2008 Woodie Awards
Exorbitant costs and wasted potential
Examining motivations behind the Institute for Global Citizenship
By: Ninya Loeppky
Issue date: 4/28/06 Section: Opinion
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After four years studying in the International Studies (IS) Department and two years before Mac attending a United World College, I have spent a fourth of my life being trained as a global citizen. Considering ourselves global citizens is a privilege which few in the world have, and gives us an inordinate amount of power and responsibility to use this citizenship wisely.
Inherent in the creation of the Institute for Global Citizenship is the implication that Macalester's president, faculty, and staff are themselves model global citizens capable of teaching others that it is not only through contemplation, but through action that citizens can create positive change in society.
As well, it implies that Macalester is a model global institution that embodies the ideals of transparency and the efficient and thoughtful allocation of resources, even during economic downturns and critical junctures in both its own and world history. However, I think that on both counts, the individuals in charge of the institute have been either inconsistent or incompetent.
This became clear to me at the luncheon with Kofi Annan last Saturday, as I sat in Kagin with my IS peers, listening to an executive encourage us to buy his corporation's new device, Arcturus. Arcturus, he said, would end global corruption by earning his corporation billions and aiding those most in need.
The hypocrisy of his speech sent us Mac kids into hysterics, so much did it resemble a Fresh Concepts skit. But my mood subdued as I looked at the polite faces of those around me, especially the kind and familiar face of Mr. Annan. I realized that which makes Annan so admirable is that he can bridge this world of corporate executives with that of AIDS orphans, while making each feel that they are of key importance. He can put on a polite, neutral stare during corporate bullshit speeches, and moments later make you giggle with his obvious enthusiasm for having a woman as the next Secretary-General.
Inherent in the creation of the Institute for Global Citizenship is the implication that Macalester's president, faculty, and staff are themselves model global citizens capable of teaching others that it is not only through contemplation, but through action that citizens can create positive change in society.
As well, it implies that Macalester is a model global institution that embodies the ideals of transparency and the efficient and thoughtful allocation of resources, even during economic downturns and critical junctures in both its own and world history. However, I think that on both counts, the individuals in charge of the institute have been either inconsistent or incompetent.
This became clear to me at the luncheon with Kofi Annan last Saturday, as I sat in Kagin with my IS peers, listening to an executive encourage us to buy his corporation's new device, Arcturus. Arcturus, he said, would end global corruption by earning his corporation billions and aiding those most in need.
The hypocrisy of his speech sent us Mac kids into hysterics, so much did it resemble a Fresh Concepts skit. But my mood subdued as I looked at the polite faces of those around me, especially the kind and familiar face of Mr. Annan. I realized that which makes Annan so admirable is that he can bridge this world of corporate executives with that of AIDS orphans, while making each feel that they are of key importance. He can put on a polite, neutral stare during corporate bullshit speeches, and moments later make you giggle with his obvious enthusiasm for having a woman as the next Secretary-General.
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