Zachary Johnson

12/14/16
LBST 2102
Final Reflection
Globalization is the integration of people, companies, countries,
cultures and ways of living through the advancing technology and
communication of todays society. Globalization can be viewed in some
instances as very positive. It has led to stronger connections between
nations across the world. These connections have paved the way for new
ideas and innovations, created jobs for thousands, expanded the trading
market and a plethora of others that have benefited the economy and life as
we know it tremendously. Although there are various upsides to globalization
there are also its cons. The downside to globalization particularly relating to
indigenous culture is the fact because of this integration of cultures it has
contributed to these native peoples losing their ancestral/traditional ways,
homelands and even being forced to assimilate into the norm lifestyle and
western culture in order to survive. Some cultures have let globalization beat
them, others have worked with it to help positively impact their culture and
people.
Indigenous cultures have been plagued by deforestation, missionary
activity, and urbanization over the past 100 years. An example of a particular
culture negatively impacted by outsiders and discussed within my mini paper
assignment is the Waorani people of Eastern Ecuador. In the early 1900s
there was a rubber boom and many oil companies were investing in this
material and trying to find areas of origin. The Waorani people received

negative exposure because of their violent conflicts with the oil

representatives while trying to protect their land. They also experienced loss
of land due to deforestation from these companies and others resulting in
loss of resources. The Waorani lacked representation and man power to
stand up for what was theirs and in this is the case with many other cultures
who have always been detached from the modern lifestyle.
The Dakota Pipeline incident in todays headline news relating to the
Sioux nation has portrayed an indigenous culture who has been negatively
and positively impacted by globalization. The Sioux and its surrounding
tribes and supporters have been fighting and protesting the construction of
an oil pipeline extending across the United States with part of its route
through ancient burial grounds also being within close proximity of a fresh
water source. Originally this tribe was being negatively impacted due to
globalization because these big corporations were going to have the upper
hand with the decision of construction because they have power, influence
and connections to build this pipeline for the people to easily transport oil
and fatten their wallets because its the shortest route possible. The Sioux
didnt let this conflict silence their opinions. The Sioux and Dakota Pipeline is
a perfect example of an indigenous tribe that used globalization to fight
globalization. These native peoples used social media, the news, attention
drawing actions such as prolonged peaceful protests and gained supporters
to help voice their opinion.

Globalization is advancing our world at an exponential rate and leaving

people who arent advancing with it in the dust. Indigenous cultures hold
onto their traditional ways because thats what separates them from the rest
and allows them to carry on the ways of their ancestors. Unfortunately, in a
capitalist economy there is not much forgiveness for people who arent
assimilating to the advancing lifestyle. Most indigenous cultures have been
negatively impacted by globalization but I believe some cultures are starting
to find a balance between the two lifestyles to benefit and protect their
traditional ways.