I was looking for interesting videos on youtube this morning and I came across this, which reminded me of my own experience a few years ago at the demonstrations in Barcelona.
I find the video quite disturbing, but it's an accurate portrayal of what happens when people protest the destuction of their culture and it's substitution for a standarized consumist nightmare.
This year the summit is being held in germany, on the 7th of july, anyone who feels identified with this cause is welcome to offer his or her help in any way possible. Keep your TV turned off al day, don't buy anything anywhere, don't go to work, whatever feels best for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hdt87rhgSc

Post your thoughts and impressions.

i dont want to get too involved in this discussion, but lets be realistic, globalization cant be stopped unless western society completely collapses

I missed the Doc.

quote:

Originally posted by speed:
The issue on the distribution of wealth which we've all seen before is somewhat irrelevant and doesn't go beyond stereotypical at best. What I am concerned about is that the growth of the standarized capitalist system will bring about the demise of the human race's cultural wealth, and culture is the only thing that makes us what we are.

The dissolution and assimilation of cultures is inevitable. It's not a "demise" it's a re-organization. Thing's aren't going to stay static forever. What you're going to see is the watering down of certain aspects while having a strengthening in other areas. You will still have cultural ideas and traditions carried on. So what if bhuddists start eating Big Macs?

Also, on the video: What was that crap I just watched? It was nothing but a few numbers thrown around and then four minutes of self-rightous riot video. It really shows what the focus of so many of these anti-G8 "demonstrations" are: Anarchist violence. People don't really care about equalizing the system, they care about destruction and attacking government. Hell, watch those videos, see who's doing most of the agression. The wall of police just standing there while people hurl FIREBOMBS at them? I don't think so.

Also, when will people learn to stop overusing Summer Overture.

The issue on the distribution of wealth which we've all seen before is somewhat irrelevant and doesn't go beyond stereotypical at best. What I am concerned about is that the growth of the standarized capitalist system will bring about the demise of the human race's cultural wealth, and culture is the only thing that makes us what we are.

I got bored with the anti-globalization rhetoric after the first minute, so could someone please explain to me the point of this video?

Anyways, from what I saw, the video is very Western centered. It's comparing the poor to the wealthy in terms of US dollars. Is two dollars a small amount? Yes...if you live in first world countries. In other countries, it can be enough to buy food for a week.

The problem that causes third world countries is not first world capitalism. It's corruption within the governments of those third world countries. For instance, Nigeria makes billions from oil. Where does that money go? Into the government or the military for the most part. Corruption and poverty is widespread, and people are eager to blame it on Shell, when the problem really lies within the Nigerian governmental structure.

That's just one example, and it really doesn't have to do with anything. Oh well.

I love how it's a "Global" cause

wow, some very disturbing images...makes you get some perspective on things...