This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
As I reflect on my recent visit to the United States, I'm struck by the intense media focus on President Donald Trump. It's not just the liberal media that's obsessed with him, but also the conservative media. In fact, it's worse than when I was in the US a few months ago.
But amidst all the Trump coverage, I noticed a glimmer of hope. The rise of Boris Johnson, a hardline Brexiteer, to the UK prime ministership, was seen as a Trumpian figure across the pond. This has sent progressives into a frenzy, as they watch globalisation and the promise of a united world seemingly collapse.
However, I believe that's been their greatest success. They've been able to unhinge the progressive forces, causing them to lose focus on other important issues. I recall reading a respected British author's article, where they lost their composure and resorted to calling Johnson and Brexiteers derogatory names.
It's as if progressives are fighting in the locker room while the game is being played in the field. But if we move away from the locker room feuds and look at the game going on outside, there's reason for celebration.
Globalisation isn't in retreat; it's evolving into a softer, more inclusive version, driven by cultural goods. The old globalisation mostly reshaped markets, benefiting those trading in money, hi-tech goods, and big knowledge. This led to the rise of giant tech giants, mega banks, and mega corporations, accompanied by massive inequality.
But Globalisation 5G is different. It's built around cultural goods, and this year, we saw a significant shift in the women's football World Cup in France. Despite FIFA's scheduling issues and the teams' lower pay, the audience for the women's game increased by 600-1,000 per cent. It was exciting football, and at this rate, the women's game will close the gap with the men's game in the next 20 years.
Globalisation 5G is also marked by the movement of women's endeavours to the centre. The #MeToo movement has touched many corners of the world, and we're seeing a shift in the way women are represented in media and popular culture. Marvel Studios' upcoming movies feature a diverse cast, including more women and black actors in lead roles.
It's not a conversion on the road to Damascus, but rather a response to the smell of big money and the lesson from Wakanda. The new world we're in is inclusive, with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and identities represented almost equally.
As we move forward, it's essential to recognize that Globalisation 5G is not just a continuation of the old, but a new era of inclusivity and diversity.
— Charles Onyango-Obbo is publisher of data visualiser Africapaedia and Rogue Chiefs.
