Learning about global citizenship has been surprisingly interesting and being a global citizen has enormous responsibilities. Understanding the many elements has been demanding and meaningful. With technology, world citizen contact is immediately available. Nobody knows or cares what country one is from. People just want to get to communicate and have fun. Different cultures are not an issue when communicating with technology.
People interactions are simpler without the pressures of having to act or be a certain way. The definition of global citizenship requires having tolerance towards other cultures, different lifestyles, and unique ways of thinking about communication and collaboration. Global citizenship demands the ability to understand barriers in communication, engage with the world, and to know how to make a difference in the world. Exploring issues and evaluating different viewpoints matter now.
Thinking critically about issues before jumping to conclusions are steps now taken. Action on issues and concerns are an option at this point. A more problem solving approach is used when making a decision about school, friends, or family. Environmental issues are more of a priority because there is a current understanding about sustainability and individual impacts, as well as consequences. Recycling has become a daily event at home and school. Sensitivity to the needs of others without confrontation is easier now due to global citizenship knowledge. When surfing the Internet, listening to the news or reading a magazine, human rights and social inequalities are identified immediately.
Politics, immigration, health care and other world issues have a new meaning, but finding ways to engage creatively with these issues requires more work. Government impact is significant. Team projects are not perceived as a hassle, or headache.