Am I still intellectually exploring?

Yesterday in our first international politics class, Professor Moon came up with a new word, or lets say a new phrase. Instead of using the word shopping to see the classes that suits us, she decided to make us say " I am intellectually exploring". After all, America is already too capitalist and consumer driven society. Lets leave education out of this capitalism, if it is possible.


Made Me Think.

For our home work, we have to check how many of the things that belongs us are made in which country? I thought it was quite self explanatory. Everything is made in China thesedays. For a Tibetan, it is literally impossible to boycott Chinese goods. After completing the exercise, I had a revelation. I found out that many other countries are also involved in this market. YET,  they all had one thing in common. There were all developing nations.Cheap Labor. Working Class.

I remembered a funny story. Back in India, when globalization was still an  unknown phenomenon, American imported goods were looked with eyes of curiosity and fascination. A friend of my dad went to the US for holiday. Coming back, he brought a GAP sweater. Ironically, it was made in India. The colleague traveled all the way across the seas to bring back something that was originally made in the country he lives in.

Made Me Think.

Our second assignment is to think of our role as an international actor. Where do you see yourself?
I felt that this question could be answered on many different levels. My nationality has always been a strong part of my identity. Through this association, I have always seen myself as a victim. A victim of powerful countries vested interest. As a general citizen of the world, I feel like a spectator to the international events most of the time.Living in America, I feel like a consumer that runs this huge capitalist country. So on and So forth. But very different assignment.

Very Interesting.

Made Me Think.

I guess I better stick with this class. Seems like it has a lot to offer.