Being democratic does not mean we are Americanized, but there is a lot between democratic countries. They all share the governing principles of democracy. My colleagues in America reawakened me on the issue of democracy in the classroom through reading and discussion of Shor 1992. Viva Democracy Vivaaah!! Globalization is a baby of democracy. 50 years ago there were only 22 democratic countries in the world, but today 120 of the 190 countries in this planet are democratic (Koh, in Talbott and Chanda, 2001), which means democracy is a growing movement whether we like it or not, and very soon it will rule globally. Let us not forget "Equality," one of democracy's principles. Let us also not be afraid of the side effects of these two (democracy and globalization). Every medicine has its side effects and its effectiveness depends on one's body system. Globalization is here to stay and if one does not want to accept it one is trying to swim against a strong current.
I represent all those previously disadvantaged in my country (SA), and I know you can help more get connected with the world. I know you can help get more Black children learn the culture of reading and writing (and reading and writing on computers is a cherry on top). Judith Tietyen a friend in SA from Chicago once collected unused books from America and shipped them to SA, and they helped in building the first library at a Walmer (Gqebera) township primary school. Let us globalize and live in an open, free, and integrated society through sharing, which is called "Ubuntu" in my culture. In a society like that, one cannot afford to have a blind neighbour.