Unlike globalisation, the economic
process that views the planet as one giant market to be dominated and
exploited, globalism (as defined here) can offer an alternative and positive outlook on worldwide human culture as a
single entity.
Globalism is connected.
The internet enables the peoples, cultures, networks and systems of the
world to connect with each other like never before in human history. It
provokes endless opportunity for the exchange of ideas, solving of
problems and forging of new bonds. Furthermore, it acts as a repository
for all human knowledge, a realisation of H.G. Wells' vision of a world brain. While this undoubtedly brings its own set of troubles, our interconnectivity offers an unprecedented platform for resolving problems. Globalism exists because the internet exists. Globalism is diverse.
Our world is the sum of its parts - a bewilderingly vast collection of
peoples, cultures, races, faces, customs, languages, ideas and beliefs.
Globalism openly embraces that diversity, recognises that different
approaches can have equal validity to cherished wisdoms, and believes
that there is no 'us and them', only an 'us'. Furthermore, it understands that as our fragile
planet comes under increasingly greater threat from ourselves, it
becomes ever more important to act in harmony with nature rather than
against it. This helps to protect the world's natural diversity and shows we realise how connected we are with
our environment.
Globalism is peaceful.
Throughout human history, violence has been the dominant response for the
resolution of conflict. Conflict itself is a natural response to an
absence of harmony and can sometimes be necessary, yet violence can never provide a sustainable solution
and is only ever likely to beget more violence. Globalism advocates for peaceful
solutions to problems, embraces principles of non-violence and
encourages the spread of these ideals. The road to peace is longer and
harder than the road to war, but it is ultimately more fruitful for all.
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Born in England in 1971 yet raised in Wales, I became acutely aware
of cultural difference from an early age. Being able to get by in both
places yet not fully fitting in to either, I began to explore the
British Isles to learn more about my home lands.
In 1994, I
moved to the US and lived in Florida for a while, uprooting myself for
the first time from the place that I'd always called home. On my return
and during a period of ever closer union in my continental backyard, I
set about developing a more pan-European outlook in life, visiting the
cities and mixing with the peoples of the mainland.
I came to identify
myself as British-European, yet having attained that perspective I then
yearned to fully globalise my way of thinking. Two things happened in
2003 to set me on that path. A trip to Tanzania hugely broadened my horizons and led to a hunger for as big a challenge as I could set
myself. In the same year, I moved to Tokyo which became my base for
further explorations.
Four years on and after much new ground under my feet, I stood in front of Iguazu
Falls, bordering Argentina and Brazil, in awe of nature's sheer power.
I realised that my quest was complete - I had become a man of the
world, a global citizen. Now, I am back in England again, full circle.
The primary purpose of this
website is as a portal for work I have done over the years and the range of my
other online activities, spanning creative, commercial and non-profit
ventures. It will hopefully also capture or illustrate ways of thinking that I have developed throughout my journeys, and thus act as a
platform to share my outlook with others that may feel a connection with
it. Finally, there are sections of links for visitors to
continue their own explorations.
Feedback is welcomed.
Dom Pates, England, 2011.
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