Analysis of Friction by Tsing - Essay Example

Friction by Tsing Introduction Arguably, the book by Tsing stresses that globalization is a system that unites the world into asingle imperial system. She further states cultural differences are a critical concept since this can lead to rearrangement of power and culture. Unequal encounter, heterogeneity, and diversity concept require careful handling. According to her friction helps in understanding universalism: freedom, prosperity, and knowledge (Tsing, pg29). She questions the ability of globalization in forging connection yet it posits that unity of purpose is unnecessary. Forging universal connection is facilitated through the flow of information. The flow of information is critical in engaging the world in conservation of natural resources. The frameworks Capitalism and global connection Tsing explores the practical lessons that help in guiding the society to their desires and nightmares in life (Tsing, pg15). The global connections help in strengthening the resolve and grip of peoples aspirations. Capitalism requires that each in society amass wealth and resources as much as he can be able to get. This concept has led to environmental degradation since people are clearing forest for settlement. On the other hand, the unregulated exploitation of natural resources is at its peak causing pollution. Clearing of forest has led to extinction of species that took years to assemble (Tsing, pg19). The environmentalist and conservationist are surprised by the environmental transformation. The corporations who exploit the natural resources inefficiently spearhead these transformations. The frontiers of capitalism, politics, and science depend on the global connection as they spread through peoples aspiration (Tsing, pg38). These frontiers elicit the energy of people in the society in realizing their universal schemes and dreams. In essence, this helps in educating people on universal goals. The emergence of environmental movement and activism is a resultant of these frontiers. It awakens people perception on globalization and its effects on the environment, exploitation of natural resources, and democratization. Corruption and poor leadership is to blame for lack of development in man nations. Moreover, the corrupt and imperial rule is the cause for the environmental degradation and earth transformation (Tsing, pg17). The local people who depend on the forest for their basic needs are to blame since they also help these corporations in making the landscape inhabitable. Destruction of forest by corporation is the cause of the emergence of democratic movement. Politics on conservation of natural resources evokes democracy. Exploitation of natural resources is meant to benefit the world rather than the local needs. The effect of the global encounters is the emergence of cultural form such as environmental advocacy on destruction of natural resources. Human cultural forms are influenced by factors such as trade, power, and meaning. Imperatively, Poor environmental use, exploitation of scarce resources, and political imperialism led to the emergence of social movement (Tsing, pg23). These movements carried hope of freedom to the indigenous people, human rights, feminism, and environmental protection. Globalization opened the world enabling free flow of people, goods, money, ideas, and power. This led to friction since it was pervasive as it eroded the culture of the local population. On the other hand, the motion is critical as it provides people with a freedom. This freedom is essential in self-actualization, which in turn leads to personal fulfillment. Moreover, self-actualization is an avenue to innovation, science, economy, and societal development. The hindrance to the motion is what Tsing refers to friction. These hindrances include insufficient funds, security breaches, ineffective infrastructure, and informal lines of segregation. According to Tsing, freedom is a necessity since it leads to a socially informed society (Tsing, pg 67). Friction is intended to slow things down and keep global power in action. The universalism However, tracing global connection is futile without discussing universals, which forms part of the current humanist projects. For instance, social justice, economic reformers, and scientist appeal for a clean and protected environment. Universality plays a critical role in forming bridges and communication channels. In essence, this provides a platform where people can discuss topics on climate change, pollution, and extinction of species. Global groups of scientist with universal interest on environmental protection require these platforms. The universalism of environmental politics plays a critical role articulating desire for knowledge and freedom (Tsing, pg66). Universalism helps in uniting and mobilizing people to accomplish a common goal. This helps in addressing the environmental concerns regardless of the location of the lobby groups. Environmental protection requires the lobby groups to have a common goal, belief, and faith. Changing the world requires that knowledge that travels and mobilizes people globally. This helps in creating new forces and agents since universalism is effective with past conjunctures that provide force and content. Nevertheless, universality brings deep irony as it is implicated to the imperial schemes of controlling the world (Tsing, pg32). Universalism instigates expansion for the powerful: capitalism establishes rule that provide powerful corporations undue advantage. New technology and free-trade zones encouraged companies to expand globally. Free trade and privatization destroyed national economies by making public resources accessible for individual appropriation (Tsing, pg 38). In essence, capitalism is a socially structured system and not amassed desires of an individual. The internal coherence of capitalism shows the dangers of corruption and exploitation of the poor in society. The exploitation forced people to develop new structures of labor, capital, and technology. Capitalism has led to war and persistent issues of violence and racial segregation. Conclusion In sum, globalization has led to the use of finite resources leaving the local population in poverty. The environmental degradation and exploitation of natural resources have forced protest and need for freedom. Corruption and imperial rule have impeded development and forces regulators to see the effects of their actions. Poor environmental regulations in the developing countries have allowed the corporation to pollute the environment. On the other hand, corporations move to countries with less tax charge to increase profitability. This means that employment opportunities are shifting from one county to another. Countries compete in attracting investment by formulating policies that end up benefiting corporation than the local people. The environmentalists provide the solutions to the challenges of globalization, which affects ecosystem. In essence, they educate the local population on their rights and alternatives to the destruction of forest. Work cited Tsing, Anna Lowenhaupt. An Ethnograpghy of global connection. Princeton: Princeton University press, 2005 Read More