Why are Native Americans called Indians? How is it connected to globalization and this course?
The term Indians to refer to Native Americans, dates back to colonial times. Cristóbal Columbus erroneously
used the term Indians to refer to the local population of the Caribbean, when he assumed he had landed in
India/South Asia. Ever since the name stuck and it’s still used today to refer to people of native ancestry
across North & South America. This is connected to globalization because one could say that colonization was
the first step toward globalization. Colonization was driven by economic reasons and its purpose was to find
resources that would financially benefit the mother country. Colonists inadvertently engaged in global
trading by importing/exporting products between the colonies and the mother country.
What is your interest in studying global business? How do you think it may help you succeed in the
future?
I am interested in studying global business because I hope to work abroad in the future. Additionally, in
today’s global economy, managers have to engage in international business at one point or another so
understanding global business will give me an edge when looking for employment. In the long run it will be
very beneficial for my career as the knowledge I gain from the class will help me make better decisions and
facilitate interaction with international stakeholders.
Some view globalization as a recent phenomenon, and others believe that it is a one-directional
evolution since the dawn of human history. Our textbook suggests that globalization is best viewed as
a process similar to the swing of a pendulum. What do you think? Do those who protest against
globalization make any valid point(s) that all people, whether for or against globalization, should
consider? In the current circumstances in the U.S. and worldwide (for instance the impact of COVID
world-wide) do you think anyone should learn global business?
Those who protest against globalization make valid points that everyone should consider, such as offshoring,
fair trade, and financial contagion. However, I believe that the pros of globalization outweigh the cons and for
the most part, the global economy as a whole has prospered. Through globalization, even less developed
countries such as Bolivia have experienced economic improvement, which has driven positive change in
other aspects as well.
Even in the current circumstances I firmly believe that people should familiarize themselves with global
business. Globalization can be compared to technology in the sense that it’s always moving forward.
Therefore, the global economies can only be expected to become more intertwined with one another. In my
opinion, globalization will play a major role in helping to restore the global economy from the aftermath of
COVID19.