Being a good global citizen seems like a daunting task. It is common for people to feel helpless and hopeless when it comes to foreign policies. A person may feel that no matter what they do, there will always be more people who are living in poverty, and dislikes us as Americans. I believe it is important to not be so down on yourself that you do nothing. It is always important to remember that anything you do can help someone somewhere.
I learned that a good place to start being a good global citizen is local. Small things, like recycling or using a grocery tote instead of plastic bags can have a huge impact. This impact may not be directly on the environment, but it can encourage others around you to also recycle and use grocery totes, which can eventually build up to a huge impact. Buying local foods can help reduce use of petroleum products. It takes much less gas for a farmer in Bloomington to get his zucchini to the farmers market, than it takes a farm corporation to fly its products to America from another country and then have them driven all over the country to various Wal-Mart’s and Kroger’s. It is also important to make connections. Relationships with people can have an effect on the way our world works. If one person is nice to someone who is obviously having a bad day, then that person’s day is brightened, and he or she can then brighten someone else’s day. Our lives are full of connections that can cause chain reactions.
Someone may think that they have nothing in common with another person on the other side of the planet. That may be true to some extent, but they will always have at least two things in common; they are both human, and are both heavily affected by music. It is easy to remember the golden rule, do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. This is a simple and easy thought process that can make life for everyone just a little bit sweeter. Even more importantly, it is great to realize that nearly everyone loves music, and those that don’t are probably just unaware of the impact it has on them. Music can be used to start a revolution, or to try to kill an entire race, that is how powerful it is. As humans, it is important for us to realize when it is being used negatively, and how we can reverse the process and use it positively.
Responsibilities of global citizens can vary. If you are someone who believes that your way of life is good and that you are not harming anyone then that is great, but there is always something to be improved. You do not have to go on a mission trip and build libraries or churches for civilizations in other countries, or adopt multiple children to be a good global citizen. If these are your callings, then that is awesome. Something as simple as taking care of yourself and your own, so that others don’t have to is another great way to be a good global citizen. If you have the resources to take care of those outside of your family, even better. Another responsibility we have as global citizens is realizing that there is always a third option, no matter what the situation is. It is our duty to think outside of the box, and not fall in line behind what the media or our government tells us to do. That is the beauty of our democracy, if enough people are upset, something can be done to make it better.
It is not easy to look at our world, and think ‘what can I do to make this place better?’ but it must be done. With that, comes the ability to realize when you cannot fix something, and the strength to not dwell on that, and find something about yourself that you can fix, that will in turn make the world a little bit sweeter. This class has given me a lot to think about, and I know I am not done coming up with my potential solutions for the world. I have a love for singing that I can share with so many people, especially younger generations that will benefit so greatly from it, much like I have. I believe music can be the driving force behind any child’s intention to do well. Music teaches us so much more than how to clap in rhythm or sing in tune. Music teaches us basic life skills that can be used to make our world better.
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