The selection from Yochai Benkler’s book The Wealth of Networks: How Social Production Transforms Markets and Freedom seemed to be essentially the counterargument to Goldsmith and Wu’s Who Controls the Internet: Illusions of a Borderless World. Goldsmith and Wu claimed the internet to be necessarily bordered with required national governance to protect honest citizens from those that want to copy and defraud others. Meanwhile, Benkler assumed the “goodness” of all people and took pride in what he considered the greater autonomy, democracy, self-reflection and human connections offered by the networked information economy.
Where Goldsmith and Wu stressed the influence of territory and government interference, Benkler argued that the internet is a source “of information and communication facilities that no one owns or exclusively controls” (465). Benkler also stated that the internet offers “a genuine reorganization of the public sphere” (465) where Goldsmith and Wu emphasized the commonalities between the territorial space and the establishment of the internet. In a similar sub-argument Benkler claimed that the internet is less hierarchically organized and controlled than mass media. This idea was also addressed in Goldsmith and Wu’s work as they discussed the influence of the government hierarchy on the internet.
Finally, Benkler claimed that the internet would most likely bring about a redistribution of wealth and power from the dominant businesses to social groups and individuals. This somewhat utopian ideal was stressed by Goldsmith and Wu as antithetical to the real desires of internet users looking for a safe and secure network. The only statement all of these authors might agree on was that the internet is providing an “opportunity” for change. Benkler advocated taking hold of the opportunity in his work, and Goldsmith and Wu saw change as possible but only through certain restrictions. Overall, Benkler, Goldsmith and Wu all offered interesting perspectives on the future of the internet, but as they almost completely opposed each other; the end results will most likely be a combination of theories.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
TNR this week
The New Republic this week deals with the question of Iraq. I would recommend reading this because it covers a wide range of ideas. Here is a quote from the editors.
"At this point, it seems almost beside the point to say this: The New Republic deeply regrets its early support for this war. The past three years have complicated our idealism and reminded us of the limits of American power and our own wisdom. But, as we pore over the lessons of this misadventure, we do not conclude that our past misjudgments warrant a rush into the cold arms of "realism." Realism, yes; but not "realism." American power may not be capable of transforming ancient cultures or deep hatreds, but that fact does not absolve us of the duty to conduct a foreign policy that takes its moral obligations seriously. As we attempt to undo the damage from a war that we never should have started, our moral obligations will not vanish, and neither will our strategic needs."
"At this point, it seems almost beside the point to say this: The New Republic deeply regrets its early support for this war. The past three years have complicated our idealism and reminded us of the limits of American power and our own wisdom. But, as we pore over the lessons of this misadventure, we do not conclude that our past misjudgments warrant a rush into the cold arms of "realism." Realism, yes; but not "realism." American power may not be capable of transforming ancient cultures or deep hatreds, but that fact does not absolve us of the duty to conduct a foreign policy that takes its moral obligations seriously. As we attempt to undo the damage from a war that we never should have started, our moral obligations will not vanish, and neither will our strategic needs."
XM Radio and Copyright Infringement
After reading Who Control's the Internet?: Illusions of a Borderless World, by Jack Goldsmith and Tim Wu, I thought about what other forms of technology may be experiencing this same path of creating borders that prevent users from crossing the line between what is legally, morally, or socially acceptable and what is not. The first thing I thought of was the XM Satellite Radio. So I searched for some news articles on the relatively new technology (it has been around for several years now) and found several law suits involving the XM Satellite Radio. Major record labels have filed suits against XM Radio because of copyright infringement. The recording capabilities of the new XM Radio receivers allow users to record save music, similar to how TiVo records on one's television.
So it appears that XM Radio has comparable issues to those of the Internet. There must be some limit to what a user can do with these new technologies so that legal boundaries, such as copyrights, are not crossed.
I do not really understand how this is different from recording music from a normal radio station to a cassette tape, but apparently that is illegal too, unless authorized by RIAA (there is a small subsection about this at the bottom of the article found below).
So what next, ban recordable CDs for recording music?
You can read the article here.
So it appears that XM Radio has comparable issues to those of the Internet. There must be some limit to what a user can do with these new technologies so that legal boundaries, such as copyrights, are not crossed.
I do not really understand how this is different from recording music from a normal radio station to a cassette tape, but apparently that is illegal too, unless authorized by RIAA (there is a small subsection about this at the bottom of the article found below).
So what next, ban recordable CDs for recording music?
You can read the article here.
An Answer to All the Financial Issues Behind Globalization
I a recent International Herald Tribune article, Daniel Altman announced that an economist from UC Berkley has in fact developed the solution to developing an international, stable monetary policy. Widely regarded as one of the main problems involved with globalizations, fluctuating monetary policies between countries is exactly the reason that the IMF and World Bank were created in th 1940s. Andrew Rose, the champion of the plan, has stated that "A combination of floating exchange rates and inflation-targeting is a recipe not just for a stable policy within a country... but also for a stable global monetary system." Interestingly enough, this a reversal of the original basis of the IMF. Where the system under the IMF called for a centralization of monetary policy, Rose believes that the complete decentralization of economic interests will prove most beneficial. In the new system, each country would develop its own monetary policy, indicting their own "goals for the size of the money supply, interest rates, and exchange rates." With the IMF removed from the equation, the 'referee' of the system disappears, but Rose believes that each country will keep their exchange rates logical because it is in their own economic best interest.
While the global economy has been moving away from intervention by the IMF, and the decisions made at the Bretton Woods Convention have not been truly effective since the 70s, Rose still proposes an extreme change from our current understanding of the global economy.
For a more indepth discussion of the economics of it all, check out the article
Altman relates Rose's propositions to both country and global economies, making it especially relative to our discussion of the globalization of economies.
While the global economy has been moving away from intervention by the IMF, and the decisions made at the Bretton Woods Convention have not been truly effective since the 70s, Rose still proposes an extreme change from our current understanding of the global economy.
For a more indepth discussion of the economics of it all, check out the article
Altman relates Rose's propositions to both country and global economies, making it especially relative to our discussion of the globalization of economies.
Funkadelics Con't
Well, as a result of Dan's blog and the enlightening lyrics he included, I did a bit of research on the history of these witty gentlemen.
Here's a excerpt from a PBS website on the history of George Clinton and the Funkadelics:
Spanning half a century, the history of Parliament Funkadelic is as varied in its musical stylings as in the rotating cast of musicians that have graced Parliament, Funkadelic and the collective P-Funk stage. From their early days as a literal barbershop quintet to the rise and fall—and rise again—of the famed Mothership, P-Funk’s five decades and counting also reflect larger changes in fashion, funk and more.
It all began in Newark, New Jersey in the mid-1950s, when George Clinton formed a doo-wop group, with three school chums, called the Parliaments. Later, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Ray Davis, Calvin Simon, Fuzzy Haskins and Grady Thomas replaced the original members and tightened up their harmonies in the barbershop where George did hair. By the 1960s, they had recorded a few pop and R&B songs including the R&B hit, “(I Wanna) Testify,” which reached the charts in 1967. But by the late 1960s, doo-wop had all but lost its cool.
P-Funk concerts were lavish occasions. They brought the glam rock phenomenon of David Bowie and KISS to black music, raising the bar for their contemporaries like Earth, Wind and Fire and Kool and the Gang. From 1975 through 1977, the Mothership Tour featured a giant spaceship that landed onstage with Clinton inside, who would then emerge dressed in an outrageous costume. Later, the Motor Booty Affair featured a host of amphibious characters who could “dance underwater and not get wet.” The collective nature of the band came through in concert, with often nearly 30 people performing on stage at once with extravagant props and outlandish costumes. Several spin-off groups were formed, such as Bootsy’s Rubber Band, the Brides of Funkenstein, Parlet and the Horny Horns. P-Funk even extended their work into the realm of film, with never-released features showcasing an actual Mothership “landing” in New York City’s Times Square.
For a complete history, check out the website...
They certainly were a creative bunch, with album names such as Clones of Dr. Funkenstein andTales of Kidd Funkadelic.
Here's a excerpt from a PBS website on the history of George Clinton and the Funkadelics:
Spanning half a century, the history of Parliament Funkadelic is as varied in its musical stylings as in the rotating cast of musicians that have graced Parliament, Funkadelic and the collective P-Funk stage. From their early days as a literal barbershop quintet to the rise and fall—and rise again—of the famed Mothership, P-Funk’s five decades and counting also reflect larger changes in fashion, funk and more.
It all began in Newark, New Jersey in the mid-1950s, when George Clinton formed a doo-wop group, with three school chums, called the Parliaments. Later, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Ray Davis, Calvin Simon, Fuzzy Haskins and Grady Thomas replaced the original members and tightened up their harmonies in the barbershop where George did hair. By the 1960s, they had recorded a few pop and R&B songs including the R&B hit, “(I Wanna) Testify,” which reached the charts in 1967. But by the late 1960s, doo-wop had all but lost its cool.
P-Funk concerts were lavish occasions. They brought the glam rock phenomenon of David Bowie and KISS to black music, raising the bar for their contemporaries like Earth, Wind and Fire and Kool and the Gang. From 1975 through 1977, the Mothership Tour featured a giant spaceship that landed onstage with Clinton inside, who would then emerge dressed in an outrageous costume. Later, the Motor Booty Affair featured a host of amphibious characters who could “dance underwater and not get wet.” The collective nature of the band came through in concert, with often nearly 30 people performing on stage at once with extravagant props and outlandish costumes. Several spin-off groups were formed, such as Bootsy’s Rubber Band, the Brides of Funkenstein, Parlet and the Horny Horns. P-Funk even extended their work into the realm of film, with never-released features showcasing an actual Mothership “landing” in New York City’s Times Square.
For a complete history, check out the website...
They certainly were a creative bunch, with album names such as Clones of Dr. Funkenstein andTales of Kidd Funkadelic.
Hooray! No terrorists in Bollywood!
Bollywood Star Guilty of Arms Possession, but Cleared of Terrorism
By AMELIA GENTLEMAN
Published: November 29, 2006
NEW DELHI, Nov. 28 — Indians were entranced by Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of a middle-aged mobster in this year’s biggest movie, “Lage Raho Munnabhai.” Whether they will be as enchanted by his conviction Tuesday for real-life arms possession is less certain.
Mr. Dutt, one of Bollywood’s top stars, was playing himself when, looking even more disheveled than usual, he arrived Tuesday for a high-drama courtroom scene in Mumbai to hear the verdict. He was found guilty of illegally possessing weapons, which he was accused of buying from gangsters suspected of planning India’s worst terrorist attack. But he was acquitted of the more serious charges of involvement in the terrorist conspiracy itself.
The case stems from the 1993 bombings in Mumbai, formerly Bombay, in which 257 people were killed. Mr. Dutt faces up to 10 years in prison, but a time for sentencing has not been determined.
“I have not found that he was a terrorist or was destructive,” Judge Pramod Kode said. Later, the judge told Mr. Dutt, “I have said that you are not a terrorist.” ....
Bollywood?
This article from the New York Times caught my eye as we (obviously) have been talking about globalization. The Hollywood-Bollywood comparison was rather interesting...
Through the Michael Jordan book and the borderless internet book, we've been discussing how the spread of American culture affects other countries. We've asked what goals selling our goods and occasionally our celebrities, through film and television, have in other countries. I wonder who started Bollywood and when, whether or not it was American led, or Indian led through the influence of American films.
By AMELIA GENTLEMAN
Published: November 29, 2006
NEW DELHI, Nov. 28 — Indians were entranced by Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of a middle-aged mobster in this year’s biggest movie, “Lage Raho Munnabhai.” Whether they will be as enchanted by his conviction Tuesday for real-life arms possession is less certain.
Mr. Dutt, one of Bollywood’s top stars, was playing himself when, looking even more disheveled than usual, he arrived Tuesday for a high-drama courtroom scene in Mumbai to hear the verdict. He was found guilty of illegally possessing weapons, which he was accused of buying from gangsters suspected of planning India’s worst terrorist attack. But he was acquitted of the more serious charges of involvement in the terrorist conspiracy itself.
The case stems from the 1993 bombings in Mumbai, formerly Bombay, in which 257 people were killed. Mr. Dutt faces up to 10 years in prison, but a time for sentencing has not been determined.
“I have not found that he was a terrorist or was destructive,” Judge Pramod Kode said. Later, the judge told Mr. Dutt, “I have said that you are not a terrorist.” ....
Bollywood?
This article from the New York Times caught my eye as we (obviously) have been talking about globalization. The Hollywood-Bollywood comparison was rather interesting...
Through the Michael Jordan book and the borderless internet book, we've been discussing how the spread of American culture affects other countries. We've asked what goals selling our goods and occasionally our celebrities, through film and television, have in other countries. I wonder who started Bollywood and when, whether or not it was American led, or Indian led through the influence of American films.
When ya gotta go....
I guess when nature calls, there is no choice but to relieve yourself of it. When you are dedicated, you'll go to any lengths to win. For some, that can mean urinating in public, or on themselves. Check this out.
It is amazing what you can find on a topic when you start searching google for wierd stuff. Another thing mentioned in class was the so called "Runner's trots" as many call it. Apparently running for long periods of time causes gastrointestinal problems in some runners. There are even published articles on this topic from journals of medicine.
It is amazing what you can find on a topic when you start searching google for wierd stuff. Another thing mentioned in class was the so called "Runner's trots" as many call it. Apparently running for long periods of time causes gastrointestinal problems in some runners. There are even published articles on this topic from journals of medicine.
Funkadelics
The Funkadelics were mentioned in class the other day, so I went to look up some lyrics. I found some pretty interesting lyrics, and have copied some below. You can find more lyrics here at songlyrics.com
{assorted groans, whispers, wails & moans}
{spoken}
A luscious bitch she is, true
But it's not nice to fool mother nature
The proud mother of god like all ho's
Is jealous of her own shadow
So who is this young Vic Tanny bitch
Who wish to be queen for a day?
Who would sacrifice the great grandsons and daughters
Of her jealous mother
By sucking their brain
Until their ability to think was amputated
By pimping their instincts
Until they were fat, horny and strung-out
In her neurotic attempt to be queen of the universe
Who is this bitch?
{assorted groans, whispers, wails & moans}
{spoken}
A luscious bitch she is, true
But it's not nice to fool mother nature
The proud mother of god like all ho's
Is jealous of her own shadow
So who is this young Vic Tanny bitch
Who wish to be queen for a day?
Who would sacrifice the great grandsons and daughters
Of her jealous mother
By sucking their brain
Until their ability to think was amputated
By pimping their instincts
Until they were fat, horny and strung-out
In her neurotic attempt to be queen of the universe
Who is this bitch?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Iraq?
Iraq seems to be getting worse by the day. Hundreds dead on Friday with more certain to come. The Iraq Study Group is working behind the scenes to come up with some solution to save face. John McCain said we should deploy the requisite troops needed to get the job done or find a way out if we do not have the will to do so. Meanwhile the Democrats are discordant in their policy with ABSCAM-participants being put up for election to the majority leader seat in the House due to political debts (Thankfully he lost). What if anything can be done or thought of?
I do not wish to propose any ideas because the ideas are useless unless we first determine what our goals are. The nation may wish to remain uninformed about the true motives or goals of the Iraq war. Whether it is to bolster oil, slow China’s progress, create political diversions at home, or to reshape the Middle East in an attempt to further its efficiency in the world system; the American public does not appear overtly willing to consider these ideas.
It troubles me what the effect of American involvement or withdrawal will be? Will it be better for us to do what is necessary to create some form of stability? While many Americans have now found it beneficial to call for withdrawal, it seems that withdrawal is akin to Vietnamization. Instead of fixing the mess, we appear to be ready to leave. It may be in the American thought to now dissolve ourselves of guilt and instead engage in some form of orientalism and claim it is “their” fault things are not working instead of acknowledging our own guilt. People on both sides who completely failed and emasculated themselves by refusing to question entry or the initial conduct of the war now say “not our fault, not our problem”. Maybe the question should now be, “our fault, how do we fix it so that Iraq works for their benefit and our own”, yes I said our own because it is our mess to clean up and as a realist sympathizer, a benefit to our own state power. Without endorsing Bush we need to be willing to take military, economic, and diplomatic measures necessary to fix the problem. This may be unpleasant but I think it is in our own interest and responsibility to find a solution that works without us leaving a bigger problem then we started with. This may be what our goal should be. Good Night.
I do not wish to propose any ideas because the ideas are useless unless we first determine what our goals are. The nation may wish to remain uninformed about the true motives or goals of the Iraq war. Whether it is to bolster oil, slow China’s progress, create political diversions at home, or to reshape the Middle East in an attempt to further its efficiency in the world system; the American public does not appear overtly willing to consider these ideas.
It troubles me what the effect of American involvement or withdrawal will be? Will it be better for us to do what is necessary to create some form of stability? While many Americans have now found it beneficial to call for withdrawal, it seems that withdrawal is akin to Vietnamization. Instead of fixing the mess, we appear to be ready to leave. It may be in the American thought to now dissolve ourselves of guilt and instead engage in some form of orientalism and claim it is “their” fault things are not working instead of acknowledging our own guilt. People on both sides who completely failed and emasculated themselves by refusing to question entry or the initial conduct of the war now say “not our fault, not our problem”. Maybe the question should now be, “our fault, how do we fix it so that Iraq works for their benefit and our own”, yes I said our own because it is our mess to clean up and as a realist sympathizer, a benefit to our own state power. Without endorsing Bush we need to be willing to take military, economic, and diplomatic measures necessary to fix the problem. This may be unpleasant but I think it is in our own interest and responsibility to find a solution that works without us leaving a bigger problem then we started with. This may be what our goal should be. Good Night.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Europe as the Future Global Hegemon
Many of our readings, most obviously the recent book by McCormick, state that America's position as a global hegemon has already peaked, and is facing a great decline in the coming years. In an article from the International Herald Tribune, the opening line reads "Europe is overtaking the United States and Japan in the race to take advantage of the explosion in world trade and investment." This clear statement of growing EU power indicates the formidable future for US hegemony. As established in previous discussions, much of the characteristics required for true global control involve establishing a economic environment that capitalizes on your country's economic strengths and exploits the strengths of other countries. Recently, according to the article, the countries of the EU have come to have a much greater impact on the growing markets in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and other developing countries. In fact, recent reports from Merrill Lynch have identified the "euro zone," 12 countries in Europe, as their preferred market for the past 6 month and the coming year.
While pieces of the hegemonic puzzle are falling into place for Europe, it is important to note that a significant number of European citizens do not support globalization, and instead view it as a threat to the European lifestyle of strong unions and guaranteed employment. If Europe is to emerge as a singular global power, they must reform globalization to meet the needs of their population, or convince them otherwise. Obviously, the rise and fall of global powers is undeniably relevant to our understanding of globalization. I found the article extremely interesting... here is the full text.
While pieces of the hegemonic puzzle are falling into place for Europe, it is important to note that a significant number of European citizens do not support globalization, and instead view it as a threat to the European lifestyle of strong unions and guaranteed employment. If Europe is to emerge as a singular global power, they must reform globalization to meet the needs of their population, or convince them otherwise. Obviously, the rise and fall of global powers is undeniably relevant to our understanding of globalization. I found the article extremely interesting... here is the full text.
Bookstore...
I went to the bookstore and checked out some of the clothes they got:
Most of the product were made in Guatemala, Mexiko, Vietnam and Phillipines. Only one item was made in the US (IL). Be aware!
Most of the product were made in Guatemala, Mexiko, Vietnam and Phillipines. Only one item was made in the US (IL). Be aware!
"Peace: A 'Divisive' Concept"
Political activism and expression seems to be experiencing significant scrutiny in recent months. In this age of great political controversy, "architectural control committees" and home owners associations are beginning to impede on these first amendment rights of expression. An article I recently came across from the Houston Chronicle discusses the outlandish expectations of these ridiculous associations. I have never lived in a community with a Home Owners Association or any similar governing body other than the township itself, so such laws are extremely surreal to me. In the case cited in the article entitled "Peace: A 'Divisive' Concept," a Colorado woman placed a christmas wreath on her door that was in the shape of a peace sign. Various neighbors complained that the wreath was against the war with Iraq, and the Home Owners Association ordered that it be removed from her window.
While a sign of peace does not seem deivisive to me, the mere fact that an association can order the removal of any sign from a home owner's yard confuses me. Even if she did mean for the wreath to represent an anti-war message, that too is an opinion that should be respected under the US Constitution. Additionally, I can't help but see such organizations as the "Architectural Control Committee" as Orwellian euphemisms for outlandish control over personal actions.
Even more interestingly, this image of an ideal suburban neighbor full of labradors and white fences is just the American image our society loves to portray. Just as LaFeber explains in Michael Jordan, the capitalist motivation has begun to break down cultural characteristics. The generic, controlled environment that results seems disinteresting to most. As our suburban communities begin to be controlled entirely by such associations, the nondescript lifestyle that results is that same way of life we are selling to other countries.
Overall, I thought this article was a good representation of changes in America that will undoubtedly be processed by globalization and reach into the cultures of foreign nations.
Here's the full article if you're so inclined...
While a sign of peace does not seem deivisive to me, the mere fact that an association can order the removal of any sign from a home owner's yard confuses me. Even if she did mean for the wreath to represent an anti-war message, that too is an opinion that should be respected under the US Constitution. Additionally, I can't help but see such organizations as the "Architectural Control Committee" as Orwellian euphemisms for outlandish control over personal actions.
Even more interestingly, this image of an ideal suburban neighbor full of labradors and white fences is just the American image our society loves to portray. Just as LaFeber explains in Michael Jordan, the capitalist motivation has begun to break down cultural characteristics. The generic, controlled environment that results seems disinteresting to most. As our suburban communities begin to be controlled entirely by such associations, the nondescript lifestyle that results is that same way of life we are selling to other countries.
Overall, I thought this article was a good representation of changes in America that will undoubtedly be processed by globalization and reach into the cultures of foreign nations.
Here's the full article if you're so inclined...
Darwin's Nightmare III
Indeed, the documentary does a real good job. There are two interesting points that I wanted to add:
Firstly, what I also found quite striking is that the poorest of the poor are really self aware of their situation. During the documentary a Tanzanian security guard points out that he is very aware of the fact that international institutions as the IMF and the World Bank are ran by people from the Western world and that they are not interested in the common good of the Tanzanian people. In addition he says that only education would help to change the negative trend in Tanzania, but is also aware that he does not have the money to allow his children to study and go to school.
Secondly, besides the fact that the Tanzanian people are exploited by the Western world, I found it also interesting, how we employ Russians in order to transport weapons to African ( and even to Afghanistan) and transport fish to Europe. This documentary shows how global capitalism works and how the market is looking in all directions in order to find the cheapest labor (Russians, old Russian cargo-planes, Tanzanians).
Firstly, what I also found quite striking is that the poorest of the poor are really self aware of their situation. During the documentary a Tanzanian security guard points out that he is very aware of the fact that international institutions as the IMF and the World Bank are ran by people from the Western world and that they are not interested in the common good of the Tanzanian people. In addition he says that only education would help to change the negative trend in Tanzania, but is also aware that he does not have the money to allow his children to study and go to school.
Secondly, besides the fact that the Tanzanian people are exploited by the Western world, I found it also interesting, how we employ Russians in order to transport weapons to African ( and even to Afghanistan) and transport fish to Europe. This documentary shows how global capitalism works and how the market is looking in all directions in order to find the cheapest labor (Russians, old Russian cargo-planes, Tanzanians).
Re: Darwin's Nightmare
I saw the same Darwin's Nightmare documentary that Dan blogged on. The fishing industry in Lake Victoria is not sustainable, and once the fish are gone, the transnational corporations will most likely pull out of the country and leave it to perish. For the moment, fishing is the Tanzania's competitive advantage, but the industry is controlled by companies that have no real interest in the long-term effects for the country. I remember one of the local Tanzanian men saying in an interview that he hopes war breaks out again because war provides a way to make a living. The documentary does a good job illustrating the flaws in the ideology of free trade and its supposedly universal benefits.
The Path to Wealth
The article I read from New York Times, "Lure of Great Wealth Affects Career Choices", points out how people are choosing Wall Street oriented careers over other careers which provide "useful" services. There are graduate school and medical school graduates who are experts and specialists in their prospective fields but choose the path to wealth through Wall Street. Some qualified medical doctors never even practice medicine because they enter into another career path through Wall Street, perhaps advising people on where to invest their money. The difference is that as a doctor they would only make $100,000 but on Wall Street they could be making upward of several millions.
Dr. Glassman, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, stated:
So as more people choose to enter Wall Street to find their own path to wealth, what will happen to the fields of academia and scientific research? What about the lawyers who graduate law school but choose to make more money on Wall Street?
John Moon, a managing director of Metalmark Capital, said that, "“If Wall Street was not there as an alternative, I would have gone into academia."” So, perhaps with more people leaving their specialized fields to enter Wall Street there will be a larger demand for people who wish to enter academia.
Dr. Glassman, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, stated:
"I wasn'’t sure that I was willing to take the risk of spending many years applying for grants and working long hours for the very slim chance of winning at the roulette table and making a significant contribution to the scientific literature”".As a hematology-oncology specialist, Dr. Glassman earned about $150,000 in 1996. He recently changed his career path to management consulting. He never stated how much he now makes on Wall Street or his net worth, however, experts estimate he brings home an annual income in the seven figures and estimate his net worth to be more than $20 million.
So as more people choose to enter Wall Street to find their own path to wealth, what will happen to the fields of academia and scientific research? What about the lawyers who graduate law school but choose to make more money on Wall Street?
John Moon, a managing director of Metalmark Capital, said that, "“If Wall Street was not there as an alternative, I would have gone into academia."” So, perhaps with more people leaving their specialized fields to enter Wall Street there will be a larger demand for people who wish to enter academia.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
LaFeber and Global Capitalism
After reading LaFeber's book, I thought it would be interesting to see how this book has been recieved by the greater population. I found an article by Franklin Crawford, discussing the release of his book as a "trade book." LaFeber admitted to being a "'sportswriter wannabe,'" which may explain the extensive discussion of Michael Jordan's rise to sports superstar. Additionally, he answers my questions concerning the inclusion of these sections in the following passage from the article:
"In two years or more my students won't know Michael Jordan as a basketball player but as a commercial celebrity, a product," LaFeber said. "So I felt I had to put information in there to show why he was an exceptional athlete."
Logically, LaFeber is assuming that as capitalism takes over culture, Michael Jordan will be come simply a label, and we will lose site of the athletic prowess that drove him to this role as a cultural icon. Additionally, I thought it was interesting that Crawford points out the popularity of this book in the "public mill." While LaFeber did not orginially intend for Michael Jordan and the New Global Capitalism to be of mainstream interest, its popularity could indicate an increased public interest in the growth of capitalist influences. Hopefully, LaFeber has helped some normally apathetic readers realize the influence of global capitalism and the effects of this force on culture.
The article is very interesting.... check it out.
"In two years or more my students won't know Michael Jordan as a basketball player but as a commercial celebrity, a product," LaFeber said. "So I felt I had to put information in there to show why he was an exceptional athlete."
Logically, LaFeber is assuming that as capitalism takes over culture, Michael Jordan will be come simply a label, and we will lose site of the athletic prowess that drove him to this role as a cultural icon. Additionally, I thought it was interesting that Crawford points out the popularity of this book in the "public mill." While LaFeber did not orginially intend for Michael Jordan and the New Global Capitalism to be of mainstream interest, its popularity could indicate an increased public interest in the growth of capitalist influences. Hopefully, LaFeber has helped some normally apathetic readers realize the influence of global capitalism and the effects of this force on culture.
The article is very interesting.... check it out.
Darwin's Nightmare
I saw a documentary a couple weeks ago, called "Darwin's Nightmare", that made me aware of some of the problems that have occurred and are occurring in Africa, namely Tanzania. The documentary looks at the poverty, health issues, crime, and the import of weapons to fuel the war in southern Africa (Congo, Rwanda, etc).
The main source of income for the people of Tanzania is now commercial fishing. The introduction of the Nile Perch into Lake Victoria has disrupted the socioeconomic local system, and has forced the country into the world trade system. To exacerbate the situation further, the planes from Europe which were exporting the Nile Perch had also been importing weapons to fuel the war being fought in southern countries of Africa.
I found this film to be a very effective way to open the eyes of the public to these problems occurring in Tanzania. The documentary, although it pointed out problems with poverty and the exploitation of the resources extracted from this area, also brings up health issues that are causing problems. The largest of these health problems is the spread of AIDS. A priest who was interviewed in the film said that the use of condoms was a sin, therefore he is not allowed to recommend that people practice safe sex. So it seems that this issue, though it is able to be prevented, is more related to cultural and religious beliefs. Methods of preventing AIDS are available to the people but are not commonly practiced.
I would recommend seeing this documentary if you have not seen it already. I think this is a great film that relates to globalization. It definitely shows how a country with very few resources has come to be a part of the world system by shipping out several tons of processed meat from the Nile Perch in order to supply many countries in Europe with a food in fairly high demand.
The main source of income for the people of Tanzania is now commercial fishing. The introduction of the Nile Perch into Lake Victoria has disrupted the socioeconomic local system, and has forced the country into the world trade system. To exacerbate the situation further, the planes from Europe which were exporting the Nile Perch had also been importing weapons to fuel the war being fought in southern countries of Africa.
I found this film to be a very effective way to open the eyes of the public to these problems occurring in Tanzania. The documentary, although it pointed out problems with poverty and the exploitation of the resources extracted from this area, also brings up health issues that are causing problems. The largest of these health problems is the spread of AIDS. A priest who was interviewed in the film said that the use of condoms was a sin, therefore he is not allowed to recommend that people practice safe sex. So it seems that this issue, though it is able to be prevented, is more related to cultural and religious beliefs. Methods of preventing AIDS are available to the people but are not commonly practiced.
I would recommend seeing this documentary if you have not seen it already. I think this is a great film that relates to globalization. It definitely shows how a country with very few resources has come to be a part of the world system by shipping out several tons of processed meat from the Nile Perch in order to supply many countries in Europe with a food in fairly high demand.
Free Globalization Wristbands!
I thought my fellow globalization and empire students would like to know that the Adam Smith Institute offers a free wristband that reads "I buy goods from poorer countries" to anyone who e-mails them (them being the institute) at wristband@adamsmith.org with the address to which you would like the band sent. I thought this was hilarious, so I had to make sure that all of you had the opportunity to show your capitalist pride. Of course, there's something inherently anti-capitalistic about giving them away for free...
‘Speculative’ oil pricing hurting economy?
I know sometimes it seems to me that the oil prices are pretty random, but I came across an article in which the author points out that the Indian government feels the same way (not really that they are random, but that the prices are not controlled by supply and demand.) The Minister of Finance believes that India has lost a percentage point of its annual GDP growth to fluctuation in oil prices that are due to speculation, not changes in supply and demand. He suggested that oil producing and oil consuming countries agree on a range of oil prices in order to stabilize the market. Do you think that this is an attempt to temper the effects of a global market? Would this sort of agreement (assuming one could ever be reached) be helpful, or is it an attempt to find a simple solution to a complex problem?
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