Globallization Essay Example

United States, Canada,and Mexico.In response to NAFTA's establishment ,an anti-NAFTA coalition emerged in the impoverished Mexican state of Chiapas(NewStatesman Society1) Over time,this coalition transformed into an uprising led by the Zapatista National Liberation Army(EZLN), startingonJanuary1st ,1994 - coinciding with NAFTA coming into effect.The survival of Chiapas' indigenous population depended on maize cultivation on small plots of land.

The trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico aimed to eliminate sustenance farming. This resulted in an influx of mass-produced corn crops from North American and Canadian prairies into Mexico, negatively impacting small-scale producers (New Statesman and Society 2). The EZLN had a manifesto consisting of ten points: "work, land, shelter, nutrition, health, education, liberty, democracy, justice, and peace" (New Statesman and Society 1). On New Year's Day, revolutionary guerillas emerged from the forests and hills. They seized control of nine towns in Chiapas but faced resistance from Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari who deployed the army. Over 100 guerillas lost their lives during the conflict which came to an end after nearly two months. Eventually, indigenous people reached a 32-point agreement with a representative for peace acting on behalf of the Mexican federal government (New Statesman and Society 3).The text discusses the promises made in a deal, including democratic reforms, limited autonomy for indigenous communities, and Mexico's first anti-discrimination law. It also highlights provisions for schoolteachers, health clinics, doctors, electricity, better housing, roads, childcare centers, and an independent radio station for indigenous people. However, it argues that NAFTA primarily serves to protect U.S. investors in Mexico rather than benefiting the Mexican people. The uprising of the Chiapas Indians against globalization is seen as a global

protest against neo-imperialist nations exploiting Third World countries. Additionally mentioned is Carmen Miranda's influence in popularizing bananas in the U.S., which resulted in the establishment of "banana republics" in Central and South America.

The term "banana republics" refers to nations that are controlled by foreign corporations, with the assistance of their own governments. These governments consist of individuals who financially benefit from aligning themselves with overseas corporations and their political allies (Enloe 133). Originally, this term was used to describe Central American countries heavily influenced by the United Fruit Company, U.S. Marines, and handpicked dictators (Enloe 133). In addition to male-dominated banana plantations, there is also a significant presence of women involved in unpaid domestic and productive labor behind the scenes (Enloe 137). Women often reside and work on these plantations after the planting of banana trees, performing tasks like weeding and cleaning. The bananas are then processed at on-site factories and transported to docks for exportation.

The participation of women in banana republics is crucial for the process of globalization. They are responsible for tasks such as removing bunches from thick stems, washing them with a chemical solution, and sorting out any rejected ones (Enloe 138). Unfortunately, these women often find themselves employed in low-paid seasonal jobs that offer limited training and advancement opportunities. Additionally, some of these positions expose them to hazardous chemicals and the risk of sexual harassment (Enloe 139).

Unfortunately, women in these roles face more exploitation than their male counterparts when it comes to wages and working conditions. They earn only half the wages earned by men and frequently experience sexual harassment. This exploitation is justified through the concept

of "downward leveling," an important aspect of globalization. To reduce costs and maximize profits, large fruit companies like United Fruit pay their employees meager amounts.

In conclusion, the role played by women in banana republics is vital for successful globalized economic activities. However, it is essential that their rights and well-being are protected to ensure fair treatment and compensation.

Globalization places profit above ethical policies, leading to the exploitation of 'Third World Employees' who receive below sustenance-level wages. This process, known as 'downward leveling', is causing environmental devastation at a rate that exceeds the environment's ability to recover or improve. The growth of global corporations has resulted in the establishment of oil refineries, steel mills, chemical plants, and other factories across the globe. These factories are major contributors to greenhouse gases, ozone-depleting chemicals, and toxic pollutants (Brecher and Costello 24). The pursuit of modernization and comfort has had catastrophic consequences for the environment. There is widespread disregard for environmental protection and maintenance. Advocates for preserving the environment often face criticism as they are seen as hindering capitalist progress. The book "Earth and the American Dream" presents alarming data on environmental issues indicating that in just the first half of the 20th century alone, more non-renewable resources were consumed than throughout all previous history combined. Americans have gained a reputation for excessive national waste. To cut costs, companies allocate less funding towards proper treatment of hazardous wastes.

Dumping waste products in rivers and oceans leads to the release of gases into the atmosphere, causing damage to the ozone layer. To prevent hazardous materials from being disposed of, stricter regulations on companies are necessary. People's willingness

to harm the environment for personal benefits results in a greater depletion of resources. It is crucial to carefully monitor the detrimental effects of globalization on the environment to avoid irreversible damage. Globalization affects various aspects including indigenous people in Chiapas, women working in "banana republics," and the natural environment. The pursuit of cost reduction in business operations negatively impacts 1.3 billion people living in extreme poverty as American companies exploit cheap labor overseas without improving their living conditions.

The Zapatistas' uprising following the establishment of NAFTA was a direct response to the exploitation resulting from globalization. The mistreatment of women employed in 'banana republics' serves as evidence for how multinational corporations exploit local populations, paying them insufficient wages for survival. One of the irreversible and devastating consequences wrought by globalization is its detrimental impact on the environment. In order to cut costs, companies frequently disregard environmental protection measures and instead dispose of chemical and toxic waste in waterways. Additionally, the emission of harmful gases exacerbates ozone layer depletion. While industrialized nations may reap benefits from globalization, it offers little assistance to impoverished individuals residing in Third World countries. We must critically examine whether their opulence and comfort are worth exploiting countless others; this policy of globalization results in more harm than good within specific regions of the world.