Application: Global Issues

When working on the local, state, or federal level, it is sometimes difficult to understand how globalization may impact the political landscape.

For example, some argue that the pro-democracy movements in the Middle East were spurred on by social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter when traditional channels of communication were eliminated. Another example is the issue of hate speech, which is protected in the United States under the first amendment of the Constitution.

In France, hate speech is illegal and punishable by fine or imprisonment. French citizens who wish to disregard the laws of their nation and spread hate on a global scale, need only set up a website through a U.S.-based Internet carrier to accomplish their goals.

These examples illustrate both positive and negative effects of globalization on the global community at large and on those who occupy particular roles (candidate, head of agency, or nonprofit) such as those in the virtual community.

To prepare for this assignment:

Review the video presentation of this week's news broadcast in the virtual community.

Think about the impact (political, economic, and environmental) of the zebra mussels on the virtual community and the global community at large.

Consider the reactions of the various people around town to the controversy.

Think about how the zebra mussel's controversy is related to globalization.

Consider the impact of the zebra mussels controversy on your role in the virtual community.

The assignment (2 pages):

Explain why the zebra mussels controversy is considered a global issue.

Explain the impact of the zebra mussel's controversy on your role in the virtual community.

Share an insight about the nature of globalization as it relates to the zebra mussel's controversy.

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.