Global Communication

All around us are symbols that mean the same thing to everyone in all corners of the globe. When you see someone shouting at another person, for example, you know anger is on display. When you see another person laughing, then you know joy is at-work. Or when you see a couple holding hands, then affection is being shared. These acts are universal in that they reflect emotions we all feel and exhibit from time to time. There are, of course, others.These symbols represent a kind of global commonality that helps connect all of us. Collectively, they support the notion that we are all global citizens even though I recognize there may be times when we would rather not be. 

As reported in "Being Global," a new book co-authored by Angel Cabrera and Gregory Unruh, perhaps for the first time this was put forth by the Greek philosopher Socrates when he proclaimed himself a "citizen of the world." President Reagan echoed that sentiment approximately thirty years ago before the General Assembly of the United Nations. Most recently, the Dalai Lama said any vision we might have of our individual independence is far outweighed by the reality of the interdependence of all people everywhere. From the standpoint of those of us who try to communicate for a living, this hard-truth reinforces our potential value.

Given that all of us are connected, even indirectly, then communicators are the ones that ensure the viability of that connection. The work of communicators in their many guises as spokespeople, speech writers, copy writers, press agents, strategists, marketers, reporters, editors, commentators, bloggers, etc. are not unlike droplets of water that fill a bucket. Make no mistake, what and how communicators communicate contribute greatly to how the entire planet communicators as well as to the quality of that communication. Does the world's communication bucket overflow with inclusiveness and honest and respectful exchange or not? There is no bigger responsibility.