Vencedores: Língua Estrangeira - Escalão A - Menção Honrosa

Where the world comes together

It’s funny how I can hear the whole world just by passing by the store. Different smells, songs, languages. It’s all there. The store is a happy place, where people from distinct parts of the globe can laugh and tell stories to each other. However, we know that not all places have this kind of atmosphere.

People struggle to see more besides someone’s origins. The stereotypes are gradually pulling people apart and slowly turning our society into a hierarchical one. With that said, what can we do to change the way we perceive foreigners?

The United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines a global citizen as “a powerfully relevant encapsulation of the many dimensions of the current phase of globalization”, which leads to an idea of equality and humanity. To be global citizens, we must accept that religion, race or origin doesn’t define our value or worth. Plurialism, which is the harmonious coexistence between people with different religions or backgrounds, should also be promoted. We can do this through education, creating inclusive policies, celebrating cultural diversity and promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.

Additionally, the importance of being empathetic and respectful should be highlighted. If we’re not open to change our ways and include foreigners in our day-to-day activities, we’d be being counterproductive. Even by just respecting people, we’d be contributing to creating a harmonious society. If we apply these concepts in our lives, we’d be fighting discrimination, xenophobia and racism as well.

Most people tend to have a negative point of view in life, so they usually forget the advantages of having an intercultural society. We are given the opportunity to try something new and learn different habits and cultures, so how can that be perceived negatively? People’s misunderstanding and uninterest in other cultures makes it hard to modern our values and create a society that people feel comfortable being a part of.

Globalization is a global phenomenon or process of integration or sharing of information, cultures and markets, and it has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are obviously the opportunity to exchange information and habits that characterize each person’s culture and the economic development. On the other hand, the economic inequality and the loss of cultural identity are, without a doubt, the most impactful disadvantages.

It’s strange how such a simple store can teach us a lesson about the world. There, among the chatter of different languages and the blend of unique aromas, harmony feels easy, natural. If only every place could feel this way. Maybe it can, but that depends on us, on the effort we’re willing to put into making every corner of the world a place where stories are shared, and laughter is universal.