World View's Book of the Year

Grounded Globalism: How the U.S. South Embraces the World
by James L. Peacock

In our excitement over emerging possibilities for global connections, it’s easy to forget the local ties and anchorages that define and sustain us. In Grounded Globalism: How the U.S. South Embraces the World, James Peacock, distinguished professor of anthropology at UNC at Chapel Hill, reminds us of the importance of where we come from, even—or especially—in a global age.

In his book, Peacock offers what he calls “a model of movement from regional to global identity” to describe the gradual integration of the local and the global in our selves, in our region, and in our sense of place. This development of a “grounded globalism” (his own term, and a more informative alternative to “glocal”) takes the American South as its model, but is applicable to other regions as well.

In developing his model of grounded globalism, Peacock explores both the South’s history of opposition to national identity and the promise of a global identity that would “energize” the local and global elements of the region. As examples, he recounts stories of the global entering our local world through relationships with families and friends. These global changes occur naturally, even casually, and perhaps because they do not directly cause economic displacement (outsourcing, job loss), we can accept and integrate them with less stress. Still, Peacock points out, we cannot help feeling the tensions of a globalizing society in every aspect of our lives, even in our dreams. To prove his point, the author recounts and analyzes dreams of immigrants and southerners—including his own—as unconscious expressions of global-local change and challenge.

And what about our dreams for the future of a global South? Peacock proposes that grounded globalism, the simultaneous embrace of both the local and the global, offers the most sustainable future for our region and our world. Combining the strengths of local and global frameworks, liberal and conservative values, grounded globalism would maintain our vital ties to the local (environment, community) while supporting our personal and regional growth towards a wider outlook in multinational networks and cyberspace.

If there were a dictionary entry for “global Southerner,” Peacock’s photo would certainly appear right beside it. Originally from a small town in south Georgia, Peacock immersed himself in the Islamic culture of Indonesia in the course of his graduate research, and has continued his personal and professional explorations of the world ever since. He was a strong leader for the University Center for International Studies, now the Center for Global Initiatives at UNC at Chapel Hill , and founder of the Rotary Peace Scholars Program at Carolina and Duke University . The International Affairs Council named him Citizen of the World last year for his commitment to bringing international perspectives to Carolina ’s campus. We are also proud to say that he has been a supporter of World View since its beginnings, and now serves as chair of our Advisory Board.

In his conclusion, Peacock makes clear that Grounded Globalism does not offer the solution to the challenge of globalization in the South. But this book asks the right questions and proposes a method for thinking about possible answers. Read it and open a discussion in your own community about our global/local lives together, and what the future holds.

Grounded Globalism: How the U.S. South Embraces the World
by James L. Peacock
331 pages University of Georgia Press, 2007

Reviewed by Regina Higgins, Assistant Director for Curriculum, World View
and editor of World View’s print newsletter, ThinkGlobal

LIVE FROM JAPAN – Educator Discount! 
50% off tickets to see Fugaku Taiko
Saturday, January 19, 7:00pm
John Friedrick Educational Technology Complex Auditorium, NC School of Science and Mathematics, Durham

Fugaku Taiko is a traditional Japanese taiko drumming ensemble based in the foothills of the Mt Fuji area of Japan. They perform more than 100 times a year and have performed in 16 different countries. In 1998, they were featured in the closing ceremony at the Nagano Winter

Olympics.  K-12 educators receive 50% off tickets for the Saturday, January 19, 2008 performance. Regularly priced at $20, teachers can purchase tickets for $10 (2 per teacher). Group tickets are available at $10 per ticket for groups of 5 or more. College student and youth tickets (ages 6-17) are $5. Children 5 and under who can sit on an adult’s lap are free. Otherwise, a seat costs $5. To order tickets through the Duke Box Office, go to the Bryan Center at Duke in person or purchase tickets online. Type “taiko” into the search box on the upper right at http://cam06.auxserv.duke.edu/peo/default.asp  

For more information visit: www.triangletaiko.org or contact Cindy Carlson at Duke’s Asian/Pacific Studies Institute, cindy.carlson@duke.edu

GEEO Travel Opportunities for Educators

Are you an educator looking to travel abroad during the summer? GEEO is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has been created to help and encourage educators to travel abroad in order to bring their experiences back into the classroom and create a more outward-looking next generation of Americans. In the summer of 2008, GEEO will be leading educator trips to Peru and India. Our trips are customized to include activities that will be particularly interesting to teachers like school visits. Detailed information about each trip, including itineraries, travel dates, and more can be found at www.geeo.org under "Our Travel Programs".

The China Institute is now accepting applications for Summer Study in China – Beijing 2008 for US citizens enrolled in high school Mandarin programs.

Program dates: July 6 – August 24, 2008
Application deadline: February 8, 2008

This program is designed to offer American high school students the opportunity to receive intensive language training while being immersed in Chinese society and culture. In this unique context, students will develop a deeper understanding of China , its people and their cultures. The program also involves a new component whereby all students will participate in a community service project at a local school or orphanage that will make a meaningful contribution to their host community.

Please visit www.chinasummerstudy.org for more information. Click on the link next to “Full Scholarships Available” to access a summary sheet describing the program, admission criteria and contact information.

News from Choices

New Unit!
Iran Through the Looking Glass: History, Reform, and Revolution

Why did Iran become an Islamic republic in 1979? In 1978, millions of Iranians risked their lives to protest against the shah. Marching in the streets, Iranians sought to end repressive rule, bring justice and opportunity to the Iranian people, and rid Iran of the influence of foreign powers - particularly the United States. But Iranians were not unified about how to achieve these goals nor were they sure what kind of government they wanted. With the departure of the shah in January 1979, a tremendous struggle began for the future of Iran. Iran Through the Looking Glass: History, Reform, and Revolution traces the history of Iran through this period of debate and uncertainty. Students recreate the debate among the Iranian people as they pondered their future after the departure of the shah.

For more information visit the Choices website: www.choices.edu