Here is my last History Benchmark Project at SLA! It is a photo essay that takes different topics of globalization and pairs it with a source and something from Philadelphia. Enjoy!
2. Energy - Biodiesel
There has been a gigantic push to save the environment
and live more sustainably. Being “Green” has finally
become chic in the American culture. It has taken many
natural disasters and criticism from other countries to
make this movement happen however. Slowly though
one can notice that this push to an environmentally
friendly life style is happening. One example is the fact
that Philadelphia has just replaced all of its public trash
reciprocals with solar powered trash compactors and
added recycling. Mayor Nutter also launched Greenworks
Philadelphia in 2009. The biggest example of how
energy, the environment and globalization come
together however is in VK’s engineering class. We have
created many solutions to environmental problems like
biodiesel, windmills, parabolic mirrors, and solar thermal
units. Instead of just keeping these ideas to ourselves
though we have shared the ideas with at least two
different countries to help small villages out.
In an article written by Jad Mouawad of The New York
Times he touches on the issues involved with the latest
oil spill. The United States depends on other countries to
produce two thirds of the oil consumed by the country.
There have been major debates, and possibly laws
passed, about whether we should continue to drill off
shore in the Gulf Coast and risk the environmental
issues that come along with it. Many people want to
keep drilling so as to decrees our dependence on foreign
oil. The world is brought together in this fight to
produce energy needed and keep the planet healthy at
the same time. In our engineering class we have created
optionsMayJad. "The Spill vs. a Needwith both. Times. NYT, 30 Apr. 2010.
that could help to Drill." New York
Mouawad,
Web. 6 2010. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/weekinreview/02jad.html?
ref=energy-environment
3. Security and Terrorism- Security Cameras
Ever since September 11th the world, particularly the United States, has been obsessed with increasing
security. There have been numerous rules added to security procedures, as well as added screening and
cameras to high-risk areas. In Philadelphia there has been extra cameras added all around the city to help
fight crime. Security cameras were added to our school after the first year, but we are still winning the battle
against having medal detectors put in. Philadelphia has been part of a study to collect data on whether
security cameras actually help stop crime.
In an opinion piece written by Bruce Schneier, published by CNN, he talks about how the world,
particularly London, should be a safe place if you go by how many security cameras are in place. The world is
not a safe place though, there are still many violent acts taking place. Bruce goes on to talk about how
governments should not be putting so much of the security budget into cameras. Police are not monitoring
all the cameras 24/7 and could not get to a place fast enough to stop a crime even if they were. Also
“Cameras break far too often” he states. They are not a good way to spend our resources.
The security of people is a Global issue since a multitude people are traveling around the world at a much
faster pace than in the past. The way different countries go about their security procedures can affect the
whole world.
Schneier, Bruce. "Spy Cameras Won't Make Us Safer." CNN Opinion. CNN, 25 Feb. 2010. Web. 6 May 2010. http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/02/25/
4. Health - Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a
common site throughout
Philadelphia. Their main building
is right downtown and there are
also signs about Red Cross Blood
Drives posted around. Science
Leadership Academy is even
having a blood drive. This
organization is a major icon in
the global health scene, which
has grown to have a strong
presence in Philadelphia.
5. Clara Barton founded the
American branch of the Red
Cross after her trip to Geneva
and seeing the headcounters.
The Red Cross is an International
network. Its mission is to help
people recover from natural
disasters, humanitarian crises,
and health emergencies. The
American Red Cross is the
largest supplier of blood in the
United States. This is important,
as healthy blood for wounded
people is hard to come by
during crises.
The Red Cross is the perfect
example of globalization in
health. It is an international
organization that’s mission is to
proved health care to people in
need and hurt by disasters.
Red Cross History." American Red Cross, 2010. Web. 6 May
2010. http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.
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vgnextoid=271a2aebdaadb110VgnVCM10000089f0870aR
CRD&vgnextfmt=default
6. Education - History and Language Textbooks
Education and the collection of knowledge is very important to most Americans. When
you walk into a school, library or bookstore there are not just books on American
History or English, But ones that cover many different regions. In a school curriculum
there are foreign language courses as well as world history classes offered. One of
the goals of education is to equip students for the working world. In order to excel
there one must learn about other cultures in order to have a better understanding of
reactions and policies being made. There is a whole section in most bookstores just
for Language study and study books for tests like AP/SAT II World History or language
tests.
7. In an opinion piece by Daniel Czitrom the topic of how Texas is banning
curtain things in their textbooks is looked into. Daniel does a wonderful
job explaining why it is a problem that the Texas Board of Education has
so much power as to what is published in Textbooks. If so many
controversy things are taken out of the Textbooks not only will students
no longer be critical thinkers and able to decide their opinions on
something for themselves, but slowly it will seep into textbooks around
the world and no one will know the real truth. Daniel also touched on the
fact that was the world changes the way we look at history changes. The
influences that the rest of the world has had on the United States and the
different movements that have gone on has truly changed the way we
learn history in schools.
This connection of having every student learn another language and
World History is a perfect example of how our world is becoming
smaller. Through Globalization students now have access to
resources in order to learn about other cultures.
Czitrom, Daniel. "Texas School Board Whitewashes History." CNN Opinion. CNN, 22
Mar. 2010. Web. 6 May 2010.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/18/czitrom.texas.textbooks/index.html?
iref=allsearch
8. Society and Culture - Fashion
Fashion is an interesting subject, one that changes as fast as the seasons and is
drastically different all around the world. Many different aspects influence the style
choices people make. Fashion is seen as a way to express ones self through the way
we present ourselves to the world. There is a whole industry dedicated just to picking
what the trends should be for that year’s collection, and then persuading people to
then go and buy the pieces. This industry however is not just a local or national one,
But a global one. As you walk down Walnut Street in Philadelphia you pass your typical
American companies, however interspersed are companies from the rest of the world.
These stores like H&M, Zara, Burberry, and Lush though do not seam out of place.
They have become part of our everyday lives, and consumption.
9. An article written by Samantha Critchell
describes a new exhibit at the Met and does a
wonderful job of explaining the overview
progression and influences of American
fashion. For a long time the rich women of
the United States still bought their clothing
from designers in Pairs. Then as the US slowly
started designing for themselves, models
from the US were hired by Paris designers to
walk the runways in Pairs. She explains the
complex intertwining of how American
fashion is both influenced by and influences
other countries.
Fashion and stores like H&M and Zara are
an excellent example of how Philadelphia’s
fashion although majorly influenced by the
culture and surroundings, but also by foreign
styles as well. This network is truly what
Globalization is all about.
Critchell, Samantha. "American Woman: a Celebration of Free-Spirit Style." ABC News. ABC, 4
May 2010. Web. 6 May 2010. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wirestory?
id=10555237&page=1
10. Trade - Fair Trade Products
Slowly companies are starting to
take initiative in caring about where
their products are coming from and
how the people are treated. The
first major company to do so in
Philadelphia where people paid
attention was Starbucks. Starbucks
has changed over most of their
coffee over to fair trade coffee
beans. Another store completely
dedicated to fair trade is Ten
Thousand Villages, which has two
stores in Philadelphia and more in
the surrounding area. Ten
Thousand Villages creates business
with third world countries and
helps them trade their products,
mostly art pieces.
11. The Fair Trade Certified
USA website has a
wonderful “About Us”
section that explains
exactly what Fair Trade
means. TransFair USA is
the non-profit
organization that works
with companies in the
United States to make
sure they are following
the principles of Fair
Trade and displays the
Fair Trade logo on
products. The goal is that
people will vote for a
better, fairer, safer trade
dollars towards the products with the Fair Trade by on them. The logo means
between countries logo
putting their
that the product is fairly priced, the workers have fair labor conditions, it is a direct
trade from the farmers, It helps develop a community, and promotes environmental
sustainability. The Fair Trade is an example of Globalization in Philadelphia by
promoting the trade between third world countries in a safe and responsible way.
"About Us." Fair Trade Certified. TransFair USA, Web. 6 May 2010. http://www.transfairusa.org/content/about/
12. Migration and Colonization - Chinatown
The strong Chinese community that has gathered in Philadelphia is shown
through the distinct change in the look of the city once you reach the
Chinatown border. The street signs are now in both English and Chinese
characters giving the community a closer to home type feel for Chinese
immigrants. Chinatown has grown and strengthened its economy over the years
as America has opened up and become more accepting to Asian immigrants.
13. The history of Chinese
migration to Philadelphia is best
outlined on the Historical Society of
Philadelphia website. The first wave
of immigrants arrived in America
before World War II looking to find
gold, become rich and return back
to their families in China.
Eventually they learned it would not
be that simple and the “Bachelor
Society”, consisting mostly of
young Asian male workers, started
to grow. Slowly Philadelphia has
become more accepting of
immigrants and the “Bachelor
Society” has grown into a strong
family oriented community, filled
with traditional family run Chinese
restaurants and stores.
Philadelphia’s Chinatown is the
perfect example of how
Globalization is happening through
migration in Philadelphia. People
from other parts of the world are
coming together and sharing their
culture with others. This sharing is
"Philadelphia's Chinatown: An Overview." The Historical Society of
Pennsylvania. Web. 5 May 2010. http://www.hsp.org/default.aspx?
leading to decrees the gap between
id=190
14. Economy -Exchange Rates
The strong correlation between currencies
around the world is evident in everyday life.
On the news there are reports on how the
dollar is compared to other currencies,
whether is has become stronger or weaker.
Also stories are published about how one
country’s economy is affecting another or the
whole world. This comparison is most
commonly shown through exchange rate signs
letting people know how much one dollar is
worth in another currency.
The article by Ben Rooney from CNN
Money does a good job of explaining what is
happening with the economies and currency
rates between Europe and the United States
right now. It explains how the dollar is gaining
strength back towards it being a one to one
trade between the dollar and the pound/euro.
Also it touches on how the Greek economy is
making the euro lose wealth and become
weaker in the world exchange. They fear that
Spain and Portugal will be next to collapse and
cause the Euro to decrease even further.
The exchange rate of countries’ currencies
and how they are all interdependent on each
other is an excellent example of how
Globalization has touched the economy in
America. Our money is all interconnected.
Rooney, Ben. "Dollar Firms on European Debt Woes." CNN Money. CNN, 4 May
2010. Web. 6 May 2010. http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/04/markets/
dollar/index.htm
15. Politics/International Law and Organizations -
UNICEF
The topic of International Law and Organizations
is very big at the moment since there have been
so many natural disasters happening. The
debate as to who is responsible in helping the
other countries has been important. Countries
have been pushed to give money in order to
look good in the politics side of things. One
Organization you see often in Philadelphia is
Unicef. Most often you find volunteers on the
streets near city hall asking for donations and
signing people up for their list serves. Also
during Halloween there are many children who
carry around the orange Trick or Treat for Unicef
box.
The United States section of the Unicef website
is extremely informative. They have a whole
section that describes their mission on helping
children around the world. Unicef is a branch of
the United Nations, and it tries to enforce global
The United States section of the Unicef website is extremely informative.children around the section that
laws to protect They have a whole world.
describes their mission on helping children around the world. Unicef is a branch of the United Nations, and it
tries to enforce global laws to protect children around the world. On the “Unicef’s Work” page it outlines each
of the goals the organization has and how they plan to reach them. They work at bringing Education,
Emergency Relief, Health & immunizations, HIV/AIDS lessons and prevention, Nutrition, Violence Protection,
and Water & Sanitation to children around the world.
Unicef is a wonderful example of how Globalization has influenced the world through having a global set
of laws and an organization to help children that is supported by all different countries. In Philadelphia the
University of Pennsylvania UNICEF Club were the winners of the Campus Challenge 2009-2010 and raised the
most money for the organization.United States Fund. Unicef, 2010. Web. 6 May 2010. http://
"UNICEF's Work." Unicef
www.unicefusa.org/work/
"About US." Unicef United States Fund. Unicef, 2010. Web. 6 May 2010. http://www.unicefusa.org/
about/
16. Science and Technology - Apple
In almost every American, or
really first world country house
hold you can most likely find at
least one Apple product. The
Apple Company has grown so
large globally. When walking
down the streets of Philadelphia it
does not take a long time before
you see at least one person using
a product created by the visionary
company. In my house alone we
have three laptops, one iphone,
two itouchs, two shuffles, one
classic ipod , and one mini ipod.
It has become the norm to be
surrounded by this user-friendly
technology.
17. In an article published by the National Post the background of the designer behind all these
products is reveled. Johnathan Ive’s, from Great Briton, is the mastermind designer behind the world
most popular electronic devises. The article talks about how the logo and the user-friendly design is
recognized worldwide. They have changed the way we look at technology and interact with the
world around us.
The Apple Company is the perfect example of how technology has helped us to become more of a
global community, interacting in real time every moment of the day. Johnathan Ive’s has given his
consumers a detail oriented, easy piece of software to do just about anything with.
Hartley, Matt. " The Creator Behind Apple's Comeback." National Post. N.p., 7
May 2010. Web. 10 May 2010. http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?
id=3000947
