The Gift That Keeps on…

…or the unintended value of globalization

Richard Nixon was the first US President to recognize the value of China and globalization. In 1972 he visited Beijing as the first President to visit the PRC ending 25 years of isolation. This has been lost in the scandal of his presidency and he never received credit for his forward thinking. Under Clinton the real economIc value of globalization came to the forefront of economic power and political debate. What’s-His-Name tried to dial back the clock and throw the US into isolation mode. A theme not uncommon for the US and its relations with others. The world is too integrated to ever retreat to full isolation but the short sighted continue to try. The real value of globalization is the acceptance of others through the increase in travel and the development of personal relations.

Example:

I received a text today from all of the participants in my family’s Thanksgiving trip to Firenze, Italia. The back and forth of this multi-person text was both fun and rewarding.

One son went home and immediately started cooking Italian cuisine and using his prize from the owner of Osteria del Cinghiale to serve Italian wine with his meal. My other son has been spoiled by true Italian cuisine and is now a US Italian food critic. My daughter is watching Italian movies with her husband and four children. My other daughter is missing her family and Italy so she and her boyfriend are drowning their sorrows with,, you guessed it, —- Italian wine. Some of this is true and some is an exaggeration. But what is not exaggerated is the effect this trip has had on my family. It is the personal side of globalization. When you take enough time to interact with another culture; attempt to learn the language; take a personal interest in the people; you open your mind and heart to another view. In addition to touring and learning a little about history and culture we spent time with six people who helped us throughout our trip. There is a choice when dealing with people of service. Treat them as if you are entitled to be served or treat them as friends who have a different job than you. The latter path opens up a whole new world of understanding and exploration. Thankfully my family took the latter path. There was no better example than when we went to the public market in Florence and had lunch at the restaurant owned by one of our server’s family. Her parents and grandparents were so incredibly generous and kind. I truly believe this is because we demonstrated a sincere interest in them and they in us.

My family is a small example of the benefits of globalization and empathy. An understanding that we do not have all the answers and the more we open ourselves to alternatives the more our lives become richer.

Grazie il bel paese. Ci vediamo presto

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