Traditional societies throughout the world sit on the "frontlines" of globalization's expansion; they occupy the last pristine places on earth, where resources are still abundant:forests, minerals, water, and genetic diversity. All are ferociously sought by global corporations, pressuring traditional societies to relocate. (1)
What we lose: Health:
70% of all cancer medications were developed using traditional knowledge and plants.The Environment: Environmental destruction is an indicator that traditional people no longer live in the area.
The impact of globalization is strongest on these populations perhaps more than any other because these communities have no voice and are therefore easily swept aside by the invisible hand of the market. Globalization is not merely a question of marginalization for indigenous peoples it is a multi-pronged attack on the very foundation of their existence and livelihoods. (2)
poor are affected
adversely by the reaches of globalization. One third are artisan fishermen.
By 2050 90% of the worlds cultural diversity will be dead.
Currently every 14 days
1 culture/language dies caused in part by the homogenization effect of globalization.
Help Support: Economic development that does not destroy the environment. Policies that recognize the important of traditional societies. Our efforts. to help tell their story and record their culture.
Dr. Nancy Rivenburgh (2004) Do we really understand the issue? Media coverage of endangered languages.
(2) Corey E. Nelson. University of Denver. The Price They Pay. The Effect of Product Globalization on Indigenous Cultures.
(1) B. D. Sharma / Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar. The Tribal Encounter.