Lesson 3: Technology and Globalization (Contemporary Issues)
🚀 Space Exploration
After World War II, countries began racing to space. This was called the Space Race. It started between the United States and the Soviet Union.
🛰 In 1957, the Soviet Union sent the first satellite, Sputnik, into space. People were shocked — they could hear it "beep" from Earth!
👨🚀 In 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. He said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Today, many countries explore space — like China, India, and Japan. Private companies like SpaceX are also sending rockets!
📖 Fun fact: In 2021, a rich businessman, Jeff Bezos, went to space in a rocket shaped like a pencil. It was only 11 minutes, but it was history!
💻 The Information Age
In the late 1900s, computers changed the world. Then came the Internet — now, people can talk, learn, shop, and work online from anywhere.
🖥 The first computer was big — the size of a room! But now, phones in our pockets are more powerful than those early computers.
📖 Fun fact: The first email was sent in 1971. It just said “QWERTYUIOP” — the top row of the keyboard!
📱 Today, people can study online, use translation apps, or watch the news from around the world. Technology connects people like never before.
🌐 A Global Community
The world is more connected now. We call this globalization. People, money, and ideas move around the world quickly.
🎬 Western Influences
Western countries like the United States and Europe have shared movies, music, and fast food.
📖 Example: Kids in Asia and Africa wear Marvel superhero T-shirts, eat McDonald’s, and listen to Taylor Swift or BTS!
🏮 Non-Western Influences
But it’s not one-way! Asian pop stars, African fashion, and Latin American dances have become popular globally.
📖 Example: The Korean song “Gangnam Style” went viral in 2012. It had over 1 billion views on YouTube — the first ever!
🌶 Food from around the world is enjoyed everywhere: Indian curry, Japanese sushi, Mexican tacos — globalization tastes good too!
🕰 Old Ways Abandoned
Sometimes, old traditions are lost. People may stop wearing traditional clothes or speaking their local language. Some worry that culture is disappearing.
📖 In some villages, young people now prefer TikTok over traditional storytelling or dance.
But others try to keep the old ways alive — by teaching culture in schools or making videos in local languages.
🤝 Global Interdependence
Countries now depend on each other. For example:
One phone may be designed in the US, made in China, with parts from Japan and South Korea.
If a war or disaster stops shipping in one country, it can affect stores around the world.
📖 Example: In 2021, a big ship got stuck in the Suez Canal in Egypt. Many products were delayed around the world because of one stuck boat!
🌏 Final Thought
Technology and globalization bring people closer. They help us learn and grow. But we must also protect our cultures and help each other in this connected world.