Friedman’s article can be easily explained through a few key words. The first key word he uses is I. This key word is important because throughout the essay Friedman uses his personal opinions rather than facts and he lets the reader know it by starting all of his opinions with the word I. When Friedman shows how globalization has changed the world he talks about the world before and after the Cold War. When talking about the world before the Cold War Friedman uses the key words division and wall. Friedman means the world was divided before the Cold War and countries were more independent and people didn’t have as easy contact with the rest of the world. The word wall is symbolic because a wall’s purpose is to divide two different areas. When Friedman talks about the world today he uses the key words integration and web. These words are important because the world today is integrated in the sense that all people are connected via the high speed forms of communication and the internet (web). People are no longer divided today. Friedman believes the internet has played a huge role in globalizing the world. Friedman also uses the key word is superpower. Before the Cold War he defines the United States and Soviet Union as both superpowers but now he says the United States is the sole superpower. The final key words Friedman uses are individual and supermarkets. Friedman shows that one single person or small groups of people (supermarkets) can change the world and can create a massive level conflict or change an entire government. His examples show how groups and individuals can easily acquire weapons, transfer money, and earn wealth. The individual is also able to gain an immense amount of power such as Osama Bin Laden. The United States shot 75 missiles at one individual. This shows evidence how individuals can play such a larger role in today’s world and can gain dangerous power very quickly through globalization.
February 3, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Great entry Travis and thanks for the input in class. I especially thought it was important that you pointed out the point-of view of the piece. I would like to see a bit more on what you think about all this, but a great summary and analysis. Keep up the great work!