We live in the era of globalization. The world has become a global village due to technological advances in communication and other areas of human activity. Being a citizen of the world can create international cooperation at all levels, which unites us and makes the world a better and safer place for all; the "us versus them" mentality has caused unspeakable, unnecessary suffering around the world. Too utopian? Let's follow the steps in this article to find out.
Steps
Step 1. Realize that the world does not end in your country, city, state or nation
- Recognize that events occurring in other corners of the world, far from your country, can have a real impact on your life, for example 9/11, global warming, etc.
- Get to know other countries and cultures.
- Interested in news on the international scene.
- Be interested in the life and struggles of other peoples and cultures and find out how you can help. Participate in international discussions, for example on BBC, CNN, ETC or the internet.
Step 2. Learn some of the most important languages, or any other languages
Step 3. Be tolerant and respectful of other people's cultures
Step 4. Resist, react, repeal rules, speak out against xenophobia and intolerance in all its forms
Step 5. Counter racism, tribalism, regionalism, religious prejudices and any kind of segregationism
Step 6. Evaluate every human life as you value yours
Step 7. Feel welcome in any region of the world where you happen to be
Step 8. Consider each individual on his merits and counter widespread and unfounded myths about certain nations and peoples
Do not say, for example, that Americans are arrogant, Africans are ignorant, Muslims are evil, atheists are Satanists, Germans are Nazis or that Jews run banks, that foreigners increase crime, etc.
Step 9. Teach these principles to other people in normal conversation
For example, if someone says something about ignorance of a group, interrupt by saying: "Don't generalize. There is no reason to include a whole race."
Step 10. Don't refer to your particular group if you want your message to be universal
Step 11. Individuals are not representations of the cultures they belong to
Be careful not to emphasize too much the differences and "the other" you don't know. We are all human beings, first of all.
Step 12. Be active and help out
Step 13. Learn from wise people and spread your knowledge
Step 14. Learn about the past to help build a better future
Advice
- Becoming a citizen of the world requires a conscious effort.
- Read international journals such as New Internationalist.
- Question all aspects of "nationalism", both the evil (for example "the war") and also the good (for example the legal and ethical obligation and the prerogative of your country to "protect you" while you are abroad for any reason).
Warnings
- You can begin to feel out of place, with the loss of sensitivity for self-identity.
- The world citizen passport is not a valid passport.
- You can be regarded as a traitor to your country.
