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"Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind." - Albert Einstein
Global citizenship is embracing an identity that transcends geography and political borders. It involves a mindset of empathy that sees all of humanity’s problems with interconnectedness and desires to impact its future generations with a shared sense of responsibility. This extends to understanding and implementing a shared set of values that focuses on multicultural education and diversity; compassionate and open-minded exploration; curiosity to broaden one’s experience; all to expand on self-reflection and impact of action on the world. Hence, a global citizen is an advocate for social justice, gender equality, and environmental/climactic awareness.
https://www.ted.com/talks/hugh_evans_what_does_it_mean_to_be_a_citizen_of_the_world
If one were to imagine traveling the galaxy in the near future, this global citizenship would shift to a mental state of Universal Citizenship, which guides actions to differences and others with the same set of values toward other planets. This idea is similar to the experiences elaborated in the fictional story, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (HG2G). Having a sense of cultural humility, which is the practice of self-reflection on one’s own background in relation to another’s culture, can enhance personal development that leads to qualities of adaptation, flexibility, creativity, and most significantly connectedness to all living beings. This type of guide can bring contentment, appreciation, generosity, and to oneself and to all diverse beings.
Being a well-traveled person myself, to almost 50 countries, and experiencing a strong cultural exchange while being married to an Indian and living in the country for several years, I enjoyed learning about Uzbekistan as there are many similarities between the Punjabi culture I married into and the Uzbek culture.
As Uzbekistan has a young national history, it only became an independent state in 1991, Uzbek culture is quite diverse with much influence from Islamic Middle Eastern cultures, Russia (Soviet Union), and its long history of being a powerhouse on the Silk Road migration bringing in Eastern Asian cultures and traditions. Hence, Uzbekistan is one of the most musically diverse countries in Central Asia.
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For one to fully embrace global citizenship then, one must be a true believer in all of humanity. Similar to the cult classic, Buckaroo Bonzai, and all superhero movies for that matter, learning about other cultures allows one to connect on the human scale in terms of basic life needs and wants, no matter what tradition, norms, or historical background exists; just like fans of Marvel connect to the characters told in these fictional stories.
In order for one to understand themself, like a hero in the hero’s journey, one must venture out into the unknown and experience otherness. Once this great power of empathy and understanding is achieved (connectedness), as a result, comes the great responsibility to be compassionate for all no matter where they are from, no matter what their story is.
By learning about Uzbekistan, I am able to reflect on similarities and differences in myself, my own country, culture and personal narrative; and henceforth, understand myself so then I can be an advocate for equality, justice, and leadership.
Like an Earth nervous system Superhero Game; or Intergalactic journey through space; the personal journey is learning, experience, and connection.
Global citizenship is embracing an identity that transcends geography and political borders. It involves a mindset of empathy that sees all of humanity’s problems with interconnectedness and desires to impact its future generations with a shared sense of responsibility. This extends to understanding and implementing a shared set of values that focuses on multicultural education and diversity; compassionate and open-minded exploration; curiosity to broaden one’s experience; all to expand on self-reflection and impact of action on the world. Hence, a global citizen is an advocate for social justice, gender equality, and environmental/climactic awareness.
https://www.ted.com/talks/hugh_evans_what_does_it_mean_to_be_a_citizen_of_the_world
If one were to imagine traveling the galaxy in the near future, this global citizenship would shift to a mental state of Universal Citizenship, which guides actions to differences and others with the same set of values toward other planets. This idea is similar to the experiences elaborated in the fictional story, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (HG2G). Having a sense of cultural humility, which is the practice of self-reflection on one’s own background in relation to another’s culture, can enhance personal development that leads to qualities of adaptation, flexibility, creativity, and most significantly connectedness to all living beings. This type of guide can bring contentment, appreciation, generosity, and to oneself and to all diverse beings.
Being a well-traveled person myself, to almost 50 countries, and experiencing a strong cultural exchange while being married to an Indian and living in the country for several years, I enjoyed learning about Uzbekistan as there are many similarities between the Punjabi culture I married into and the Uzbek culture.
As Uzbekistan has a young national history, it only became an independent state in 1991, Uzbek culture is quite diverse with much influence from Islamic Middle Eastern cultures, Russia (Soviet Union), and its long history of being a powerhouse on the Silk Road migration bringing in Eastern Asian cultures and traditions. Hence, Uzbekistan is one of the most musically diverse countries in Central Asia.
—-
For one to fully embrace global citizenship then, one must be a true believer in all of humanity. Similar to the cult classic, Buckaroo Bonzai, and all superhero movies for that matter, learning about other cultures allows one to connect on the human scale in terms of basic life needs and wants, no matter what tradition, norms, or historical background exists; just like fans of Marvel connect to the characters told in these fictional stories.
In order for one to understand themself, like a hero in the hero’s journey, one must venture out into the unknown and experience otherness. Once this great power of empathy and understanding is achieved (connectedness), as a result, comes the great responsibility to be compassionate for all no matter where they are from, no matter what their story is.
By learning about Uzbekistan, I am able to reflect on similarities and differences in myself, my own country, culture and personal narrative; and henceforth, understand myself so then I can be an advocate for equality, justice, and leadership.
Like an Earth nervous system Superhero Game; or Intergalactic journey through space; the personal journey is learning, experience, and connection.
References
https://csglobalpartners.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-citizen-of-the-world/
https://www.berlitz.com/blog/how-to-become-global-citizen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_citizenship
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/what-is-a-global-citizen/
https://csglobalpartners.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-citizen-of-the-world/
https://www.berlitz.com/blog/how-to-become-global-citizen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_citizenship
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/what-is-a-global-citizen/