| We reside in various communities and live in one world. Although we may
reside in Beijing, China, on a kibbutz in Israel, or in Muleshoe, Texas, we are
aware of the impact of world events on our lives.
This has not always been true. Throughout most of history, life generally
was impacted by dominant qualities in one’s community or a region reachable
within one day. Important events that impacted the lives of those living
thousands of miles away generally were unknown and had little impact
outside that immediate area. Now, however, knowledge of events that occur
throughout the world can be received in real time and can impact others’ lives
greatly.
Electronic technology accounts for much of this change. The use of telephones,
radios, televisions, and computers has drawn people who live
hundreds, even thousands of miles away into a common neighborhood by
enabling them to have improved access to information, establish and maintain
relationships, and in other ways engage in activities beyond their communities
and nations. |
