The first course lecture on Thursday 1.11.07 demostrated a refreshing and innovative approach to the master public health program as well as to public health.
A few things were exciting to listen to... one was that my final could potentially get published as long as the paper is good (i.e. a b+ or better). That's exciting news, although it was funny to hear that the last class who published a book brought in about $80 in profit.
I liked the philosophical quotes he included in lecture they were motivational and philosophical. "The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Prevent it," Alan Kay. They reminded me of the movie, "The Secret," which is about the laws of attraction and the present being a result of past efforts and thinking, and present efforts will show tomorrow.
Gurinder, presented a slide which predicted leading causes of death in the year 2020 internationally. As of 1990 the top three causes of death were: lower respiratory infections, diarrheal disease, and conditions arising from perinatal care. In 2020, the top three causes will be heart disease, major depression, and ironically road traffic accidents (lol - I can attest to poor drivers in LA).
A few things were exciting to listen to... one was that my final could potentially get published as long as the paper is good (i.e. a b+ or better). That's exciting news, although it was funny to hear that the last class who published a book brought in about $80 in profit.
I liked the philosophical quotes he included in lecture they were motivational and philosophical. "The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Prevent it," Alan Kay. They reminded me of the movie, "The Secret," which is about the laws of attraction and the present being a result of past efforts and thinking, and present efforts will show tomorrow.
Gurinder, presented a slide which predicted leading causes of death in the year 2020 internationally. As of 1990 the top three causes of death were: lower respiratory infections, diarrheal disease, and conditions arising from perinatal care. In 2020, the top three causes will be heart disease, major depression, and ironically road traffic accidents (lol - I can attest to poor drivers in LA).
The current global statistics he presented were alarming, but I can't say they were new about the trends in increasing heart attacks, obesity (30% of the population in 2000, up from 12% in 1960) and chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes, and away from influenzas and diarreal deaths.
My favorite slide what entitled "evolution of humankind, it this our future..." which showed the evolution of mankind starting as homosapiens and ending in overweight poorly postured fools.
My favorite slide what entitled "evolution of humankind, it this our future..." which showed the evolution of mankind starting as homosapiens and ending in overweight poorly postured fools.
11 comments:
alexis, i thought the evolution of man slide was interesting, too.
i didn't know you had such a cool and interesting job! what shows?
farah
We work on Grey's Anatomy, House, and ER each week. Thanks, the job sounds a lot cooler than it is.
Nice blog :) First of all, my opinions as expressed come from a purely socio-poli-eco-philosophical stance, thus I find myself admitting - general trends in international health (statistics etc) are not my main expertise. I suppose researching on my own would do, however, I find that given your expertise so far attained - you are more than qualitifed to shed light on a question I have. Let me begin:
Readings after lecture 1.11 week 2, you mentioned watching an "eye opening" video on the benefits of globalization in areas such as Taiwan/Kenya/Vietnam.
There is reason to argue that globalization is considered evil and insidious. From my readings on globalization - as portrayed by media sources, often come from corporate leaders, their allies in high levels of government and a newly powerful centralized global trade bureaucracy. The visions they offer us are unfailingly positive, even utopian: Globalization will be a cure-all for our ills. Here is my take - the deeper ideological principles of the global economy are not so new; they are only now being applied globally. These rules include the absolute primacy of exponential economic growth and an unregulated "free market"; the need for free trade to stimulate the growth; the destruction of "import substitution" economic models (which promote economic self-sufficiency) in favor of export-oriented economies; accelerated privatization of public enterprises; and the aggressive promotion of consumerism, which, combined with global development, faithfully reflects the Western corporate vision. The guiding principles of the new economic structures assume that all countries -- even those whose cultures have been as diverse as, say, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Sweden and Brazil -- must row their (rising) boats in unison. The net result, is a global monoculture -- the homogenization of culture, lifestyle and level of technological immersion, with the corresponding dismantlement of local traditions and self-sufficient economies. In the words of Jeane Kirkpatrick, God rest her soul, she died over the holidays...she was quoted, "No idea holds greater sway in the mind of educated Americans than the belief that it is possible to democratise governments, anytime and anywhere under any circumstances."
SO...to sum up my question to you, where, and if, do you see the benefits of globalization in the respective countries mentioned previously? What data, could you guide me to, that suggests this "positive revival" due to "globalization"?
Again, I trust you expertise will shed sufficient light on my inquiry. I do find your blog thus far, very insightful, and will glance at it from time to time
Respectfully,
-Marco
Hi Alexis,
I also loved the evolution of man slide. It is sad to think that that is where we are headed, but I believe that if we stay on the course that we're on with regards to the "growing" (i.e increasingly overweight) population- that is in fact where we are headed. The obesity epidemic is a global health issue that I plan to use my formal training in public health to make a positive impact on.
Hi Marco, just saw your thoughtful comments so thought I’d provide my ideas. I agree that the thought of a global monoculture is scary, and that the motivations of big businesses regarding globalization obviously aren't to just 'help the people'. But one of the main points of the video was that by closing the door to the idea of a free market, only bad things happen. In Taiwan, land ownership was given to the people as a first step. Ownership gave the people incentive, and progress began. Big business arrived, manufacturing was allowed, and ridiculous economic prosperity followed. Apparently in Kenya, the government did the exact opposite. The doors were closed, and all ownership was in the hands of the government. Today, they live in poverty, and the people are extremely frustrated. They know they have a lot to offer, but don’t have the opportunity. Another point from the video was that the EU, and other major players, use the anti-globalization movement as an excuse for maintaining the regulations, subsidies, and tariffs that prevent a country like Kenya from competing globally. The reality is, given the chance in a global marketplace, Kenyan farmers would probably put our U.S. (or other countries) farmers out of business. So even if the government did allow ownership among its people, global bureaucracies remain a major hurdle to a poor country overcoming their status in the world, not globalization efforts that strive for free markets. It seems obvious that the wealthy countries are protecting their position in the world, and are using anti-globalization ideals as the excuse. The bottom line I think, at least from this video, was that regardless of the intentions of any big pro western or pro democracy supporters, a government that allows its people to own their own businesses and land boosts the incentive of the people, provides a safe setting for big business to thrive, and therefore opens the doors to economic growth and prosperity. And for the people at the bottom struggling to survive, that is all they want - a chance. All the people interviewed in the video kept repeating this point over and over again. Without this first step, the people are stuck. So perhaps there are other viable solutions, but based on this video, I think globalization has to be considered as one of the real and tangible possibilities towards helping people live better lives. -Jack
alexis, i was going to ask if you worked on grey's anatomy! i went to ecuador last year and the rooftops look similar to your picture of guatemala. extremely densely packed, and very colorful.
i agree with jack on marco's comments. i think the video convincingly showed that while some aspects of a global monoculture will crop up as free markets are implemented and small business thrives, that does not necessarily mean that each country's rich history and culture will diminish. i think economic prosperity just means that the people will be more free to make choices in their lives.
Alexis your blog sounds very nice! Its good to hear that there are doctors like Dr. Hsu, that offers poeple free medical advices like "how to avoid high blood pressure." In this wild world I feel great when I here there are well educated poeple that care for people with and their health with out charging them! I really hope we get more of this one of a kind Dr. out there!
P.s your website looks great also
Well said Jack, Marco has a tendency to play devils advocate on every and all issues (lucky you with Tara), thank you for giving such a thorough response.
Good morning Jack, good morning Alexis (honey) :) Good morning America. Jack, glad to see your doing well...at least from what I can see by your response, your head is still all there. In regards to this globalization topic, I just want to say that I, and I'm sure you agree, believe it is WAY beyond the scope of your class. As a matter of fact, the very issue of globalization beyond the scope of most classes and people alike. A very complicated topic indeed, which entails not only economic perspectives, but also how a country interacts on a political and social level. Economists + Politicians all have tried to tackle the "idea" behind globalization...and for the most part, our good friend Noam Chomsky himself said, most of the world is confused by its very definition...if it really even has one.
That being said, quite true, I do like to dress up as the devil's advocate, for the sole purpose of invigorating intellectual discourse :) I always find it interesting to know what people in other fields "think" about, in terms of such mass-political agendas such as "globalization".
Furthermore, I hope I didn't come off as a pessimist. I firmly believe that countries should have the right to prosperity, proper and just development. I agree with your point that globalization is a theoretical perfect (much like Communism/socialism), or even the "ideal-democracy" - the anti-suicide of western civilization...but of course, we all know the effect "global" powerhouses have on such "ideals". Corruption is the blood of the wealthy, we all know this. My point simple was, if less-developed countries start competing globally we must account for the political impediments that can and will occur. That is, it is worth while thinking that this happens. It also can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I revert to the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs when thinking of what motivates humans. The first level consists of meeting rudimentary needs like shelter and nourishment to survive. The higher levels show mankind striving not only for survival but for personal self-betterment - this latter is most often a matter of personal choice amongst opportunities to pursue.
International trade (call it "globalisation") invokes the principle of comparative advantage to provide the increase in general wealth within a community or a nation. So, one might conclude that it also provides mankind with the ability to perfect not only a social and economic existence but a political system where fellow citizens can find expression and participation in the decisions that determine their fate.
We are still a long way from that point, however. For the moment, we are running in place within a political system of democratic representation. This system is hitting a wall of human incompetence, as life becomes increasingly complex. Legislatures cannot legislate all aspects of life and the people that constitute them are, after all, simply human.
One of my favorite philosophers of all once said..."eclecticism is the degree zero for contemporary general culture." (Lyotard). We all want things, we all want different things at the same time...we've become a world of inter-connected differences. But sometimes these run up against reality.
Again, I'm all for the development of countries, in that it serves the people well, public health etc. But just because a hut in Thailand opens up and begins to sell its own tea - is no indication that globalization is working smoothly.
Going back to bed :)
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