After reading Chapter 29--Global Organized Crime, I was intrigued by the references to Asian gangs and their hold on ethnic neighborhoods in cities like New York. There always seems to be a dark side to a good system, and organized crime is it for globalization. Ironically, these gangs gain their power from the other downside of globalization-- increased poverty. These gangs … [Read more...]
Where’s the fairness in the Global Dam-Building Business?
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is just another example of the corruption and tragedy that follows the construction of large dams in developing countries under the guise of elusive benefits meant to aid in the "prosperity" of the country. In actuality these projects, as demonstrated in the readings for the case study, result in displacements of thousands of people, … [Read more...]
“Greenwashing”
I found the William S. Laufer article "Social Accountability and Corporate Greenwashing" an extremely interesting piece. Before reading the article I never viewed "green" campaigns from corporations critically or second-guessed their validity. After doing some further research I came across another article, "The Top 25 Greenwashed Products in America", that picks apart popular … [Read more...]
Pollo Campero
For those who are not familiar with Pollo Campero, it is a popular fast food chain that was initially started in Guatemala and has recently spread internationally from Central America to the United States (in 2002) to Spain, Italy, Indonesia, India and even China. One of the things I associate the most with my childhood visits to El Salvador is the potent (and delicious) smell … [Read more...]