Issue How might globalization affect our understanding of national identity and values? Starter Britain, like almost all countries, has been affected by globalisation and is now host to communities for whom concerns about their country of origin can be refreshed daily. In these circumstances, strategies for making them feel at home, rather than as reluctant exiles, need to be established. As a nation, we have to assert a clearer set of expectations to govern attitudes to relationships between different sections of the community. This needs a determined effort to gain consensus on the fundamental issue of 'cultural pluralism.' In other words, an acceptance, and even a celebration, of our diversity and that within the concept of citizenship, different cultures can thrive, adding to the richness and experience of our nationality. That also means an acceptance that we are never going to turn the clock back to what was perceived to be a dominant or monoculturalist view of nationality. This will become less and less credible in any case as globalisation develops. But, we must recognize that globalisation threatens the identity of all races, culture and nations, and of both majority and minority populations within nations." Excerpted from Community Cohesion: A Report of the Independent Review Team Chaired by Ted Cantle, December 11, 2001 (government report commission by British Home Secretary David Blunkett in the wake of race riots in Northern England in summer 2001) Focus Questions What "civic values" are expressed by this excerpt from the British report? How do you think they compare to what you believe the United States' civic values are? What do you think is meant by the statement that "globalisation threatens the identity of all races, culture and nations, and of both majority and minority populations within nations"? Do you agree with it? What is globalization? How do you think globalization affects civic values? Suggested Resources The Culture of Liberty by Mario Vargas Llosa Argues that the process of globalization will result in a "renaissance of local and regional cultures," rather than their dissipation. Globalization and Culture Resource Site Global Policy Forum resource site that features more than 25 essays and articles on issues related to culture and globalization. BBC News Page on 2001 Race Riots in Northern England Comprehensive resource site on the 2001 race riots in northern England and their aftermath. Summarizes key findings and recommendations of the Cantle Report and features links to related reports, commentary and analysis. More resources for this topic Starters for this topic: 1  2  3  4  5  All (.pdf) Note: The views expressed here have not been approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, and accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association, nor do they represent the official position or policies of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education.