1. Go to the following and watch it:
Mr. Mbubi’s talk illustrates a number of
themes from this class.
a) Use our readings about globalisation to interpret
events he describes in Congo as a side-effect of tantalum mining to build new electronic
technologies.
b) If you wanted to take up Mr. Mbubi’s
invitation and organize a campaign to Apple, describe how you could use the
Vieques example and/or others from our readings, and sketch out the central
elements of such a campaign.
1 a. Economic globalization has so evolved that a product like a cell phone will need elements and parts from all over the world to make it work. Each place that these parts come from has a story and a local social and political environment that make this production possible. Some of these environments are not conducive to the quality of life of the people that live there, as in the case of Congo. The globalized economy is such that those who mostly use those cell phones have no idea how its production has affected whole communities on the other side of the globe (Ahmadi, 2003).
ReplyDeleteCongo is a country with its beginnings in traditional society: small rural communities with century old customs, religions and governance. Industrialization first affected these societies by causing millions to leave this predictable framework to join an unstructured unchartered system whose rules were set by the market economy—the highest bidder wins. This, along with colonization, began a break down in Congolese societal norms and values that have caused part of the conflict that is plaguing the Congo today (Ahmadi, 2003).
Africa in general is a continent more rich in minerals than any other continent in the world. If the profits of these minerals were directed towards the continent’s inhabitants, they would allow each individual to live a comfortable life. However, before many of the continent’s inhabitants were able to enjoy these profits; as they often preferred to protect the earth than exploit it for minerals, people came from other nations to extract it and reap its profits. This set a precedence in places like the Congo of greed and individualization. Whole generations were being led with a dissonance between favoring the good of the group and favoring the good of the self. They were objects of discrimination and were used as work drones never reaping the benefit of their hard work.
Therefore, when given the chance, after independence, to fight for themselves or to work in harmony with the group, they chose the former, because it was how they were taught they could get ahead, like the colonizers. Mines became a source of unending income, and instead of joining forces to help the countries get ahead, those that could worked to capitalize on what it offered, often fighting with those that wanted a piece of the pie as well. Those who capitalized on these gains were often Westerners, who made large profits on products they were paying locals pennies to excavate. Colonizers and their successors claimed as theirs that which belonged to others, and in doing that taught those that came next to do the same(Ahmadi, 2003).
Often, the profits of these minerals made up a great deal of the country’s GDP, they also offered hope of further gains down the road. Technology and globalized information offered this illusion, the get rich quick possibility filled many locals’ hearts and minds. When coming from a life long of chronic poverty, one may be more likely to take drastic measures to make this happen (Zimbard0, 2007).
This is what happened with tantalum. It became a mineral that was highly sought after all of a sudden. Multiple groups in the Congo saw how they could benefit from this, and fought to capitalize on it. The result has been multiple factions owning various mines and warring over the other ones.
ReplyDeleteThis introduction of tantalum as important and money producing is what caused people to scramble in the first place. It was Western companies that spearheaded this initiative. These companies may have exploited Congo to get the best price for the most amount of the mineral. This exploitation causes poverty, suffering and resentment. As noted in Zimbardo’s (2007) book, “The Lucifer Effect”, individuals, when placed in extenuating circumstances and provided with the right amount of persuasive propaganda end up doing things they usually wouldn’t. In this case, the influence of cellphone companies is the structural milieu that made this war possible (Zimbardo, 2007).
Therefore, a minute action of buying and using a phone multiplied by millions bought from a company that is only focused on the bottom line could be inciting a war across the globe. If it weren’t for a rapid new interest in this mineral, there wouldn’t be any money in it. If there weren’t any money in it, people would not be fighting over it. If people weren’t fighting over it, 5 million people’s lives would be salvaged.
Not to say that there weren’t other actors and actions between the buying and the fighting that made this reality possible. If one looks at the facts, they will see that a great number of the wars fought in Africa are fought over some natural resource: oil, diamonds, gold, copper, water, natural gas and timber. It has also been noted that African countries with more natural resources have more wars (Wilson & Tisdell, 2004). Therefore, one can put these two facts together and realize that the globalized economy and its dependence on developing nations for natural resources has a direct impact on the national stability of these developing nations. Congo is just one case example of how this is operating in numerous countries in Africa and around the world.
An interesting blog on this issue: http://www.wri.org/blog/2009/08/stopping-resource-wars-africa
b. Any campaign to alert Apple will have to involve technology. In Vieques, the campaign effectively utilized well known public figures to mobilize support, in Puerto Rico and in the U.S (Torres, 2005). Movie stars have been well utilized in the U.S to champion environmental campaigns, the One campaign, and campaigns to bring better antiretroviral drugs to AIDS victims in Africa. This could be an effective tool.
ReplyDeletePublic figures could be the spokespeople for an activist organized Cell-Out: a day or period of time when a mass number of people turn off not only their I-phones, but all Apple products that they own. This would include a boycott of buying new apple products. This cell-out would be televised, aimed at attracting those that sympathize with the cause, but also displaying to Apple that a significant percentage of apple users are willing to give that up in order to have fair trade cell phones. This may include a number of point people that will go on an Apple fast until apple changes their policies. This has been effective in cases such as Nike, Wal-Mart and Gap.
There can be a count down, a record of the number of days the person has gone on the fast. Ironically, this will be posted on facebook, twitter, etc. The fast will be used to encourage others to go on the fast, championing not only the social benefits it will cause abroad, but also the personal benefits: of staying in the moment, being more present with your family and being more aware of what is going on around you. This can target different communities in the U.S and abroad: the meditating community, churches, family centered communities, activists, those in the anti-technology movement etc.
The Cell-Out can be a common cause that unifies these variant groups of people, motivating this group effort through the different messages that touch them on various T.V., internet and subway ads. The tag line could be “Just turn it off”, but the scenarios different depending on the demographic that the medium usually serves.
For example, if the advertisement were to play on Fox news, the ad would be a husband and wife having dinner with their children after work and school. No T.V would be on, no cell phones at the table, and the family would be thoroughly enjoying themselves, the children all smiles. It would end with “Just Turn it Off” and the count down of a few famous people and then go to a blank screen.
On an ad during the showing of The Daily Show, the ad could involve political humor, cleverly inserting statistics about Apple and how its purchase of tantalum in the Congo affects the Congolese. The use of humor was very effective in the campaign for Vieques (Torres, 2005).
The purpose of the Cell – Outs and fasts would be to take away Apple profit, but also to tell Apple what its customers want. Apple is one of the largest companies in the world, if enough of its customers go on an Apple fast, they will respond quickly in doing whatever they need to go back to the top of the stock market. This would mean reassuring clients and investors that they will provide a fair trade I-phone, setting a time frame for when that will happen, and doing whatever necessary to speed up that process.
Another effective tool would be to discourage investment in Apple’s stocks in order to encourage a fair trade cell phone. If Apple stocks begin to plummet in the stock market, Apple CEO’s will respond. They are known for being innovative and socially conscious. To have very visible news televised informing buyers of the opposite may tarnish their image, something they can easily clean up with a fair trade cell phone.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of Vieques, it was a combination of community empowerment, word of mouth, lobbying, T.V advertising and the use of the arts that brought about change. They attacked the issue from all angles, attracting different supporters in different ways. They made sure they mobilized on the community level, but also made sure they were heard on the macro level. They also made sure they expanded their campaign, not to make it just about colonization, but to make it about health, the economy and women’s rights. This was a way to get a large number of supporters facing various issues (Torres, 2005). This is the idea in the case of Apple as well.
However, the supporters are not needed just in the U.S, for those who use Apple products, for it is essential for the Congolese to mobilize and be empowered to speak out regarding this issue. Though Apple, from my observation, is not as widely used in Africa, where they prefer Samsung and Nokia products, the purpose for mobilization in the Congo would not be for them to boycott, but rather to raise awareness.
Congolese journalists, videographers, writers and actors should join forces in communicating to the outside world what exactly is happening in the Congo. This will include courageous efforts to capture footage of what is really happening, highlight the stories of valiant individuals affected by the struggle and couple that with statistics on how widespread the problem really is.
These televised efforts will not be aimed only on mobilizing the world, but also in mobilizing the Congolese to do what they can to stop foreign investment in tantalum until the conflict has ceased. This may include miner boycotts or mass stand-ins at the mines. It may include creative disarming tactics, like halting the sales of weapons. However, none of these things should be done if the cost outweighs the gain and it would harm the Congolese people more than help them.
Locally appropriate slogans will be used to help motivate people to want to be involved in ending the war. Televised campaigns will be used to highlight just how much this war has affected people, and the joys that can come from peace and harmony. Activists will be sent into rural communities to talk about the possibility that could come from a peaceful Congo, keying in on the struggle and how it has affected the community, then offering an alternative, a Congo free of war. This would be the way to mobilize from the Congolese side. It would be important to have a theme that unifies the Congolese under the vise of ending the war, as it seems they now are divided by tribe and faction.
The idea would be to stop the sale of tantalum at its source, not allow it to leave the country. There will be clever ways that this transaction can be halted, such as blockades on the roads that the trucks leave etc. However, the idea will be to mobilize the Congolese people, and help them come up with a tactic that works. It will be important to work in tandem with sympathizers in the US and abroad to have a unified campaign. Once these two groups work together, there will be a global effort to end blood tantalum. This global effort will be much more likely to, as a whole group, transform Apple products into fair trade ones. Fair trade cell phones, then, will be just as common as fair trade coffee.
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ReplyDeleteNicole Weinstein
ReplyDeleteGlobalization is a concept used to explain the interconnectedness of economic, ecological, and social influences on the changes seen throughout the world (Hare, 2004). The concept is used to identify how countries do not live in isolation and, instead, directly or indirectly affect one another. With respect to Mr. Mbubi’s talk on the current challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the impact of globalization stems from recent advances in technology. The global perspective on the use of technology is that advances in this area are necessary and beneficial to society. The unforeseen consequences are that countries, like the DRC, are being exploited and falling victims to poverty and violence.
Maria Torres (2005) includes the “Ten Commitments for Community Health Education” to outline how Puerto Ricans to created a strategy to free Vieques from United States military control. I believe these commitments are instrumental to making community organizing action-oriented and effective. Some commitments will be expanded to apply central elements and create a strategy for DRC.
1. Start where the people are.
2. Recognize and build on community strengths.
3. Honor thy community- but do not make it holy.
4. Foster high level community participation.
5. Laughter is good medicine- and good health education.
6. Health education is educational= but it is also political.
7. Thou shalt not tolerate the bad “isms.”
8. Think globally, act locally.
9. Foster individual and community empowerment.
10. Work for social justice.
Start where the people are. Mr. Mbubi explains that, although the Democratic Republic of Congo is worth several trillion dollars, the local people are living in severe poverty. The issues connected to industrial expansion are that the local people are victims of violence. The mobile phones have been used to communicate issues within the country such as violence and corruption. While the mobile phones have impacted the country’s stability, they are also being used to help fight human rights violations. Laughter is good medicine- and good health education. Local people of DRC have the advantage of using technology to spread awareness of the misconduct occurring in the country. Vieques used media to communicate and create the campaign “todo con Vieques/everyone with Vieques” and explored their rich culture to expand that campaign to other Puerto Ricans across the United States. A campaign that could fit the issue in DRC could involve something with fair trade technology. People with similar beliefs regarding fair trade food and clothing would be interested in fair trade mobile phones. Mr. Mbubi discussed examples such as colleges who want to create policies that involve conflict-free trade. A campaign using this commitment could include popular methods of social media, such as Twitter and Instagram, and create hashtags (i.e. #fairtradeiphones) to spread awareness about fair trade mobile phones.
(A) As mobile technology makes the world more accessible, Mr. Mbubi’s elucidates that as globalization is changing the world, the effect is on the localities. The processes of globalization and localization as described in glocalization and its dynamics contributes to the insecurity and conflict that Congo is experiencing today. This idea refers to an understanding of the local context in terms of the impact of the economic and cultural globalization on the local socio-cultural, as well as the impact of the local on the global (Dominelli, 2007; Lyons, 2006). The term glocalization was popularized by Bauman (1998) when he argued that globalization should be properly understood in terms of an intrinsic link between global and local perspectives. An example comes down to the mineral resource - tantalum, which is used in manufacturing cell phones, computers and other electronics; mined in Congo and used by industrialized Western country that is experiencing rapid change in communication technology as a consequence of conflicts made in another country. It is the fundamental issue affecting the lives of Congolese citizens who have their foundations elsewhere, linked by international networks of capital, political forces and international technology.
ReplyDeleteGlobalization is often understood as a twofold tendency towards a local encompassment of the global in cultural terms and at the same time an encompassment of the local by the global in material terms (Friedman, 1994: 12). Both positive and negative effects, characterize the globalized localities. In other words, it is a reality where things are local and global at the same time. (Delanty 2000:89) point at two coexisting logics of globalization: On one hand, globalization can be seen as positive, as advancing telecommunication and bringing the world closer to each other by easy access to communicating with your friends and families across the globe. And on the other hand, negative, which has contributed to unimaginable human suffering. An example is the mining of tantalum, which funds armed conflict in the already war-torn country. Over 5 million people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, countless men, women and children have been raped, tortured or enslaved. The dynamics of global processes, the back¬ground against global and local, is not just a negative force but also a positive force when viewed in relation to the number of transnational (global) social communication that it has initiated.
In conclusion, globalization is economically and socially positive: As an engine of commerce; one which brings an improved standard of living and prosperity to developing and Third world countries, as well as further wealth to First World countries. This view claims that economic prosperity brings about social prosperity and it is also economically, socially, and ecologically negative: As an engine of corporate imperialism, one which tramples over the human rights of developing societies, claiming to bring prosperity, yet often simply amounts to plundering and profiteering. Negative effects include cultural assimilation via cultural imperialism, the export of artificial wants, and the destruction or inhibition of authentic local and global communities, ecology and cultures. (Hare, P. 408).
(B) In organizing a campaign to Apple Inc. the following are methods which could be used to ensure a successful campaign:
a) Proper documentation of the killings, child abuse, sexual harassment, etc. which have originated as a result of the mining of this mineral, and carrying out public awareness campaigns which will pressurize both Apple Inc. and the Congolese government to take appropriate actions on this issue.
b) The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) to assemble students in large demonstrations against Apple Inc. canvassing for mining to be carried out in conflict-free locations and a change of policy that implements the mining of conflict-free minerals as well as a zero tolerance to the use minerals tied to conflict.
a) Mbubi’s discussion of tantalum mining exemplifies the concept of glocalization (Hugman, Moosa-Mitha, & Moyo, 2010). In this example, local processes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are closely linked with global processes of mobile phone production. Mbubi (2012) explains that tantalum is a key mineral used in the production of mobile phones, and that mining tantalum has aided the country’s ongoing war. Yet global demand for this product has largely overshadowed the connection between tantalum and mobile phones and the ongoing war. Tantalum is abundant in the DRC and cost-effective to mine; this economic force is an important aspect of globalization and is important in highlighting the demand for the mineral (Hare, 2004). This situation also exemplifies that social problems often have profound global dimensions, as discussed in class (Tyson, 2015). Before watching this video, I had not considered that my phone, a device that I use multiple times throughout the day, could have played a part in a conflict in another country.
ReplyDeleteIn class, we discussed how innovative solutions to social problems can become available through the global interchange (Tyson, 2015). For example, Mbubi (2012) highlights how in the DRC mobile phones have been used as instruments of freedom, garnering attention and support about unethical election results. Additionally, Mbubi (2012) talked about how people across the world are mobilizing to protest against tantalum mining – this demonstrates how increased communication, a benefit of globalization, is support the efforts to stop tantalum mining.
b) Focusing on reclaiming human rights lost by tantalum mining would be the primary campaign objective (Torres, 2005). Looking to the accomplishments in Vieques, this objective would be accomplished by mobilizing individuals and communities in areas where tantalum is mined. Mbubi (2012) explained how voters already mobilized about unethical elections in the DRC; since many people are already mobilizing around issues that impact their lives, it seems that they would be ready and willing to mobilize around this issue. Torres (2005) also highlighted the importance of utilizing local strengths and informal networks to mobilize support. In Vieques, this involved the use of humor and the arts; collaboration with community leaders and influencers in the DRC would uncover local strengths that could be highlighted to strengthen the campaign.
Since cell phones and other technologies make it simple to communicate with almost anyone, as Mbubi mentioned, and since this movement has already begun spreading across the world, I would create both a local and a global campaigns to create the most momentum. Efforts to campaign for fair trade cell phones that do not contain tantalum are already underway. Fairphone is a company that creates conflict free cell phones in response to the situation in the DRC; partnering with this company in support of their awareness and education efforts would be a natural partnership. A social media campaign could be a cost-effective way to increase awareness about the issue globally, which would be strengthened by stats and research about the seriousness of the issue, as well as by highlighting individuals and communities in the DRC that have been affected by mining and the war. Another idea is to declare that conflict phones will be shut off one day per month; this idea is more extreme but could be an effective way to get Apple’s attention that people are upset by tantalum mining and want conflict free phones.
Kathy Moriarty
a) Globalization, as defined in the Healy book, is “a process of global integration in which diverse peoples, economies, cultures and political processes are increasingly subjected to international influences.” A further definition from Healy states globalization indicates, “the emergence of an inclusive worldwide culture, a global economy, and above all, a shared awareness of the world as a single place. In other words, what happens throughout the world impacts what happens in other parts of the world, and that we are all connected.
ReplyDeleteThis is evidenced in the TED talk by Bandi Mbubi regarding the mining and corruption in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mbubi suggests that rebel groups have overrun the mining of tantalum in the DRC. There is a lot of money to be made from the mines in which the tantalum metal is used in cell phones and other electronics. The mining is not being regulated and overruled by these rebel groups. This impacts the world because many countries are buying minerals from the DRC. This encourages these groups to make more money and the cycle continues because there is no regulation.
In the article by Admadi, he suggests that international social work should play a role in places like the DRC. Admadi states when it is a matter of human rights, discrimination against women, the rights of children, and so on, the field of international social work has an obligation to intervene. Mbubi discussed how young children are being recruited in these rebel groups as well as women being a casualty of war. Who represents the women and children who do not ask for this? Mbudi gave a great TED talk that can open the minds of the world on the sometimes-negative impact of globalization.
b) The Torres article presented an excellent example of how people in Vieques, Puerto Rico overcame a negative experience in a peaceful and strengths-based manner. When organizing a campaign to Apple, regarding not purchasing minerals from rebel groups in the DRC, there is a lot to take from the Vieques example.
For example, Torres suggests that the key to Vieques campaign was the people’s focus on their fundamental human rights. This is articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and similar to the World Health Organization’s definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being (Torres, 2005). This relates to a campaign to Apple because the people of the DRC are suffering. Children are being recruited to be involved in dangerous activities and women are being used for rape and as objects in this war.
Apple needs to know where their products are coming from and whom they are buying from. The business side of things can get ugly because Apple is to trying to make money. Apple needs to know there is a difference between buying minerals at a good price from rebels, but there is a serious price to pay for the other casualties of the war in the DRC.
Another things to take from Vieques their ability to remain peaceful and focus on the strengths of their community. They used their arts, religion, and other cultural activities to get their point across to the United States. This strategy could be used in a campaign to Apple by showing the culture of the DRC. The campaign could show if Apple continues to purchase goods from rebel groups, they are diminishing the livelihoods of those in the DRC.
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ReplyDelete1A.
ReplyDeleteIn your culture how many times have you made a comment along the lines of “what would we do without technology”? It keeps us connected to people in our lives, pay for coffee without carrying a wallet and can pinpoint our exact location via GPS to guide us when we are lost. But for the people of the Congo and for other mineral dense countries like it, technology has been a blessing and a curse. As Mr. Mbubi describes the increased access to technologies for people in the Congo has been instrumental in garnering international support as well as helping members of the community mobilize and share information. However, the people of the Congo pay an exorbitant price for this technology through war, rape and corruption.
In your culture how many times have you made a comment along the lines of “what would we do without technology”? It keeps us connected to people in our lives, pay for coffee without carrying a wallet and can pinpoint our exact location via GPS to guide us when we are lost. But for the people of the Congo and for other mineral dense countries like it, technology has been a blessing and a curse. As Mr. Mbubi describes the increased access to technologies for people in the Congo has been instrumental in garnering international support as well as helping members of the community mobilize and share information. However, the people of the Congo pay an exorbitant price for this technology through war, rape and corruption.
I was amazed to learn that despite its status as one of the poorest nations in the world, the country itself is valued at $24trillion. So why then does poverty and human suffering endure throughout this region? Why is it that people are not able to utilize the resources of their land in order to support themselves and start to build an infrastructure that is more just for all the community’s members? Kathleen Ho (2007) would argue that the presence of structural violence through corrupt government and militias contribute greatly to this developmental stagnation. Likely, Amartya Sen would agree and add that the people of the Congo are deprived of their substantial freedoms; denied the possibility of enhancing their lives to become “fuller social persons” acting as participants in effecting change within their local and global communities (Garret, 2003). Furthermore Sen, according to Garret (2003) states that there are five instrumental freedoms that support the development and maintenance of substantial freedom: political, economic, social, transparency and protective security.
Based on my limited understandings of the conflict in the Congo political freedom is denied because historically leadership has been installed rather than elected by the people. Economic freedom which is described as the ability “to utilize economic resources for consumption, or production, or exchange,” has been denied because militant groups have laid claim to the vast natural resources in the Congo (Garret, 2003).They then use their power to force citizens to work in mines. So despite the richness of the Congo’s resources only a select few directly benefit financially. Similarly social opportunities are limited with little to no access to healthcare or education. Children, over 30,000 according to Mr. Mbubi have been trained as child soliders deprived of a childhood.
Transparency is also lacking as Mr. Mbubi describes as corrupt politicians and government officials rule the country. Fortunately some US legislation has developed in order to address these concerns but still there is room for advancement. Lastly, the presence of a protective security system seems to be lacking in villages throughout the Congo.
According to Humphrey (2008) people’s outlook on current economic conditions is dire and to add to that access to existing services is greatly hindered.
Humphrey, M. (2008). Community‐Driven Reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Baseline report. Columbia University, New York:NY. Retrieved from http://www.columbia.edu/~mh2245/DRC/report.pdf
1B.
ReplyDeleteWithout access to any of the freedoms described above how might the people of the DRC campaign for reforms and secure that their rights as human beings not only upheld but championed? Torres (2005) outlined ten guidelines for effecting change through community action. While I agree with this framework and understand why it worked for the people of Vieques I believe there are some critical differences between the two scenarios that might lead to different outcomes in the DRC. The first relates to Ho’s (2007) notion of structural violence and the fact that for the most part we as globalized society support the notion of human rights. Unfortunately, there are times when we as communities, countries or international partners make a judgment that it is okay to look the other way when violations against the basic human rights of others take place. There are numerous reasons why this may occur such as maintaining political alliances or protecting resources and financial assets abroad. The people of Vieques were in a unique position against their opponent. I would be curious to know how the outcome in Vieques may have been different if Puerto Rico was not a commonwealth of the US. Puerto Rico is a part of the US and therefore there may have been more willingness on the part of the US Navy to listen to citizens and negotiate a resolution.
Another challenge in mobilizing communities within the DRC is how to do so without relying on the technology that generates many of the community’s problems. As Mr. Mbubi said, there are some definite advantages to having access to modern technology and having that sense of connectedness with family and friends far away. To suggest a boycott to the people of the DRC could cause more social distress among the people who have already suffered a great deal. When discussing social action in the US I have heard many people say to vote with your dollar- support the businesses and products that are sustainable or fair trade. I can see how that poses a problem to people in the DRC and other poor nations who do not necessarily have the chance to make that kind of vote and simply have to take what is available to them even if it means contributing to a business and a system that continues to negatively impact their lives. So while I do support the framework used in Vieques I believe that in the spirit of solidarity we who have their economic and political freedoms respected by their communities must vote with our dollars to lend a voice and support for the people of the DRC and other exploited nations. Organizing petitions is a wonderful start to garner support and bring awareness to issues. However as Hare (2004) stated solidarity is more than expressing understanding and empathy. It is actively engaging in an act that facilitates a deeper understanding of another’s suffering. So while we in the US may not be able to fully share in the suffering of the people of the DRC after years of violence and oppression we may take it upon ourselves to “suffer” the loss of convenience of having the newest iPhone. Perhaps we can suffer the loss of the extra money it costs to buy a fair trade phone option. The people of the DRC deserve to be compensated for the goods and materials that they provide the rest of the world and deserve to reap the economic benefits of their labor. I believe that this is not just a problem that affects the people of the DRC but everyone on the planet that uses technology. As this is a global concern, global action must be taken.
I appreciate that you identify the differences between the DRC and the situation in Vieques. It is true that in Vieques, they had a certain position they could use in their favor. It is also true that the DRC is in a disadvantaged position, having been in war for decades with limited US involvement and aid. This lack of involvement in the face of gross human rights abuses shows that the DRC is not on the top of the US's priority list.
DeleteI am just wondering what we can do to make it on the top of the list. After all, it produces the one product that keeps America going, besides oil. Wouldn't it be great if the Congo would be given the priority that oil rich countries currently have?
I think you are touching on what would make it a priority: if due to the violence over tantalum, Apple's consumers switched to fair trade cell phones and were willing to communicate to Apple the reason for this switch. You make a good point when you state that people in the DRC are not in the place to boycott. However, I feel they do have a great deal of power, the power of living in the country that makes the products that makes the West hum. I am wondering if it would be too risky, and I am starting to feel like it would, for them to find a way to keep the tantalum from getting to us. However, you do such a good job of keeping the people of DRC in mind, I wonder if that would cause too much harm, as the threat of retaliation from these militant forces would be real.
I also appreciate what you have to say about how solidarity is not just about expressing understanding and empathy, but really acting. That made me consider buying a fair trade cell phone myself. I am also wondering what other actions that would look like. For example, would it look like people mobilizing peace keeping forces to halt the sale of tantalum until the war has halted? Would it look like us joining the grassroots movement that has already started and joining forces with the people of DRC by traveling there? These are tough questions that your post helped me ask. Thank you for aiding me in this exercise.
a) Congo as a country is in deep poverty, massive human exploitation, human rights violations and etc. Many of the country's population income are around 1-2 dollars a day. Directly we never encountered this as a problem, but foreign technology companies, such as Apple, do not directly, know that they are being exploited of Congolese people. So, they buy this material from unknown Africa companies. Also, foreign technology companies procuring materials from Congo rebel encourage the underground economy to the detriment of the Congolese state economic development. So, the problem is no longer local, but global. „The process of economic globalisation has been affecting social cohesion within societies in many parts of the worlds“ (Ahmadi, 2003, p. 15). Economic globalization doesn’t benefit the Congo state or its people. It is useful only for a small part of the rebel’s citizens. On the other hand, because of the technology we have the opportunity to find out what’s going on in all the world.
ReplyDeleteb) Firstly, I could organise an international conference for Apple's employees, during which I could explain about the materials and how they are extracted and what the consequences are because of that. In this case, it is very important to invoke the four dimensions of Healey’s (2008): advocacy, professional exchange, international practice, and international policy development. Also, I would like to encourage other countries for cooperation in this conference. Another area where I can work is better communication with Apple company leaders with a reason to take their attention into the companies who are supplying materials for them. Also, I would like to talk with Apple executives about their support to the Congo state and maybe about possible support for its education system. Seipel (2003) affirms that education is one of the most effective ways to create wealth for individuals and society. Education could be the first step of community self-motivation, perception and knowledge about human rights and its implications.
I did a quick research as to how this problem could be resolved. I found that the Apple Company changed their policy and reviewed from where they get their material.
a.) As we know, the Congo's situation is one of the worst in the whole world. The last war in this unstable country (1998-2003) is broadly admitted as the worst conflict since Second World War.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the huge resources of Democratic Republic of Congo remained exploited, but not only by local actors, not in a »democratic« way at all. One of these resources is the tantalum, coming out of the coltan (between 60 and 80% of the world stock is located in the Kivu's region of Congo), which is a core component for electronic technologies such as smartphones.
But is there a link ? Does a local conflict have relations with global resources issues?
First of all, we should define globalisation. Healy describes it as »a process of global integration in which diverse peoples, economies, cultures and political processes are increasingly subjected to international influences.«
One of the main actors of globalisation are clearly the private companies. Some of them has really benefited from globalisation and have turned into Transnational Companies (TNC's), whose power often exceeds states' one (Apple's 2014 turnover is almost equal with Vietnam GDP). Another aspect that could lead us to undestand how globalisation could have some effects on local conflicts is the fact that TNC don't have any borders : global division of labour is a crucial for companies, to reduce costs of raw materials, production but also tax costs (Starbucks, McDonald's). The last aspect that seems important is the finality of companies in general : profit. If we strictly follow this idea, we have to put away all moral aspects of any conflict (this vision is a bit exagerated of course).
We've seen the supply effect on events in Congo, but what about demand ? After World War II, American products and firms were spread all over the world (the Marshall Plan is a good example), promoting American culture. After the end of communism, the only model who was able to compete with western model whose one of the main representatives are the TNC. Globalisation has thus conveyed a uniformisation of needs (Chistmas starts to be celebrated in China), which is increasing the global demand (allied with a sky-rocketting global population and countries that start to be developed) on some needs (cars, but also electronic poducts in this case). This process puts more pressure on resources in general, and we could talk about thousands of examples : Blood Diamond movie, gold exploitation in French Guyana, water, oil or gas which are one of the motivations of Russian annexion of Crimea… Here we can see that globalisation is having a huge impact in local, national or regional issues, especially through the resources that TNC's could need to sell products worldwide.
b.) Logical way to solve the poblem would be to get resources such as coltan in a legal and more human way. For example make an agreement with a country which has resources that Apple needs for their products. But as I read Apple already changed their policy about this. The main problem of TNC's is that their main goal is to make profit without regard on victims. It would be interesting to lead some investigations, in order to know what is the role of these companies in the unstability in a lot of developing countries, and maybe make them assume the consequences of their acts.
By Francesca Scalise
ReplyDeletea) The speech given by Bandi Mbubi in the video describes in a concise but very significant way an international social problem that affects all of us, one by one. Indirectly, anyone with a mobile increases an exploitative process behind an object which is now widespread: the cell phone. The issue regarding the exploitation and abuse of human resources is unfortunately behind many of the products we use every day. In this sense, I found very compelling a sentence pronounced by Bandi Mbubi concerning the contradiction about the meaning of the phone: "The mobile phone is an instrument of freedom and an instrument of oppression." I would like to report some points, the most remarkable in my opinion, which exemplify Migdley's thought. the first refers to the definition of globalization, which he defines as the process "of global integration in which different peoples, economies, cultures, and political processes are increasingly subjected to international influences" (1997a:xi) Two other points worth mentioning concern his opinion on economic development, which Should Be inclusive, integrated and sustainable and bring benefits to all; moreover, that "the social welfare Should be investment-oriented, seeking to Enhance human Capacities to participate on in the productive economy " (Midgley, 2000a: 24). I think these sentences offer useful insight into the misuse of human capacities. In this case, in particular, continuity between different Nations is not guaranteed by transparency, and the international influences which undergo with owning a phone today are satured with blood and violence. In addition, an economic development of this kind certainly does not bring benefits to all. Indeed, while it is possible to speak of economic development, on the other hand we are witnessing to a human regression and therefore, in reality, the usage of the term development can be seen as improper.
2) In accordance with Reamer, for whom the primary mission of the social work profession would be the promotion of Enhancing human well-being (1998: 263), I believe that any contribution of the social worker to the Apple campaign should focus on this. First, one should have to increase the awareness of what is behind the technological progress. Secondly, one should facilitate cooperative relationships between different Nations in order to support Congo, so that the possession of this good becomes only a symbol of wealth and consequentely the link between research of tantalum and human suffering is broken. In terms of preventive action, one should focus on the education system, non-violence education in particular, but also on respecting the Other as individual, a power that should not be underestimated, but that is easily forgotten in underdeveloped countries for lack of resources. In my opinion, protecting Individuals and their environment is the first goal the social worker should always have in mind. In terms of practical intervention, one must certainly focus on building structures suitable to accommodate the large population that still suffers every day from this oppression.
I agree with the statement made by a classmate (above) that an effective strategy would be to discourage investment in Apple’s stocks. This is a way to urge a fair trade cell phone by Apple. The world is so distracted by “their cell phone” and other technologies that a drop in Apple’s stock market would get the attention of Apple’s CEO. As Mr. Mbubi stated, “Could you imagine life without your cell phone?” There are few individuals in today’s society that could answer that question with a no. Proving that, Apple would give the people what they need, if the people made a point to make it known, such as a fair trade cell phone. A point made by Mr. Mbubi that stuck out to me was when he stated, “It is an instrument of freedom and an instrument of oppression.” Those words are so true. In my opinion, technology causes more negative issues than positive ones. And to hear that technology is used for such harmful lifestyles is frightening. Another point made by a classmate was that of using Congolese journalists, videographers, writers, and actors to be the voice of Congo. Issues can’t be solved if society isn’t aware of the issues at hand. The reality that Mr. Mbubi is expressing is unknown to many around the world, as each country is dealing with issues of their own. As stated in Globalisation of consciousness and new challenges for international social work, Ahmadi (2003) states, “Globalisation is not a new phenomenon.” “One of the main consequences of the globalisation of mass communication is that a variety of transnational popular cultures have emerged (Ahmadi, 2003).” And as I’ve stated, what is emerging isn’t necessarily being used for good.
ReplyDeleteAs Torres (2005) discusses the case of Vieques, it relates to the issues in Congo, it comes down to education and awareness. Vieques addressed the issue on both a micro and macro level. As Torres (2005) explains the “Ten Commitments for Community Health Education,” it involves action within the community, and globally. The people of Congo need to make their voices heard, and take action to make change. Mr. Mbubi’s lobbying for his country is the first step in “the war against the war.”
I appreciate your ideas to put financial on pressure to get Apple to change the construction of their phones. It does seem that they might be more likely to listen if their sales or stock value goes down. Money is powerful, and in this case money may be the best way to influence change. I hadn't thought of that until reading your post. I also agree with your idea to address this issue on the micro and macro levels to enact change.
DeleteDescribing the international social work movement, Hungnmant, Moosha-Mitcha and Moyo (2010) talked about the idea of the “glocalization”. According to the authors this idea refers to an understanding of the local context in terms of its impact to the “economic and cultural globalization on the local socio-cultural, as well as the impact of the local on the global”. The authors also highlighted the impact industrialized Western countries have on communities in unindustrialized counties because of “consequence of employment decisions made in another country”.
ReplyDeleteThe above discussed ideas of shifting social worker professional responsibilities from micro terms as a helper into a macro-level role can be very much applicable to the situation in Congo created by the side-effect of tantalum mining to build new electronic technologies by the large western companies. Responding to Bandi Mbubi’s call to demand fair trade cell phones, international social work practitioners can stand up for this issue through policy level practice, serving as mediator between the nations and advocating in front of western companies for the people on “the other side”.
In organizing a campaign to Apple, and using Vieques model’s ten commitments for my practice, I would start from educating western consumers about the social injustice occurring in Congo. The campaign would reach out for the assistance of media, in order to present the great disaster that people experience in Congo because of the mining activities. One of the main reasons of such injustice is that the average I-phone consumers around the world have zero knowledge about the evil that is embedded to the devices they use on an everyday basis. Therefore first and furthermost, I will start from raising awareness of the international community to this issue. I will also continue this practice by activating western consumer’s potential in attracting large international organizations’ attention to this issue.
The idea presented in the documentary Little Town of Bethlehem (2010) demonstrates the importance of educating people about non-violence and peace. The movie showed that for many years people were misled and perceived the idea of non-violence and pacifism as cowardice, however the activists of the non-violent movement proved that just and peaceful negotiation is much stronger that bloodshed and tyranny. Therefore, I would develop a training program educating people on non-violent actions that they can be part of, with the hope that this will help to stop the youth to join the gangs
However, I do not know if Vieques model is applicable to the Congo’s community itself. I think in such horrifying situations, like rape and genocide, that the people of Congo have to face on every day basis, “laugher therapy” is not an immediate solution. In this case, urgent and radical assistance has to be offered by the global human rights advocacy organizations in order to ensure immediate physical safety of those people.
After stopping the terroristic activities of the criminal gangs that rule the industry, and after providing a safe environment to the civilians, long-term mental health programs “including health education, empowerment and laugher therapy” should be provided to that community by the global social work professionals.
I agree that education on a local and global level is the first step to addressing the issues in the DRC. I found myself completely unaware of the globalization of technology and I think that many people around the world are unaware as well. I appreciated your critical thinking when discussing the limitations the Vieques model would have regarding DRC. I think that it is very important to note the differences in human rights violations and how this impacts our approach to creating a plan of action.
DeleteA) B. Mbubi’s argumentation of tantalum extraction exemplifies the concept of glocalization (Hugman, Moosa-Mitha, & Moyo, 2010). Mbubi (2012) highlights how in the DRC mobile phones have been used as instruments of freedom, garnering attention and support about unfair selection results. When I began to take interest in this problem, I hesitated that nobody likes to think his or her iPhone was made from minerals derived from a country where warlords and mass rapists profit from the mines. Michael Littenberg, a lawyer at Schulte Roth & Zabel who focuses on legal issues surrounding conflict minerals, says that “right now, the reputational risk is higher” due to disclosures by many tech firms last year that raised expectations of more and better to come. “Big consumer brands” like Apple “are the low-hanging fruit for nonprofits and investor advocates, and they’re increasingly focused on this issue.” (Lynnley Browning, Where Apple Gets the Tantalum for Your iPhone, 2015).
ReplyDeleteAlso, B. Mbubi (2012) talked about how people over the world are mobilizing to appeal against tantalum mining, this demonstrates how increased communication, a benefit of globalization, is support the efforts to stop tantalum mining. Finally, the people of the DRC deserve it without compensated for the bales and materials that they provide take the breath of the world and earn the economic Reap the Benefits of their working. I hope that this is not just a problem that influence the people of the DRC, who, through their hard work in hopes brighter tomorrow. I think that this is imortant problem for everyone in the world that uses technology, as this is a global concern, global action must be taken.
At one extreme is the view that social work is a single entity, with skills, knowledge and values that can be defined across national bounderies. At the other extreme is the welfare regimes in any particular state (Payne and Askeland, 2008, p.153).
B) If there would be opportunity to contribute to this problem, I think, that focusing on reclaiming human rights lost by tantalum mining would be the primary campaign objective. Looking to the accomplishments in Vieques, this would be without objective accomplished by person moved and communities in areas where tantalum is mined.
Torres (2005) also highlighted the importance of making use of local strengths and informal networks to mobilize support. In Vieques, this involved the use of humor and the arts; collaboration with community leaders and influencers in the DRC would open out local strengths that could be highlighted to consolidate the campaign.
Exploited people in the Congo should be launched to defend the global level, this could contribute to economic competitors who sell the same technological products the right way. This problem should also include representatives who are fighting for equal rights (in the economy, the labor market or the world). World-famous companies should pay attention to ecology , conserve nature. Of course, as always, in the modern world is mainly affected by Apple's financial stability, (the company to earn a lot of profit, so it can thrive corruption) but maybe you should take monetary disciplinary measures? Financial constraints can be used compensating Congolese people tiring and hard work. But the implementation of this idea requires a global consensus, must unite major world countries to prevent this problem.
1. a) Globalization could get us not even good but also bad things. Most people think that technologies bring in our life just good things but they forgot how many people died for giving us this. Business sometimes could be inhumane due to of money. Businessmen usually think how to get bigger profit with less expense. That causes events in Congo. There are no human rights, just surviving or dying. Many companies used this to get bigger benefit. Apple also did this.
ReplyDeleteb)There are many ways to talk with Apple about what harm they do when buy tantalum from Congo. For my opinion, the most effective to stop them is to talk with consumer buying Apple products. We should show people what they support by buying i-phones and other technologies from Apple. Without customers Apple could not exist, thats why they should to refuse material from Congo. In this campaign we could attract some celebrities which could talk about human rights and slavery in Congo. I believe that this method would be the most effective to pay attention of harmful side of technologies and all globalization.
Mr. Mbubi's speech made me look more deeply into this huge problem in Congo.
ReplyDeleteDemocratic Republic of Congo in tantalum deposits is one of the richest in the world. This material is used in mobile phones. However, the state of these resources is poor only because they sell it on the black market and use the money to buy weapons. It is doubtful whether these corporations know where their money that they pay for the extraction of raw materials and supplies goes to.
According to the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on sexual violence in conflict zones Margot Wallström: "As citizens of the world, we are all contributing to the violence in the Congo. We associate the extraction of minerals, which strengthens and supports this conflict“.
The mine employs many women and children. I was particularly shocked by the story of one boy. "I’m Cans, me 16 years. For three years I worked in the mine shotgun. I learned that near my house is fitted with mine. I wanted to make money, so I could build my own house. Descending into the mine and back lasted so long that sometimes alighted. Lasted up the entire week. Every month people died there, and devastated by one of the excavated caves"- said Cans. Shotgun is the largest mine in the area. It is situated in the depths of a dense forest, about 90 kilometers away from populated areas, 100 meters underground. Mine is often only the hole dug in the earth. In one mine, where working conditions are appalling, is crowded by many men and boys. They come from far away hoping to earn. However, the armed groups collect such large informal fees that many people can not depart from there. There are hundreds of such mines in Eastern Congo. It is estimated that only shotgun mine produces minerals for 70 million US dollars. For the first time, when I went down, I could not stay there for long. I was not accustomed to the heat. Many times I have to go down, work hard, and then rise to the surface. Mine was very hot, and I Icould not bear. I walked away from the shotgun mine, where there was a massacre. It failed to fulfill my dreams, so I went back home to finish school "(European Environment Agency, 2011 p. 20).
Suppliers must be encouraged to support industry efforts to enhance traceability and responsible practices in global minerals supply chains. In order to stop the “bloody phones” will mean a number of governments and companies joint efforts.
b) As regards the possible solutions to this problem, I think that people in Congo should first begin to address this problem on the community level. It would be possible to take advantage of Maria Torres (2005) 10 items of which the inhabitants of the island of Vieques enabled community to regain freedom.
1. Start where the people are.
2. Recognize and build on community strengths.
3. Honor thy community- but do not make it holy.
4. Foster high level community participation.
5. Laughter is good medicine- and good health education.
6. Health education is educational - but it is also political.
7. Thou shalt not tolerate the bad “isms.”
8. Think globally, act locally.
9. Foster individual and community empowerment.
10. Work for social justice.
As it is stated by Professor Xaviero Pavie from one of the best business schools in the world ESSEC in order to become a successful entrepreneur one must think globally, act responsibly, be open to innovation, education and realize the importance of the latest technology, but understand that a man is always the first, and business is in the second place.
A). Tantalum, as Mbibi highlights, is a power efficient mineral that is used in cell phones worldwide. What made the mass mobilization of this mineral in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) worthy of examination are the effects this process has had on the local culture. Although the U.N. Environmental Program has estimated the wealth of the country to be over 24 trillion dollars, the DRC consistently scores low in global health and poverty rankings (Mbubi, 2012). As Healy (2014, pg. 81) noted, the gap between the rich and the poor is growing. This gap can be clearly seen in the after effects of cell phone companies using tantalum from the DRC to increase company profits while at the same time decreasing the worker’s (and communities) profits, resulting in lower health and poverty rankings. Trying to improve these gaps and differences in wealth measures and global health and poverty measures is not only an issue for the DRC. “Widespread poverty is now a global phenomenon and one of the greatest challenges to social work and to the world community” (Healy, 2014) pg. 81). Although alleviating global poverty is a large task, it should not be viewed as impossible. As the world becomes more connected through technology and globalization, information can be exchanged at quicker rates to allow for more information to be passed on to the local communities and the global network, creating large scale awareness campaigns.
ReplyDeleteIf social workers are to effectively promote social justice and social welfare globally, a truthful examination of their own country’s hand in global policies and economic activities needs to be sought out and critically examined. To remain true to the social work profession of advocating for those that are vulnerable or oppressed, it is of particular concern for the social work profession to not only be aware of the global policies and economic activities of developed countries but to also involve themselves in the process. This approach is also argued for by Hugman, Moosa-Mitha, and Moyo (2013); when practicing international social work, it is imperative to understand the complex links between the global and local processes. This concept, of viewing local issues in terms of global issues and vice versa, is referred to as “glocalization”. Hugmen et. al., (2013) further point out that by utilizing a glocalized approach it challenges the social worker to “see the realities of glocalization, going beyond the passive dichotomy of helper and helped within which international social work is generally understood” (pg. 634). All of the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of societies need to be understood in terms of the complex exchanges and interdependent aspects that each level relies on, from local communities to the global world and vice versa.
B). Actually implementing a glocalized perspective and programs that promote a more equal and just outcome for both the companies and the local people involved in mining tantalum in the DRC is what does not seem to have been done. In order to address the effects of globalized production of tantalum in the Democratic of Congo, an analysis of all the relevant local and global factors need to be examined, including the cultural values, NGO and government structures and roles, historical influences, and corporate or global interests. Specifically the mining, manufacturing, and distributing systems of tantalum in the DRC needs to be examined. These industries can include both local and international government and non-governmental entities and the policies and stakeholders that control the economic demand of this material. For example, in an article found on the NY Times titled “How Congress Devastated Congo” (Aronson, 2011), the author points out the impact that the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform act had on effectively combating “conflict minerals” and warlords that were involved in the supply chain of these minerals but, at the same time, the act limited the appeal of investing in tantalum mined in the DRC because of the complex political system that would need to be navigated as a result of this act. Instead, companies have chosen to go to other, more easily accessible, sources of tantalum (e.g. China). Therefore, this US law that is aimed at combating warlords, has also left de facto embargo on the minerals mined the region and has put the mining community out of jobs (Aronson, 2011).
ReplyDeleteThis is just one example of how utilizing and advocating for a locally and globally minded (glocalized) program and/or policy, that takes in to consideration the local communities values and interests, would be more socially and economically just. The author of the NY Times article also pointed out the need for advocacy groups to be locally minded, saying that “once the advocacy groups succeeded in framing the debate as a contest between themselves and greedy corporate interests, no one bothered to solicit the opinion of local Congolese”. The unique role and perspective that an international social worker can offer to this issue is very valuable. It is through this “glocal” engagement with policy decisions, and through the promotion of grassroots initiatives and education programs, specifically ones that use technological mediums in this case, that scenarios like the one in the DRC can hope to be remedied.
Along with improving involvement in legislation and bringing more awareness to the latent (or manifest) consequences of some programs and policies, starting a local campaign of some sort would be necessary to build community support, solidarity, and awareness for this issue. In Viequez (Torres, 2005), the people’s phone campaign served as a continuous catalyst for change because it allowed the people to develop the mass awareness of changes happening on the ground at a moments notice through broadcasting updates on social media and phones. The campaign also allowed for the community to develop solidarity and collaborate together with an understanding of mutual support. With the DRC having access to cell phone technology now, it might be very effective to use that technology to create awareness and solidarity campaigns like the ones in Viequez (Torres, 2005).
In sum, with more people working to incorporate glocalized policies and programs while simultaneously examined their own countries involvement in the programs, and through developing grassroots campaigns while promoting awareness and solidarity, the DRC may be able to effectively change the current human rights and social justice issues involved in the mining of tantalum for mass production.
1. We believe that technology opens up more opportunities for our lives. Never any thought to this issue, use the language of Mr. Mbubi , it made me think.
ReplyDeleteAfrica as many other countries in the world attracts attention when it comes to the continent's abundant natural resources, potential markets and cheap labor. I think that human welfare development model should be developed in the Congo that could help to fight for human rights. Working people should work regular hours and obtain adequate salaries. Comapnies should invest in the technology and should try to ensure the technique, which could prevent the exploitation of people, especially children.
1. Use our readings about globalization to interpret events he describes in Congo as a side-effect of tantalum mining to build new electronic technologies.
ReplyDeleteGlobalization like every phenomenon has both positive and negative sides. However, the proper exercise of their opportunities offered by scientific and technological progress in the growing ties between the countries could provide a solid basis for countries' economic growth. In any case, to deny the impact of globalization is pointless to try and protect themselves from it - is not economically feasible. Globalization is an inevitable process - which is still not stop, so it is best to use as many of its benefits and minimize potential negative consequences. It is important to mention that Zygmunt Bauman is one of the most prominent contemporary social thinkers, sociology celebrity world - the book “Globalization”. Man finds himself no longer serving any ground under your feet: the usual geographical, cultural, political and social relations between frames, changing the dynamic and highly effective new social exclusion configuration.
So, Mr. Mbubi’s Mr. talking about fair trade and wish that it were. Also provides an excellent example of how people replace phones and other technologies. Here and there a paradox as he claimed that the phone is freedom to communicate at the same time and it binds. In my view, globalization is here revealed, people use phones all day, surf the Internet every day in social networks often involve individuals and it is already not without freedom. I think we sometimes do not feel themselves to becoming part of the new technology. Therefore, the main driving force of globalization is the rapid development of information technologies. This process knows no borders and boundaries which over time leads to chaos in society. I think, the public has to try to be innovative but not to become dependent on innovation.
a) If you wanted to take up Mr. Mbubi’s invitation and organize a campaign to Apple, describe how you could use the Vieques example and/or others from our readings, and sketch out the central elements of such a campaign.
DeleteWhile many people find it once in a lifetime desire Start your business orimplement innovative and viable business ideas in it. In my opinion, inspiration and motivation - two excellent ide their education instruments. Anyone can try a systematic, step-by step, creatively implementing their ideas to it and thus make it a viable business opportunity. Ide raises all sorts of them, large and small, related to the various business areas, production, trade or services. All of them, except perhaps one other, in accordance with the sequential process are feasible.
So, companies such as Apple, Google and Facebook will talk back will take place in the business pages of the history. Their vision and innovation has changed the way society work, live and communicate today. Young entrepreneurs are trying to repeat their success, but not a good idea and there will not be enough persistence. If we need to rely on the company, the basic principle is fair production, trade and key to the campaign. Assertion that health is a basic human right based on UN Declaration of Human Rights and World Health Organization definition of health as physical, mental and social well-being. This is the most important aspects. Also it should be acilitated technological assistance, training, and support for citizens. Citizens organized through formal and informal networks. Also it is also important to add “Vieques” example, the need to create community groups.
One of the most famous of all time investor Philip A. Fisher his experience and expertise in finding exceptional growth stock described in the book "Ordinary Shares and extraordinary profits." It identified 15 key points that will help to identify the long-term growth potential company. For example of being able to distinguish good investor should understand how different businesses. Another company, which is a good working relationship is usually more profitable than the one where the relationship is merely average. The reason is that happier employees possess higher productivity and even in difficult economic times is able to earn a higher-than-expected profits company. The company which is able to keep the workers and heighten their position, characterized by an abundance of s So in my opinion, the most important fact without Able to Maintain fair trade and to ensure that all human rights strong professionals who love their work, the company mission and organizational culture.
a) Various new trend is changing the world. Some of these trends call universal, because their intersection - social, technological, economic, political and even environmental dimensions. The most important change - this changing demographic patterns and accelerating urbanization, even faster technological processes, increasing market integration, economic power changes or climate change. Such trends have significant implications for global stocks. Cities are spreading. Consumption increases. The world expects that the economy will continue to grow. Relocation of production to developing countries whose economic importance is increasing. Global policy processes become much more important public entities. And accelerating technological change. These races into the unknown new risks, but provides huge opportunities (European Environment Agency). At present, the forests and jungles of the Congo to underlying demand for natural resources is enormous. Nevertheless, Congo is still a poor country. Over the past fifteen years, more than 5 million. Eastern Congolese people were killed during the war several armed groups have been raped about 300,000 women. Some groups are constantly profiting from metal mining, forcing people to dig them. Child labor is an increasing problem in the region. Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo are leaving their studies, often with their families, while embracing the ‘get-rich-quick’ attitude of much of the population. One school reported a drop in attendance of about 30 percent (Redmond, 2001). As a result of tantalum mining and wars, societies in the eastern regions of the Congo are experiencing heightened physical and economic insecurity, health problems and human-rights violations. A health problem brought about by resource extraction is the effect of tantalite (coltan) mining on women and children who work in the mines. As more women are turning to mining for income, they are faced with dangerous tasks such as pounding the stone which contains tantalum. The release of fibers that get into the lungs is affecting both the women and their babies, who are passengers on their mother’s backs (Carayannis, 2003; Jackson, 2002).
Deleteb) We need to improve, develop, operate and develop yourself and become smarter use of natural resources. This means that natural resources should be managed in a way that local communities can survive, benefits and progress. This is one of the most important challenges of our world. Natural Resources Sector Strengthening transparency and control. Publicize human rights violations in the development of new electronic technologies. I would like to create a preventive film (possibly through famous people) and to inform the public about human rights violations, as an incentive to declare companies that operate responsibly, violates fundamental human rights, mineral resources obtained without the human blood. This can be achieved by using the example of Vieques and based on the essential points:
1) Start where the people are.
2) Recognize and build on community strengths.
3) Honor thy community-but do not make it holy.
4) Foster high level community participation.
5) Laughter is good medicine-and good health education.
6) Health education is educational-but it is also political.
7) Thou shalt not tolerate the bad “isms”.
8) Think globally, act locally.
9) Foster individual and community empowerment.
10) Work for social justice.
Thank you for pointing out just how interdependent nations and countries have become as a result of globalization. The earth's natural resources can serve as a universal value that all nations will have to come to some sort of common ground if we are to sustain this planet. How one country or nation uses the natural resources on their land no longer just impacts that country/nation, it effects the world in large and diverse ways.
DeleteI also think that creating a film that uses celebrities is a great idea to bring awareness to these types of issues. Documentary films can serve as a great conductor for raising awareness and developing solidarity between the globalized world and local communities.
Thank you, that you found the time to read my observations. I agree with your observations and the idea of documentaries.
Delete1. Inga Žalnerauskienė In this case, I think, the business company should mark their products in some way, if they are made from the material obtained due to the extraction or production using exploitation of people or incidences of child labor. Seeing such product marking people could decide themselves whether to buy a product or better use another company's product, which is produced not exploiting people. I believe the impact of declining sales will force the Apple's company to decide what to do and how to get the product in other ways or change it to another. We can see in Vieques example ten steps how we, as a global social workers, can work on it. These are really Helpful Hints which can be used.
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ReplyDeleteB. In order to accept this invitation from Mbubi, it would be imperative to galvanize popular support for the campaign through social media, using the same devices (phones and computers) that are being called into question. What could be more powerful than the irony of using a computer or phone to type the words that uncover unfair computer and phone sourcing processes? A campaign for Apple might be to use a beneficial aspect of globalization (increased communication) with a beneficial aspect of technology (convenient, quick, low-cost communication) by creating a project where university students in the United States become the modern version of penpals with university students in the Congo over texting and emailing, all connected with a common hashtag (ie #textforgood #fairlythere). Together, they could begin spreading awareness about fair trade cell phones, while modeling a mutual partnership that is an alternative to the current exploitative nature of the consumer-driven relationship. Although Congolese and Westerners may not be enemies like the Israeli and Palestinians youth who were raised among historically-charged inter-group violence, Pierre Dulaine’s (2014) innovative ballroom dancing project could serve as an example for this Apple campaign. Dulaine’s 10 week ballroom dancing classes bring youth from Israel and Palestine together for a common, fun, respectful, and safe activity that promotes mutual respect through social interaction; similarly, true social interaction, albeit over technology, between Congolese and Westerners would be effective for peace-building.
ReplyDeleteA. Mr. Mbubi powerfully illustrates the dire situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, his home country, in which the mining of the natural resource tantalum for Western profit is funding social chaos, local economic hardships, and even death through warfare. Precipitated by the technology boom, the rapid demand for tantalum, which is used in the production of cell phones, caused the mineral-rich Congolese to split into factions which then fought to produce the much-sought after profit. However, without local regulation of mining, “widespread robbery and misconduct” ensues which destabilizes the area, stripping the region of the opportunity for local economic growth. Ignoring the violent, deadly consequences of commercial production abroad is a common theme in global relationships where one developed country has more power and resources than a historically exploited country. Mbubi illustrates an example of how profit supersedes the needs of the local social and political ramifications community, causing a human rights crisis that is conveniently ignored. With a twist on the technologically-induced injustice he is exposing, Mbubi cleverly uses the popular Ted Talk forum to deliver his action-invitation. He uses technology, the very subject of his speech, to increase social globalization. By exposing the reality of the Congo, Mbubi encourages listeners to reflect on where their products originate, which encourages global consciousness (Ahmadi, 2003). As Mbubi points out when talking about how his children can speak internationally with his parents, communication has become easier as a result of the widespread availability of information technologies, particularly phones and computers. The easy dissemination of information and increased communication allows for media to play a role in developing global consciousness—meaning, the information that is being communicated to us (the majority of humankind) directly affects what we care about. (Ahmadi, 2003). Highlighting the crucial responsibility of contemporary social workers to share ideas, especially in the current postmodern, hyper-interconnected society, Ahmadi (2003) states that “not only does the globalization of consciousness lead to similar patterns of exposure to problems, but it also opens up for the promotion of global solidarity, democracy and a greater possibility to prevent conflicts (p. 14).
To conclude his powerful argument, Mr. Mbubi issues a call to action—calling for change in source processing for phones, issuing the charge that “we demand fair trade food, we demand fair trade clothes, it is time to demand fair trade phones.” During his Ted Talk, Mr. Mbubi demonstrates many of the successful tactics employed by the people of Vieques in their successful peaceful confrontation with the United States Naval occupation. For example, just like the people of Vieques, Mbubi uses humor to join with the audience and establish rapport from the beginning, a strategy listed as #5 of Torres’ (2005) “Ten Commandments for Community Health Education” when she says, “Laughter is good medication—and good health education.” I add that humor is also an easy way to remind each other of our common humanity, which Mbubi does effectively throughout his speech. For example, he mentions friends, families and loved ones to humanize the problem and appeal to commonalities. He does not vilify people with cell phones, nor does he spend much time blaming anyone, instead he “fosters high levels of community participation” by asking the viewers to take out their cell phones and reflect upon them (Torres, 2005). In this case, the community he is speaking to is the TED audience and the online viewers, who he hopes will become change-agents, and directs them intimately, saying that he is “speaking directly to you” (Mbubi).
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ReplyDeleteA) After watching Mr. Mbubi’s Ted Talk about fair trade cell phones several themes resonated with me. Those themes are as follows, power dynamics, political oppression, and economic disparities. Mr. Mbubi statement, “the mobile phone is an instrument of freedom and an instrument of oppression.” This statement conveyed how many of us are not aware of what actually goes into making the products that we use on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteMr. Mbubi described how the mining of the tantalum has resulted in the suffering of many of the Congolese citizens. During his presentation he said that the Republic of Congo was worth over 24 trillion dollars. 24 trillion dollars is a lot of money. When there is money to be made someone will try to find a way to make it. After thinking about this Ahmani’s article fits well here. The mining of tantalum would in essence globalize Congo’s economy and could lead to a globalized consciousness. It appears that many Congolese citizens have suffered due to the globalization of their country. For example the globalization of their country’s economy has funded wars. This is a devastating consequence of globalizing the economy. Next, the consequences of a globalized consciousness, in Ahmandi’s article it addressed how globalization is not a new phenomenon. Globalization pushes the ideas of trade, industrialization, and capitalism. It appears that globalization is a does not include what Healy refers to as indigenous knowledge. It seems that profit is the only objective and the needs of the citizens are not. It is safe to say that no one wants their human rights violated so others can make a profit.
B) If I were to organize a campaign to Apple I would do the following. First, I would start a social media campaign similar to the citizens of Vieques. By building a social media campaign I hope to generate a buzz about the topic. One thing that I have learned is that people are willing to rally behind a cause they believe in. With that said, I would do research on celebrities that support topics that are focused on Africa and environmental sustainability. I know that celebrities have influence and their fans typically support the movement they endorse. In order to generate this buzz I would most like make a video. This video would depict the strife (war, economic disparities, famine, and child soldiers) of the Congo and how the mining of tantalum in is destroying human life and our beautiful world. By addressing the aforementioned points of emphasis I want to build a constituency that not only supports the fair trade movement, but also preserving the planet. I feel that having multiple groups backing the movement would strengthen the campaign.
Next, I would do research on who Apple purchases the material to make their phones. The purpose of this is to put pressure on the other companies associated with the production of the phones. Hopefully, this would bring negative publicity to these companies. If these companies were to be exposed this could potentially hurt Apples revenue. I understand that many businesses are driven by making a maximum profit with minimal expenditures. Money is a driving force; if sales were to decrease Apple would most likely respond in the manner I want them to. I would hate to use these tactics to address this issue, but I believe that simply asking them to stop would be ineffective.
Globalisation is seen as the process through which goods and services, capital, people, information and ideas flow across borders and lead to greater integration of economies and societies (Ahmadi, 2003). Economic globalisation affects the social cohesion within societies in many parts of the world (Ahmadi, 2003). In the TED talk for example, Mr. Mbubi talks about how the globalized reliance on tantalum to be able to have cell phones is fueling the strife in the Congo. The need of these cell companies to produce more and more phones using this tantalum, has disrupted the social cohesion of the Congo. The expansion of mass media and in particular cellular devices has significantly globalized mass communication (Ahmadi, 2003). This coupled with the globalisation of the economy in general, has globalized our consciousness (Ahmadi, 2003). It has affected our definition of self and what we truly expect and value in our lives. Our environment, our relationships, and our humanity now rely on a six inch piece of metal held up to our ears.
ReplyDeleteMr. Mbubi’s talk, in regard to tantalum mining practices, embodies this notion of globalisation and how the advancement of these technological advancements bring war and strife to a country, but at the same time working to empower the individuals in the community. Although, we may rely entirely too heavily upon our technology, it also can produce extraordinarily positive impacts in our society. For example, as talked about in class, the use of mass media has fueled campaigns and movements such as the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Through mass media, communication has engulfed our society into a paradox, as seen in the Congo, where technology can change a society for the worst, or empower its people to high capabilities.
One central component to the success of Vieques, was their push in educating the public and mobilizing against harmful policies (Torres, 2004). Organizing a campaign to Apple will have to include support from the public which can be achieved in a number of ways, from fostering individual and community empowerment, as seen in the Vieques example, to managing a broad based coalition involving demonstrations and mass media exposure. Under the ten Community Health Education Commitments, in the success of Vieques, I would start with number four, “Fostering high levels of community participation” (Torres, 2004). Challenging the community to think more about collective efficacy and less of individual efficacy is key because, it keeps people involved and gives validity to your cause. This will encourage large organizations to join the movement by establishing broad based dynamic coalitions.
Another element I would use, again, as seen in the Vieques example, is number five, “Laughter” (Torres, 2004). Entertainment consumes our planet. Technology is ingrained in people’s blood. While technology has obviously taken a part of our humanity from us, it provides us with a communication tool that has transcended our view of what it means to speak to others. As Mr. Mbubi talked about in his TED talk, the cell phone, although has fueled the war in the Congo, it has also given the people an avenue to be involved the political process and bring about change. Combining the media and higher institutions such as culture and religion, can form a dynamic coalition that will not ask, but force Apple to become educated on the issue of tantalum.
Finally, empowerment, one of the single most fundamental elements to social work practice would be a vital tool to use in creating a campaign. I would build upon the strengths of the community and get them involved in the campaign, through mass media outlets, demonstrations, educating the greater public about the issue, and combining education with politics, as seen in the Vieques example (Torres, 2004). Educating the political players who I would want to be involved, and who can bring about the most change, will help them establish a more effective strategy in advocating for the cause.
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ReplyDeleteGlobalization erases natural boundaries and bring about an interdependence of all nations. Also creating a global consciousness. “Since economic globalization and technological advances have apparently led to increasing concentrations of wealth and consequently the marginalization of increasingly larger segments of the world population, the gap between people’s reality their desires is widening. This could lead in turn to aggravating the social problems of people living in poverty” (pg. 17 Ahmandi 2003). Combine this thought with the concept of individualism and you have the perfect storm for what is happening in Congo. Corruption in business and politics has always been around but the ideas of individualism and extreme greed makes people do things they never thought they would do. This concept is similar to what Zimbardo discusses in the “Lucifer Effect.” Tantalum mining probably did not start off as inhuman as it is now. Someone in power saw an opportunity to bring more money into the country because the country is rich in resources. Then slowly the opportunity for financial upward mobility and more power presented itself. Which resulted in the belief that inhumane conditions of work is okay, such as the tantalum mining situation in Congo.
All of business is supply and demand. Therefore if people change the demand, the supply will have to change in order to stay in business. “the Viequense experience was one of building an organization based on people’s experiences and strengths, educating people to increase individual and collective efficacy for policy change” (pg.9 Torres 2005). Organizing based on experience and strengths to campaign to Apple, needs to be a worldwide movement. Social work agencies in the Congo can try to rally citizens to gather stories and videos of some of the effects of the mining. These agencies can connect with other social work agencies worldwide to help spread the word to consumers because some policy change will only come about by taking away money. Currently the organization RAISE Hope for the Congo is trying to do this. This type of campaign can be more like the Viequense by garnering more community participation in the U.S and other countries by really pushing a presence in social media. Having a larger presence in social media will allow for people everywhere to become more educated about the fair trade technology. This movement has to be similar to the fair trade clothes and food movements. Therefore a not only making a presence on social media but also connecting with human trafficking agencies. Human trafficking is a hot topic at the moment so it would be the ideal movement to connect with now. It’s all about strategic organizing and awareness.
Bandi Mbubi, native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was forced to leave his home to seek asylum in the United Kingdom after his involvement in political activism. His homeland has been in a state of war for over 20 years due to tantalum, mined in the Congo as coltan. The pursuit of extracting this mineral has fueled the ongoing war in Congo that has led to the death of over 5 million people, as well as the rape, torture, and enslavement of many others. The demand for this mineral is its use in mobile phones and other high demand technologies. This use of mineral to create technology used all over the world is an example of globalisation.
ReplyDeleteGlobalisation is defined as, “a process of global integration in which diverse peoples, economies, cultures, and political processes are increasingly subjected to international influences” (Midgley, 1997). In the case examined above, the international influence in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the industrialized nations of the world demanding cell phones. The high demand for cell phones and other technologies around the world influence the experience of the people in Congo, the economy and flow of money there, the culture of war the country has experienced for over 20 years and the fragmented political systems undermined by arms group controlling mining areas.
Although the globalisation has had a negative effect of the people and communities of Congo personally, economically and politically, the concept of globalisation can be used to influence positive change in the country. The role of the global social worker according to Midgley (2000) is to integrate economic development allowing citizen participation in a productive economy. Bandi Mbubi’s call for fair trade cell phones is a way to do this. A more stable political and economic environment would be created as fair trade encourages fair treatment of workers, accountable payments, and safe working and living conditions for employees above a certain age. However, fair trade cell phones have yet to be made. There are many steps in accomplishing this. First, we must educate people on the benefits of fair trade and the impact fair trade laws in the Congo would have, i.e. less corruption, decrease in strife, decrease in poverty rates, increase in overall health status of citizens, and opportunity for positive economic development (Fairtrade International, 2015).
Using the example of organization, education, and advocacy for health and human rights in Vieques, Puerto Rico, consumers of technology can approach companies like Apple, Inc. with the same premises. Just as community members in Vieques petitioned the government to rid the area of U.S. Naval forces for the health and safety benefits of citizens, both citizens of strife ridden areas of Congo and consumers of Apple products can petition the company in effort for better living and working conditions of people retrieving the material for their products (Torres, 2005). To access accountable change, it will be imperative for both community members and consumers to demand higher standards of Apple, Inc. Appealing to human rights will urge the company to think about their actions and the consequences of them, but to engage in positive actions the company must know their consumers want, expect, and demand more righteous and sustainable products made under fair trade guidelines. Again, in order to get consumers to pressure the companies making the product it will be important to educate them on the issue, the consequences, and the chance to encourage and implement structures that provide human rights.
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ReplyDeleteMr. Mbubi's example is closely related to the phenomenon of globalization. Like every phenomenon, globalization has both good and bad sides. According to Nader Ahmadi, globalization is not a new phenomenon, globalization began in the 19th century, but current expression of globalization takes place not only in separate regions, but in the entire planet. Mr. Mbubi's example shows the dark side of globalization, where the environment is devastated, exploited children, etc. Company on receipt of tantalum Congo creates a cycle of poverty population from which people can not get out due to diseases and low wages. Tantalum receipt is not the only example. Many things that are not common and are often used to bloody backing. Jewelry with diamonds, lab animal tested cosmetics, drugs or devices. Transiberian railroad in Siberian region of Russia is built on the bodies of dead people ... The list is endless...
But let us return to the situation in Congo. It is a pity that such global problems are not solved quickly. This challenge requires structural change and complex social welfare measures to create: clean drinking water, non-toxic and safe work environment, vaccination of the population, the environment, education, the construction of hospitals and other. Making Mr. Mbubi's challenge, First step could be (before companies in such cruel ways respond to their needs) organize anticompany – bringing together a team of professionals of lawyers, social workers, medical professionals and marketing specialists. Anticompany essence – to show the situation in the manner in which tantalum is extracted. (For example, NBA basketball star anti-advertising against products from ivory and rhinoceros horn).