Read the text and match the paragraphs (1-6) and the headings (A-G). There is one heading you do not need. Transfer your answers to the table.
A Factors responsible for globalization
B The natural process of evolution
C Measures to fight globalization
D International eating habits
E The world may turn boring
F Cultural and informational exchange
G All in the same boat
1.
Both economists and politicians claim that globalization cannot be stopped – people have to accept it and adapt to the new environment. Anti-globalists, in my eyes, just have lost touch with reality, whatever they do – they cannot stop the logical development of our society. Economic development requires boarder free zone, as companies cannot perform their best in the cramped conditions of local markets. National economies are integrating into the international economy and the process is accelerating rapidly.
2.
One may think that the process of globalization was caused and launched mainly by economic forces, which is not quite correct. It is caused by a combination of economic, social, cultural, political and technological reasons. Communication technologies created new unprecedented business opportunities which boosted economic processes. In fact, telecommunicating and teleconferencing enable business people to trade across the continents. Multimillion deals can be negotiated and signed using electronic means, money can be transferred in seconds, and goods can be delivered in hours from one continent to another.
3.
The cultural life of people has changed too. Due to global TV broadcast and the Internet they can exchange information quickly and easily. Nowadays, people living in Europe are well informed about the cultural traditions and mentality of people who inhabit South America or Australia and vice versa. And if they want to learn something new, they can easily find the information. Some national cultural objects have turned into global. No one can say now that the Beatles is just the English group – it’s a global phenomenon, which belongs to the whole world.
4.
Another example of integration of national cultures is the spread of culinary traditions. Italian dishes may be cooked and served in America, there are lots of Indian and Greek restaurants in Paris, and no one in Moscow considers hot and spicy Chinese food as something exotic. We have an opportunity to taste various dishes regardless of the country where we live. Due to globalization people have a much wider choice than they used to have, and they find it very beneficial.
5.
However, there are two sides to every medal, and it refers to globalization too. In spite of the obvious advantages, its negative consequences shouldn’t be neglected either. Getting global, unfortunately, means losing your national identity. Global music, fashion, mass media makes us more and more alike. The world is getting less diverse and therefore less interesting.
6.
Furthermore, the global world gets more vulnerable as crises and catastrophes become global too. That is they can affect anyone in any country. Having started in one country the financial and economic crises expands via multinational banks and corporations all over the world causing bankruptcy and unemployment across the globe. The negative impact on the environment is not local either – it affects everyone living on the planet.