Globalization and Superstitions

Concept of Globalization:

Globalization is a phenomenon that is being experienced in all parts of the world and in all aspects of an individual’s life. Its effect has been so broad that what we think is not confined to a particular place, but to the entire world. It is in this context that importance of thought process and belief patterns emerge.

The major key features of Globalization:

1. All societies have become interconnected.
2. An International economic and integration with global production.
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3. Transnational media systems creating a global culture, global consumerism to create a global village.
4. Global tourism.
5. Raised standard of living.
6. Media imperialism.
7. Transnational corporations that drive a global economy.

Thus, it is amply clear that, if taken in the right spirit, the concept and practices of globalization will help us in improving our lives and productivity. The value, attitudes, interest, belief are undergoing tremendous changes. Whether these changes are bringing positive or negative effects, is something to be thought of very seriously. However, is the positive effects of globalization are to be achieved people should think in a rational way. Irrational and superstitions belief patterns will only act as a hindrance to the positive effects of globalization.

Superstitions betray human weakness, ignorance and fear of the unknown and mysterious. They are the irrational belief things which remain inexplicable, mysterious and unraveled because of lack of sufficient knowledge and scientific temper. Although there is no single definition of superstitions, it generally means a belief in supernatural forces.

Today the mankind is certainly developed and advanced. Human race today is scientifically and globally well established. We are interconnected with each other but still there are so many old irrational beliefs prevailing in the society that are somewhere responsible to ruin the developing image of the modern Indian society . Though there is a huge adaptation of new and innovative systems, ideologies and patterns but still there are many false beliefs that have plagued the broad and wise mentality of the people in our society.

In India, it is believed that “Alakshmi” who is consider as inauspicious or misfortune can bring bad luck to the shop owners or business. She likes sour, pungent and not things. The shop owners in India hang lemon and 7 green chilies at their door so that the goddess eat her favourite food and satisfy her hunger and leave without eating the shop .

Not just in developing countries but this is a popular belief in the west too. Black cats are the symbol of bad omens, specifically suspected of beings the familiar of the witches .The origin of this superstition has come from the Egyptains who believed that black cats were evil creatures and thus bring bad luck.

The religious belief that the Goddess Lakshmi visiting the houses during the evenings. It is believed that after sunset sweeping or cutting nail will make Lakshmi leave the house and their good luck also sweep away and something bad will happen to them. Also it is believed that when nails fall on the ground at night, evil spirit becomes generate.

This concept comes from Romans believed that tagged the broken mirror a sign of seven years bad luck. In India, it is believed that mirror has a power to seize a part of once soul. Twitching of the eyes are consider the problem as an indicator of any good or bad omen .In India left eye twitching is consider inauspicious while twitching of right eye is a good sign. These twitching superstition is reverse in China.

There have also some others superstitions exist in our society, those are mainly–

• Removing evil eye ( Nazar Utaarna )
• Adding one rupee to a gift sum
• Keep distance to go near a Peepal tree in the night
• A rabbit foot will bring you lack
• Shaking legs symbol of lose of wealth
• Keeping onions and knives under the bed will drive away bad dreams

Superstitions beliefs have probably been present among us since the beginning of time and have been passed on through the centuries, culturally shared and transmitted from generation to generation. Superstitions are not healthy for any society due to the rationality of the mind of people.

Impact of Superstitions on Villages & Urban areas:

Villages and cities play a vital role for the overall development of the society by the impact of Globalization. If cities are given the attention and villages keep infected with the effect of superstitions, development would be done only in papers. So, the villages need more concern and attention in regard of removal of superstitions. In developing country like India we know that India’s heart lives in the villages. If India’s heart only polluted with superstitions we cannot expected a pure sacred India.

Urban areas are also not untouched by the influences of Superstitions. Here the form of superstitions are quite different. In cities rumours re easily spread in few hours. People are educated not aware and alert or rational.

Conclusion

Since remote ages, superstitions have engulfed people’s lives across the globe. Most of the developing countries are the home to many of the superstitions. Superstitions is a blind belief in supernatural influences.

Despite making advancement in science and technology, many people have strong conviction about these superstitions. Today we are interconnected with other countries exchanges our ideas, educations. Though there are some improvement since 19th century, superstitions still hold good to many people in many parts of the country. The case of Science students, the increase in superstitious beliefs may be due to increase in stress of living and the resultant anxiety (Eysenck, 1947).

Thus, the present study clearly shows that superstitious beliefs still prevail in this modern world. This prevalence may hinderer the wellbeing of the individuals and barrier of their positive personal growth. Thus steps should be taken to reduce such superstitious beliefs, thus urging the people to think rationally and logically.

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