Globalization. This single word has two very different connotations. It can be taken as a positive step forward in life and humanity, or it could be viewed as just another way to replace hard workers.

“I’m for increasing and updating the technology we use today,” said Stefanie Brajcki, freshman psychology major. “But, at the cost of hurting America’s low income citizens, my personal view wants to change.”

Globalization is everywhere, and consumers must pay close attention to how the world has become interconnected. Have you ever read, “Made in China” on a purchased item? Have you ever rode in a car that was not made within U.S. borders?

“If I compared all the things I own that were made in a different country to the ones that were made in America, the ratio would be like 20 to every one,” said Lindsey Tucker, freshman hospitality administration major.

Globalization, at first glance, does not seem like it would threaten American opportunities. Globalizing creates less cost in services, opens the chance to be an importing and exporting machine, ties with other countries and allows Americans the chance to create a higher standard of living, including dining sets at only $100 with a “Made in Mystery Land” brand on the bottom.

“Globalization generally works; it allows lower costing services,” said Carl Campbell, assistant chair of the economics department. “But it also hurts low-scale workers at the same time.”

It is hard to say whether you should be either for or against globalization because, whether we like it or not, the world will continue to grow. At one point, we thought the world was flat, and now, we can digitally watch people in Russia by downloading Skype online for free. We will continue to explore our options in technology and communication.

“I don’t necessarily believe globalization is bad,” Campbell said. “I believe it will make it easier to make bad decisions when it comes to borrowing money from other countries that are current service providers.”

The real downside to this knowledge-craving country is in the end, the hard-working small-towners are the ones that will be pushed aside first. Mom-and-Pop shops have become a thing of a past; Wal-Mart has become the new grocery/clothing/anything-you-will-ever-need store. When our country ignores the struggles its true citizens are having, it makes it hard to want to stand beside our flag and support it throughout all its decisions.

“When I was little, I bought candy from this corner store right by my house,” Brajcki said. “That store went out of business a few years ago.”

Globalization is not a choice anymore, and to help settle American citizens’ judgements toward globalization, we need to establish concrete ways to benefit from this inevitable conclusion.