Glopolis is a non-partisan, non-governmental organization which focuses on the analysis of economic globalization, trade, development, agriculture and climate change.
Glopolis releases a publication focused on myths connected with developing countries.
Mýty a legendy z neznámého světa
Many myths are also connected with less developed and poor countries, which is partially the result of the fact that we know the least about these lands. Of course, the real causes are much deeper and primarily consist in the effort to explain why we are prosperous and why those who are less fortunate are not.
Even the media is partially responsible for the spread of myths, either intentionally with a certain goal (to garner attention, to tarnish someone or to serve the purposes of owners) or simply unwittingly. For example, in an effort to provide information on interesting situations in countries about which little is known, reports are condensed and simplified due to size or time restrictions. This process feeds and supports myths, since the situation of the local population is not adequately explained. Mutual understanding is complicated by different value systems and the tendency to judge others through the lens of our own culture. We are unable to comprehend the behaviour of people in other countries and on other continents because we look at them only through our deep-rooted cultural and social models.
That is why we will take a look at some of these myths and try to make sense of them. Moving from myth to reality is not simple, since it breaks apart the fundamental impressions that connect us to the world. On the other hand, myths prevent effective understanding, since the myths and superstitions of one group are completely foreign to others.