better nutrition, improved sanitation and immunizations, and other public health advances. In addition, literacy rates in developing countries have also risen dramatically in the last fifty years. The world now has a largely educated population with a greater intellectual capacity than at any other time in history. Especially in Asia, mass public education has allowed for billions of people to increase their productivity and join together in the global economy as workers and consumers.

In recent decades, the economies of developing countries such as China or South Korea have surged so quickly that they have doubled productive output in just seven to ten years. Also, the proportion of the world's population living in poverty has dropped from over eighty percent in 1820 to less than fifteen percent in 2000, even as the world's population increased from about one billion to more than six billion people.
Furthermore, the concept of free trade has allowed for poorer countries to import more of their goods, such as fruits and vegetables, to the wealthier countries. This then allows the wealthier countries to produce more clothing and light manufactured goods for domestic consumption and export. By importing their fruits and vegetables, the wealthier country provides the poorer country with capital to improve their education and infrastructure. Over time, the poorer country should be able to produce goods such as clothing or radios, and improve their living standards.
Another positive impact of globalization is the increased purchasing power, as it allows us to work less and consume more. For example, the time needed for the average American to earn enough to buy a pound of ground beef was thirty minutes in 1919; however, in 1997, six minutes was all it took. Overall, there is a dramatic increase in the standard of living for people all around the globe, especially those in the developing countries.
Potholes on the Road to Globalization
In order for our world to continue to flourish, globalization must be accepted by a larger number of people. The four obstacles which stand in the way of the continued progress are: protectionism, armed conflict, environmental stress, and demographic imbalances.
Protectionism: Many arguments against globalization are directed towards its empowerment over the traditional industries and cultures. One of the main concerns is the Global Trade Policy, as it excludes developing countries from 700 billion dollars in commerce, each year. These policies deny them foreign currency and the commercial and social interaction necessary to bio-social progress. Also, it is vital for wealthy countries to let go of old industries such as apparel or agriculture, as it is far more profitable to focus on industries such as aviation, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment.

Armed Conflict: The economic, political, and cultural uncertainty surrounding areas of potential conflict restrict the flow of capital, and paralyze businesses, consumers, and investors. If economic resources continue to be used for military purposes, there will be fewer resources devoted to the development of human capital. Also, countries cannot compete economically, cultivate human capital, or develop financial markets in the midst of armed conflict.
Environmental Stress: The success of globalization is held back due to the dramatic increases in consumption. The increased consumption damages the environment, which then slows down economic progress. In order to sustain our environment, wealthier countries should increase public spending on alternative or renewable energy sources. With an alternative energy sector, there could be new economic growth areas for employment in rich countries, and countries that are over-reliant on oil exports may begin to develop and modernize. Also, developing countries would be able to build their infrastructures with a more diversified and sustainable energy approach.
Demographic Imbalances: Drastic population trends such as the youth bulge in developing nations, and the rapid aging of industrialized countries present many challenges to globalization. Large young populations in developing nations may lead to unregulated and unlawful migration, which can create long-lasting instability. On the other hand, the lower birth rates and increasing longevity of the industrialized countries stresses public pension schemes and causes the populaton to decrease dramatically.
Will Globalization Eventually Benefit the Developing World?
It can be concluded that eventually, globalization will be a benefit to the developing world; however, there are many obstacles which may lead to prove otherwise. If human capital is a key component of improved living standards, increased spending on education should become a priority in both rich and poor countries. By increasing the number of educated people, there will be a wider range of workers and consumers. Furthermore, by boosting the human capital in poor countries through financial and technical aid, the number of healthy, productive workers and consumers would increase. About two billion people could overcome their daily struggles with malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and dirty drinking water. In order for the poorer countries to become large markets for goods and services, wealthy countries should focus on higher-value-added industries for domestic consumption and export, while poorer countries should begin to focus on the lower-skilled sectors. All this can only be done over a period of time, because globalization is not a perfect process. Even if all this is done, there is no guarantee that it will greatly benefit the developing countries, or if the results will last for a long period of time. Ultimately, we as humans have the power to accept or deny the ways of globalization. If we see it as a benefit, many of us will support it; however, there will always be people who are completely against the concept of globalization.

Analysis of William Mazzarella's "Culture, Globalization, Mediation"

The author of “Culture, Globalization, Mediation”, William Mazzarella firmly believes that media has become a basic part of our ever expanding culture and undeniably impacts the way people view other cultures. Furthermore, Mazzarella perceives media as a mirror image of ourselves, “It is the process by which the self recognizes itself by returning to itself, renewed and once removed” (2004:357). Thusly, Mazzarella believes media represents us and our culture back to us, thus making media the mediator between the two neutral parties. Media allows the viewer to compare themselves to other cultures all across the globe and see fragments of themselves manifested in other cultures because media gives the viewer access to these images. These presentations of culture through media allows the viewer access to a wide array of culture and the ability to manipulate and influence our own identity with media images that we have been presented with. Thus, a homogenization of culture is produced. This statement is best illustrated in the across the globe popularity of food and beverage chains like McDonalds or Starbucks, were cookie-cutter images of these establishments appear all over the globe, Mazzarella terms this the “McWorld-Style homogenization” (2004:352). Thus rituals of usage occurring in some small town in Canada could essentially also be mirrored in Bangkok. Essentially, a hybrid effect or assimilation is created across cultures due to the onset of globalization and Mazzarella views media as the catalyst.



Furthermore, media can be viewed as a retarding agent on society because authenticity and legitimacy essentially begins to diminish because media can present false images of culture and predators of the market manipulate the market to their advantage, mainly in the form of large scale corporations. These manipulations can have the largest impact on the local in terms of authenticity because with the homogenization of cultures due to globalization, uniqueness of cultures deteriorates and hybridization takes over. This is largely due to the fact that media is so easily accessible by all spheres of society. Thusly, media is essentially a force that is used to change society and does not aid in the understanding of the rest of the world because media supplies the masses with a false sense of culture.

Guest Post: How to Stay Chic with Summer Dresses 2011

This is a glorious summer for dresses of all styles and fabrics, from modern to retro. Nothing beats the ease of slipping into a dress for work or weekend and finishing the outfit with sandals and a bracelet. Dresses that suit the wearer's figure radiate elegance and confidence, and could not look less like a uniform. They are easy to wear from work to dinner out, or from the beach to the gallery, dressed up or down with accessories, jackets, and nearly any flat or heeled shoes.  The biggest trend this year is the biggest dress of them all, the Maxi. This blast from the past is still gaining popularity in lengths from mid-calf down to the ankles. The long length creates a showcase for sheer floral fabric, or for the most minimalist black jersey column that accentuates curves and statement jewellery. This summer dress can be worn everywhere, and is especially appropriate for summer parties. Depending on the fabric, it can span three seasons; worn with boots and cropped sweaters or jackets, it makes a wonderfully versatile element for your wardrobe.
Minimalism continues to be another strong trend. Simple shapes, simple colours, and simple fabrics let you the wearer be the focus and not your clothes. These pieces are also ideal for layering in creative and flattering ways. Nothing, however, is more minimalist than a dress, one single all-purpose item of clothing. Along with the above-mentioned black columnar Maxi dress, there are knee-length versions, and variations on the T-shirt dress. The minimalist look is urban, and fits in well at any place that is elegant or artistic. Wear this to the next gallery opening.  
The T-shirt dress comes in various weights of jersey and of course in a variety of patterns. The big trend is stripes, wide, narrow, or mixed-width stripes, and in any direction and in any colour combination. Go crazy with stripes for T-shirt dresses that double as beach cover-ups, and more subdued with stripes for work. Always keep in mind your shape and height with the striped T-shirt dress, and avoid horizontal stripes on the bits you'd rather not emphasize. Vertical stripes are slimming and lengthening, and the newest versions break away from preppy straight stripes, favouring the more watery lines of tropical prints in deep, vivid colours.  Sun dresses are the classic summer treat, strappy and breezy and absolutely essential for garden parties. They are their most charming when embellished with embroidery or in special fabrics. This summer look for floral and ethnic prints in both regular and sheer fabric weights. If your arms are not your best asset, add a long, lightweight lace or linen scarf as a shawl.  How to top off any of these dresses? With the cropped denim jacket, of course. This is such an icon it never really goes out of style and never takes itself too seriously: it can be and has been worn simply everywhere! The ruggedness of denim jackets perfectly play up the lightness of summer dresses.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Ayana Designs Necklace Giveaway!

First things first, darlings! The winner of CC's Lingerie.com Giveaway is the lovely Rebirth ~ congrats!
Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to Ayana Designs, a fabulous line of handmade jewelry!
All necklaces at ayanadesigns.com.
Fabulous news, darlings! CC and Ayana Designs have one of these lovely necklaces to give away to a lucky CC reader! The winner gets to select her prize!
Seven Day Reader’s Choice Contest: To enter, simply visit the Ayana Designs website, select your favorite piece, and mention it in the comments section of this post. For an extra entry, like Ayana Designs on Facebook and tell CC you have done so in a separate comment.
Also, be sure to visit the Ayana Designs blog.
Good luck, darlings!
xoxox,
CC
P.S. Please stop by CC's other blog, CC Loves..., for a $100 Shopbop.com Giveaway!


Monday, May 23, 2011

Architectural Inspiration: Sassy Stripes

First things first, darlings! The winner of CC's Towne & Reese Jewelry Giveaway is the lovely NGS ~ congrats!

Architectural inspiration via nuevo-estilo.es.

Balmain striped low-rise skinny jeans; this and next at net-a-porter.com.





Burberry studded leather and denim wedge sandals.





Oonagh by Nanette Lepore Jackie sweater; this and next at shopbop.com.





Rebecca Minkoff tweed clutch.

Darlings, what do you think of this space and the look it inspired?
xoxox,
CC

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Chanel Cruise 2012 Highlights

Runway coverage via style.com.
Which look is your favorite?
xoxox,
CC


















Saturday, May 21, 2011

Guest Post: Summer Dresses

With all the sunshine we’ve been having recently, it’s no wonder that everywhere we look there are summer dresses being broken out of our wardrobes so that we can flaunt our legs in the lovely weather.

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe for the new summer season then there are a number of summer dresses, including Plus size dresses, that you should be keeping an eye out for to ensure you’re on trend for the coming months.

Everyone’s favourite summer dress – the maxi dress – is back once again for another season. If you’re a lover of summer dresses that are effortlessly stylish as well as keeping you cool and covered up then the summer maxi is a great option.

The maxi has been given a makeover though, and the summer version makes use of sheer fabrics, pale floral patterns and a tiered effect, taking inspiration from the floaty dresses of the seventies.

Long summer dresses aren’t for everyone though, so if you want to get those pins out in the sunshine then opt for a shorter style dress. There are lots of cute summer dresses about at the moment which have Peter Pan collars. These pretty dresses come in all sorts of prints and colours, so you’re sure to find one that suits you.

Another classic summer dress style is that of a simple, empire line dress. These usually come with spaghetti straps and fall just below the bust. This type of dress is perfect for the beach as a cover up or can be dressed up with some glam accessories for a chic daytime look.

Alternative to summer dresses can also include a pretty playsuit or a bright tunic dress which can be teamed with leggings and sandals for a summer look.

Make the most of the gorgeous sunshine and get your summer dresses out of retirement today. And if you don’t have any you want to wear then hit the shops and revamp your summer wardrobe!

xoxox,

CC

Friday, May 20, 2011

Popina Swimwear Giveaway!

First things first, darlings ~ the winner of CC's latest StockinGirl.com Giveaway is the lovely Stephanie - congrats!

Darlings, you know how much CC loves sassy swimwear! CC is so pleased to introduce you to Popina, an online purveyor of gorgeous Retro Swimwear, Jantzen Swimwear, and Vintage Swimsuits.
All these suits are available at popinaswimwear.com. CC owns the polka dot bikini and can attest that it is beautifully made and super-comfy!
Fabulous news, darlings!





CC and Popina Swimwear have one of these lovely swimsuits or bikinis to give away to a lucky CC reader!Seven Day Reader’s Choice Giveaway: To enter, simply leave a relevant comment on this post. For an extra entry, follow Popina on Twitter and tell CC you have done so in a separate comment. Good luck, darlings!
xoxox,
CC

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Guest Post: How to Choose Your Jeweler

A piece of jewelry is considered a treasure for quite a number of reasons. Take for example, diamond engagement rings. Even a photograph of it on the magazine is already a sight to behold, with all its gleaming facets ready to jump out of the pages, but it is quite another story once you find yourself in the presence of a real one. It is a dancing fire with sparks playing in its midst, served on a golden or platinum band. It is eternity sitting on your finger, a fitting symbol of your love. You, your sons and daughters, their children and those who come after them will have the chance to own it because a diamond never ages, never fades and forever remains a thing of beauty.
Fortunately, you no longer have to brave jungles and seas to acquire this prize. You do, however, need a trustworthy expect to aid you in your search. After all, you’d surely want your acquisition to accurately reflect the money and effort you invested in it.
Even if you know a thing or two about jewelry and diamond, a jeweler is still indispensable in the hunt for loose diamonds, engagement rings or wedding rings. A jeweler has to be an expert in his field. Everyone wants to work with the best. He also needs to be trustworthy, someone you can discuss money and personal matters with in confidence. How will you be able to determine these qualities?


There are a lot of jewelers in the country and some do offer very tempting prices. It is easy to get lured into thinking that you’ll be getting away with a steal if you opt for the lower price, but did you know that the price of your jewelry does not depend on the size of the stone alone?
Wouldn’t it be great if you had all the information you needed so you could make an informed decision? A jeweler who keeps you in the know shows not only expertise in his craft but also his willingness to help you arrive at the best possible purchase. Check if your jeweler has extensive resources about wholesale diamonds, jewelry metals, gems, pearls and related topics on their website.
One good way to confirm the reputation of a certain jeweler is by checking if they are an accredited member of Jewelers of America and the Better Business Bureau. Another good yardstick would be the number of years the jeweler has been in business and how many satisfied clients they’ve had. A jeweler who earnestly looks out for the interests of his client will always give the best price. There are two ways to get the lowest price on your purchase: you can either make an effort to canvass among a number of jewelers, or you can get someone who guarantees to beat the price of anyone offering an item of the same size and quality.
Possibly the best testament to the reputation of your jeweler would be their adherence to a strict zero-tolerance policy against conflict diamonds. Conflict diamonds originate from the western and central regions of Africa and are sold to fund wars within the continent. Although the Kimberly Process and Patriot Act largely decreased the flow of conflict diamonds, some illegal stones still find their way into the marketplace.
Lastly, wouldn’t you want to get additional perks along with your purchase? You’d want to get a jeweler who can deliver top-notch quality service even after you’ve paid, just to show that they appreciate the fact that you brought your business to them. If your chosen jeweler has the following in addition to everything else mentioned, then you definitely have a green light. · Free complementary shipping – Your order is securely packaged, fully-insured and shipped by the most reputable couriers.· 30 Day Money Back Guarantee – Get a full refund, no questions asked, if you’re not happy with your purchase. · Lifetime warranty with Free Gemological Appraisal – Receive a detailed gemological appraisal by top gemologists from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) along with your lifetime warranty.Are you planning to get the perfect engagement ring for your future spouse? Do you wish to know more about jewelry and diamonds? Find a wealth of free information only at Brilliance’s Education Center at http://www.brilliance.com/.
This was a sponsored post.
xoxox,
CC

Architectural Inspiration: Beautiful Blues


Architectural inspiration via elledecor.com.

Tara Matthews open-back tie-dye cotton dress; this and next at net-a-porter.com.









Valentino embellished leather lace-up espadrilles.









Dannijo Tia earrings; this and next at shopbop.com.



Insight Opulence bandeau bikini.




Darlings, what do you think of this space and the look it inspired?




xoxox,

CC

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Press Release Distribution