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Globalization, good or bad?

After reading about Globalization today, I couldn't help but think about how during World War II, Coca Cola obtained rationed sugar by selling bottles of Coke to the military. After shipping the bottles to Africa, Europe, and anywhere else GI's were posted, Coke basically positioned itself to become a global brand (intentially or not). The book For God, Country, and Coca-Cola: The Definitive History of the Great American Soft Drink and the Company That Makes It talks about Cokes role during World War II, and provides some interesting background on the company.

Now you can have a coke and a smile nearly anywhere on the planet. Is this a positive or negative cultural change?

When I was visiting some family abroad, I heard a lot of negative comments regarding Cokes activities in other countries, in the olympics, etc. However I still drink Coke (when I'm not drinking water or Mountain Dew!). I just don't see them as an evil empire, just a company with stock holders and a product to sell. Is that so wrong?

I guess the bottom line is, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When a war takes away your suguar, offer to make lemonade for the army!

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