by Claire Salinas, History Scholar and Humanities Council Programs Volunteer
In 1967, Martin Luther
King challenged Americans to see themselves as dwellers in a “world house” of
international neighbors, “a world-wide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern
beyond one’s tribe, race, and class.” First evoked in his 1964 acceptance
speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, the vision of a “World House” called for a
more peaceful society in which the pursuit of justice transcended the boundaries
of local belonging. To end “the triple evils of racism, poverty, and
militarism” on a global scale both demanded and forged, inexorably, a global
citizenry.
Five decades on, it is a
commonplace to describe our 21st century world as inter-connected,
shaped by the global currents of trade, communications, militarism, and
political protest. What, then, are the implications of global citizenship in
2014? Are we all global citizens by virtue of living in this era, or does the
notion imply a more intentional outlook and fundamental shared ethical values,
such as those Dr. King ascribed to it?
We think these questions
resonate especially deeply in the international, globally-connected city that
is DC, with its well-travelled inhabitants. And we want to hear from you! What
does being a global citizen mean to you?
In what ways do you consider yourself to be a global citizen? To start thinking
about these issues, have a look at the short reading and questions below, and
leave us your comments, questions, and reactions. Then join us for the
discussion with panelists Rachel Weiner, Elizabeth Ogunwo, both former Peace Corps volunteers, and GWU Anthropology professor Robert Shepherd. Let’s start a global dialogue!
When: October 16, 6:30-8:30pm
Where:
The Coupe (3415 11th St NW)
1.
What are some
of the attributes of the global citizen? What role does travel play in shaping
global citizens? What are the benefits of being a well-travelled person, and
how does it increase our understanding of, and concern for, humanity?
2.
Do global
citizens have a responsibility to uphold common humanity and dignity on a
global scale? Do the world’s wealthy citizens (Americans and others) have an
ethical duty to end extreme inequities and injustices, such as poverty and
racism?
3. What must we teach students and others to make them truly and
effectively globally connected, and able to interact easily and skillfully
anywhere and with anyone?
4. What does studying or promoting the humanities bring to being a world
citizen?
Great blog and great idea for a public humanities discussion. As a former director of the DC Humanities Council (1986-1999) and a Peace Corps Volunteer (Ukraine, 2009-11), I applaud the awesome work of HumanitiesDC!
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