Globalization.
Some will argue for it: that it spreads democracy and capitalism, assisting the Third World into economic security.
Most argue against it: because it destroys indigenous cultures, it wreaks havoc on the environment, it exploits cheap labor, it gives developed countries an unfair advantage. And the list goes on.
Most progressive thinking, educated, modern citizens understand that globalization is in some ways a necessary evil, but most also believe that things are going too far, too fast, and that First World nations need to step a little more lightly in their dealings with under-developed countries.
Let’s stop being a bully, let’s stop exploiting cheap labor, let’s stop incentivizing smaller nations to building o-zone destroying factories, let’s stop encouraging the destruction of rain forests…and so on.
So what exactly does this have to do with cricket, you ask?
Well, globalization, and the evils involved in globalization are not new.
To wit:
The sun never set on the British Empire, as you can plainly see, though it surely does now.
Englishmen brought Christianity, the slave trade, and exploitation to every corner of the earth.
They also brought their sport.
All ten of the current nations with Test status are former British Colonies, in one way or another.
Therefore, in a very real way, the sport of cricket that we all love does not exist in its current form without Globalization and the British Empire.
I think about this a lot. And it always serves to make me feel a little, well, gross.
Millions died so I could enjoy Australia v West Indies. In the initial conquests, the occupations, and the revolutions.
But this is true for most sports I enjoy. Africa loves football, for example, and the sport of baseball does not exist without my ancestor’s destruction of the Native American tribes, nor does it exist, honestly, in its current form, without the slave trade.
And it is true for most everything, generally speaking. The computer I am typing this on does not exist without the exploitation of someone, somewhere. This mug that holds my tea would never have made it to my cupboard with a least a dash of globalization.
And so how do I reconcile my trivial passions with my liberal, modern philsophies?
Fingers in my ears? Head in the sand?
It’s either that or stop enjoying cricket, among other things, which I am loathe to do.
Unfortunately, modern life requires blinders, no matter your disposition.
I don’t eat meat, but those that do rarely think about what happens on the killing floor of a slaughterhouse, for instance.
No conclusions today, just something I have been thinking about.
Now, if you will excuse, I want to watch the second half of Juventus v Roma on ESPN3.
Globalization has its advantages. I plan on writing about this a bit more down the road.
I am also putting together a longer post for later in the week that I am really excited about. Stay tuned.
Until next time.
Limited Overs 