The term globalization has long been in use. According to Webster, it means “the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets.” Over the years, the increase of global economic integration, plus digital nomadism, has resulted to blurred borders and their pros and cons.
Goods and services, for example, are more easily outsourced from third-world countries where labor and/or materials are cheap, promising business individuals and companies better profit margins. Many offices that are based in first-world countries, like the U.S. and Canada, hire assistants from countries like India and the Philippines to work virtually for them. Education too is a popular reason to integrate into a new society. Koreans flee to English-speaking countries, like Canada and Australia, to learn the English language.
The rise of the social media is also a factor in making global citizenship possible. There are influencers who jet off to different places in the world to increase their market reach and value. There are models and entertainers who seem to hail from just about anywhere where there is glitz and glamor.
Aside from these advantages, globalization has allowed people to experience other cultures without boarding a plane. There is no need to head to Korea for authentic K-pop items; they are everywhere. No need to order straight from Japan their coveted skincare products; they are everywhere.
The disadvantage is when these blurred borders are used for illegal pursuits. Crossing borders without papers, overstaying in a country, seeking employment in a foreign country without permission are among the common problems when borders are deliberately ignored for selfish interests.
Talks of China and Russia potentially expanding their territories through unwarranted military and political maneuvers are rampant too. This for sure is the worst blurring of borders, the kind of takeover that we should be careful about. It happens in movies and literature, but should not happen in real life. Never again?
