How to Cope with Globalization

by Nathasya Gabrielle XIIA2-35

We all know that globalization is a phenomena that can’t be avoided. Globalization comes along with the rapid pace of the development of science. Globalization makes the world seem limitless and affects various aspects, such as communication and information technology, economics, social, culture, language, political, defense and security, religion, education, and many more. Globalization has a positive and negative impact on the life of society and state. In every aspect that is affected by the globalization, it always raises the two impacts, both positively and negatively. Positive effects can be seen from the growth of creativity and the increasing quality of production, the more open markets for export products, increasing Indonesian tourism, etc. Besides the positive effects, there are also negative impacts of globalization, like the inclusion of western culture that can erode Indonesian culture, imported commodities threaten domestic products, labor competition, etc.

In fact, globalization has a big impact on the lives of community groups as well as on each individual. How come? Because in the era of globalization like now, teenagers like us can easily access news, music, movies, and lifestyle of people in other countries through the internet. This acceleration and openness of information flow then changes the lifestyle and someone’s perspective.

Globalization brings us to a state of culture shock, where we are not prepared or surprised by the new culture that enters our daily lives. As a result, old habits and norms are starting to fade away because of the entry of foreign culture. We know that Indonesian culture began to be eroded by western culture. For example, the culture of kissing parents’ hand before leaving is replaced because teenagers more often greet parents with a wave of hand just like a culture of greeting in the western states. Globalization must never be allowed to crush diversity. We must be more confident about our own diversity and also respect ­and relish the diversity of others.

In 10 or 20 more years, of course the technology will continue to develop more and more. But if we can’t use the technology wisely, of course we are going to be fooled and enslaved by technology. Otherwise, if we use the technology very wisely, we will be able to compete with others in the era of the globalization. Actually, we don’t need to be worry to face the globalization because the unwanted impact of globalization can be prevented and overcome. So here are the tips and tricks from me.

1.       Improve life skills

We should improve our life skills as the competitiveness and endurance capital to face the competition in the era of globalization. Without having life skills, we will be very easily carried away by the negative currents of globalization. Besides, we will not be able to compete with others because the development of technology makes humans have been replaced by robots.

2.       Increase self-confidence

Having self-confidence and courage is also one way to deal with globalization. By having this attitude, we will have the strength and determination not to be easily swayed by the change from globalization and its negative effects.

3.       Keep learning and learning

Being a learner is needed in this era of globalization. By having the habit to keep learning, we will have broader insight and knowledge. By having the insight and knowledge, we will be able to compete in the world markets in this era of globalization and appear to be a superior and qualified person.

4.       Foster a sense of nationalism

How to deal with globalization can also be done by re-growing a sense of nationalism. This aims to make the society love Indonesia even more. Efforts to foster a sense of nationalism can be done in various ways, such as always using products made in Indonesia to avoid excessive western lifestyle, instilling and implementing the values of Pancasila, instilling and carrying out religious teachings, realizing the rule of law, upholding the law correctly and fairly, being selective about the influence of globalization in many aspects.

5.       Keep up with the development of science and technology

One way to deal with globalization can be done by always following the development of science and technology. Since everything could be easily accessed with the technology, we should use technology wisely. This needs to be done so that Indonesian society is able to filter the good and useful information and not easily fooled by outside information.

6.       Increase faith to God

Having strong faith to God is also one way to deal with globalization. Faith is very useful to fortify ourselves from the negative influences of globalization that come from outside, such as drugs, pornography, free sex, etc.