We are living in an interconnected global village which, unlike other villages, is congested and packed with individuals angry at each other. Our village is one where only yesterday tens of civilians died in a conflict between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria and where Sunnis and Shiaa in Iraq continue to fight one another. Our regions are teeming with horrific news, age-old feuds and enough lies to burn the entire global village.
We are not yet ready for this connectedness, which is spreading bird flu, atomic dust, extremist immigrants, armies and terrorists, incitement for hatred and harmful images across the globe. From jumbo planes to plasma screens and mobile phones, our world is increasingly linked together.
In truth, as we navigate this complex world, we ought to realize that we are still living in the same world but with modern technologies and fast clock dials. New nations have emerged from people who have left their homelands, and continents are now crowded with millions of immigrants clinging to rafts and escaping in all directions. With them, and with television screens in every home and bedroom, our world shed its partitions; it now interacts with every development, no matter how distant. New links have been established.
Most of us do not see that this proximity is fictional, and built of images and feelings; this is how the global village was founded. Current events might stun those who greeted the global village with delight. They thought that interconnectedness would spread knowledge and development, as well as introduce people to each other to achieve a unique cultural mix, the likes of which has never been seen before. Their optimism is well-placed in regards to collective efforts to combat chickenpox, encourage new farming methods, build dams, and develop sciences and cultural exchanges. Tourism has emerged as a way to exchange information about and celebrate other civilizations. However, all these positive achievements could not stop the spread of conflicts and catastrophes. People no longer confine themselves to giving opinions about what is in front of them; they are not involved in every action, no matter the distance. Our global village now finds itself in a state of constant warfare.