What is Global Citizenship?

If someone had a gun to my head and my life depended on me being able to define "global citizenship", I would not even be able to make up a definition.

"Global Citizenship" is a term that I have never come across before and after some in depth research  I quickly came to  realise it is more than just a term, it's an entire concept. I believe that it's a concept created with the aim of creating a much more peaceful and ideal world for everybody to live in. I think that it describes the personality, traits and type of behaviour that a person should have in order to thrive in modern society. With the increasing rate of globalisation, it is much more important now than ever before to possess or at least understand some of the qualities global citizens have because without this understanding, the innate human need to advance will be futile.

Before I get down to the list of traits and characteristics that define a global citizen, it is important to understand that to some extent everybody is a global citizen. That is because as humans, despite having our own countries, culture and beliefs, we are still apart of the planet Earth. The only difference from my point of view is the level of understanding that each individual has and with greater understanding creates an urge to try and improve our world.

The following things that a global citizen should have or understand categorised by personality and behaviour.

1. Behaviour
• Someone who connects with the world through any medium.
• Someone who has a desire to live each day to its fullest.
• Someone who grasps opportunities presented to them to improve themselves or their environment.
• Someone who believes that the world can become a better place.
2. Personality
• Understanding.
• Tolerant.
• Caring.
• Opportunist.
• Proactive.
• Selfless.

I think this concept resonates very well with the idea of symbiosis where two species are dependant on each other for survival. Below is a picture of a bull shark, one of the most dangerous sharks in the world and attached is a remora fish. Despite only the fish benefiting by latching on to the shark, no harm befalls on the shark and as a result, the fish is allowed to live. The main point is if one of the fiercest animals in the world is able to live peacefully side by side a smaller fish, then as humans, can we be a little more tolerable of each other?

http://www.gizmag.com/remora-sucker-adhesive/26379/

This is just my limited understanding and interpretation of the concept of "global citizenship". I am just beginning my journey to discover what is a global citizen and I eagerly look forward to gain more knowledge and understanding so that I may be able to contribute as well to creating a better world.