Clarity as a Global Citizen
Everything around us is moving fast. Information, people, goods, and ideas are all accessible at the tip of our fingers. You order a book on Amazon with a simple tap and it automatically finds it in a warehouse in Beijing and delivers to your house in a matter of days. The society we live in right now has never been more interconnected and reliant on each other than before. Global economics has improved thanks to outsourced jobs in Globally southern nations. Second or third world countries can easily access medical and food supplies on account of large international organizations like the World Health Organization or the Doctors without Border organization. Companies could now tap into markets that were once otherwise inaccessible. Overall, the standard of living has marginally improved due to the miracles of globalization and with it, a byproduct of this modern social phenomenon is born: Global Citizenship.
Global Citizenship, a grandiose product of our ever-so increasingly interconnected world. It means to have the awareness and the understanding of the greater world around us and our place in such society; to actively take care of those we might not know personally but are responsible for so that the world could improve collectively. Yet, there is still a large portion of people that deem Global Citizenship as an unwanted byproduct of globalization. Though it is understandable that taking the role as a Global Citizen may shroud people’s nationalistic identity and may undermine or even confuse one’s identity, for me, identifying myself as a Global Citizen is a form of clarity because it gives people an alternative way of thinking base on rationality and facts.
Global Citizenship is an opportunity for one to look at the bigger picture and to have the choice to be free of the fixated mindset that was implemented by society or people around us. For 19 years, I have live on and been nurtured by Taiwan. From a young age, I was told by my parents that I am a proud descendent of the Chinese people. My grandparents fled Mainland China to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War in 1937. Being a third-generation immigrant, I was instilled with the impression that I am Chinese and value the rich traditional and cultural heritage passed down by generations. As a kid, I welcomed the idea of embracing our family traditions and memories. However, as I entered adolescence, my perception of my identity and citizenship was challenged.
At school, we learned about the history of China and Taiwan, and it occurred to me that not everyone shares the identity I hold so preciously. The younger generations of teenagers identify themselves as being Taiwanese, a completely different ethnicity and citizenship. Our generation of young people views things differently from our parents. For example, older generations believe that China should unify Taiwan while younger generations want complete independence and autonomy. We defy and reject the old Chinese way of thinking and created an entirely new collective culture. Yet, this polarizing dual-identity creates a confusing and conflicting internal paradox.
On one end, I treasure the Chinese cultures, traditions, and the emphasis on family values as I treasured it as a kid. On the other, I loved the freedom and the sense of belonging to people of my own age. Why couldn’t I be both? Global Citizenship provided a perspective on the confusing matter. It not only became a safeguard from unpleasant conversations and heated political debate during family gatherings, but it also altered the way I think of the duality and rationalize my decisions. To put it in other words, Global Citizenship is a way of thinking, a mindset that enables people to think outside the box. It allowed me to detach myself from the innate emotions that are attached to either national identities and to contemplate on a neutral and rational state of mind. Take the most polarizing issue of Taiwan as an example. Those that identify as Chinese want China to unify Taiwan while the Taiwanese want complete autonomy and independence from China. When approached with this dilemma, I do not see it as a question of two choices but as a delicately balanced tension that not only involves China and Japan but also nations such as the U.S. or Japan; I see Taiwan as a pawn in the grand struggle for Global dominance between China and the U.S.
Of course, the anecdote aforementioned is specific, but the concept of Global Citizenship being a liberating and alternative mindset is evident in the real world. International organizations like the UN and World Health Organization are an embodiment of innovative thinking. Take the COVID-19 Global response as an example. To see teams of brave scientists travel to devastated nations to provide aid and medical supplies is truly inspiring, especially when the total number of medical supplies around the world being extremely limited, mostly for Globally southern nations. However, what truly fascinates me was the response on the internet. During the earlier stages of the pandemic, not everyone was able to access face masks. As a result, people around the world began sharing innovative ideas of alternatives to masks whether it be homemade masks or fabric masks. Videos of people creating dances about washing hands became viral on Tik Tok and helped raised awareness on the importance of personal hygiene. The environment we live in enables people to employ innovative solutions to global issues and to carry out our duties as global citizens, which is to care for everyone around the world.
The extent to which global citizenship could inspire innovative thinking does not just end there. Trends like Tik Tok are works of individuals. Imagine if governments and politicians around the world could employ the same mindset and work together for the greater good of the world.
The debate between Global Citizenship and National Citizenship is sure to continue. However, it is important to note that Global Citizenship is more than an identity, it is a mindset that is liberating, creative, and caring. It allows people to be better versions of themselves. By extension, in a world that is growingly chaotic and depressing, having global thinking will certainly be a way for people to find a way out of this global setback that we must endure together.
