Title: The Problem of Language and Cultural Insensitivity in an Era of GlobalizationSubmitted by: Fernando de AraujoOne of the serious problems in East Timor today is what local people are calling "neo-colonialism" from the part of UN officials, international NGOs, and businesses who, in their rush to build and "develop" East Timor have not involved local people in decision-making. This paper examines the transparency and accountability of international institutions now operating in East Timor (including the UN, World Bank, international NGOs and humanitarian organizations) and looks at their effectivity in implementing enduring and sustainable development. It analyzes some of the criticisms waged against these international organizations by grassroots political organizations including: lack of cultural sensitivity; ignorance of East Timorese language, history, politics, and psychological trauma; bureaucratic, non-transparent, and paternalistic forms of communication and absence of participatory democracy; and fostering a culture of "dependency", urban conflict, and class inequality (e.g. huge disparity of wages and high cost of living between international NGOs and their local East Timorese staff). In terms of globalisation, this paper critically examines the celebratory notions of globalisation and the idea of a borderless world when poor people are locked in place. Refugees, displaced, dispossessed, homeless and stateless people are out of place -- where do they fit in? The author will look at the prospects for economic and political independence, self-determination, and environmentally friendly politics for this new-born nation, in an era of globalization. Return to Abstracts menuCarol Burnett Phone: 61 - 3 - 9349 1899 Email: c.burnett@asialink.unimelb.edu.au
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