Listening to Global Voices

Before Ethan Zuckerman's TED Talk, I shared the same belief as everyone, that we have all the information we need at our fingertips. Zuckerman speaks out in order to relieve us of the erroneous mentality that we (Americans) are the only people on the internet. He then proceeds to point out that over 17.7% of Twitter users are Japanese as apposed to only 8.3% of American users. Weird how we still don't hear from (or pay attention to) the other 82.3% of Twitter population.

I also learned that according to NASA, there are dark spots in the world because of the lack of electricity in some countries such as Africa, Madagascar, as well other countries. This in fact, partially justifies why we don't hear much from those countries on social media. When basic necessities such as electricity are not yet met, undoubtedly there will be less people's voices being heard online.

NASA picture of "dark spots"

By thinking outside my social bubble, I look forward to the day where Google can properly translate a webpage written in Chinese to me. I know that the day will come where translators will become more efficient and deliver decent translations, while making my communication skills in other languages much easier.

I also know that by being a Global Business Management major I am a sort of xenophile that wants to build bridges among cultures like the video talked about. I intend to be able to tie in my Hispanic-American culture and traditions with other people around the world in the workplace.