The volcano’s dangerous cloud of ash, blanketing the skies over Europe, has affected businesses and people all over the world. Global economic interdependence has defined the modern world for decades, and the wrench Eyjafjallajokull has thrown into the gears certainly reminds us of the world’s interconnected nature. The import of perishable goods into Europe, like vegetables and flowers, was halted from countries like Kenya. The CNN report below notes how horticultural businesses have had to send laborers home and have contingency plans in place should they need to decide where to send rotting produce locally.

An article in Arabian Business notes that one of the largest hypermarkets in the Middle East, Lulu, experienced a dwindling stock of goods because European exports were in limbo as a result of Eyjafjallajokull’s eruption.

To supply customers with the goods they demanded, alternative products from other countries were sourced. The global taste an average consumer has developed over the past decade has increased the diversity of products in demand. As a result of the volcanic activity in Iceland, many people are now conscious of the widespread economic dependence globalization has fostered. Cultural norms influence consumer behavior. What one cooks, eats and drinks is a direct manifestation of a person’s culture (or perceived culture), and intercultural experiences are heavily marked by gastronomy. The wealth of international experiences at one’s fingertips has influenced the diverse personal cultures that many “global citizens” or “third culture” individuals have today.

How do localized and regional events impact global trends? If globalization continues to make the world a smaller place, how do we cope with future breakdowns? People involved in the Slow Food movement may have some ideas. What do you think?

Sean

RW3 CultureWizard