The Sun Never Sets on the Google Empire

The Sun Never Sets on the Google Empire

To some extent, everyone has felt the effects of colonialism on his or her own life. Whether it is economically or otherwise, the pros and cons of colonialism have been seen all over the world. Being from India, I have been subject to not only colonialism of the British rule but I have now witnessed the colonization of India by foreign technology and manufacturing companies. Corporate colonialism has affected many developing countries and has produced many positive and negative effects. Although many would argue that colonialism in any form is detrimental to a country’s growth because foreign entities influence the government in power, I believe that colonialism and corporate colonialism in India has positively affected the country economically and socially.

                       

Many countries that colonized parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America did not realize the consequences that their actions had on their respective regions, and once they had left their colonies many of the people suffered the repercussions of their rule. The British first established a dominant presence in India during the 18^th century. The British worked with local municipalities in order to establish their control over different regions. After the British rule, British created the borders of what would be India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with the Hindus living in India and the Muslims living in Pakistan and Bangladesh. While India was more tolerant of Muslims, all Hindus living in Pakistan were to leave all their possessions in Pakistan and move to India. The next decades would be marred by border violence and religious strife between these countries. There are still tensions between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Kashmir. Going back to India every year, I have witnessed how colonialism has fragmented a country and how it has brought violence and ethnic tensions among its citizens. During one visit to India, I traveled to the Himalayan region of Ladakh. Although Ladakh is known for its beauty and diverse culture, it is also known for being close to the disputed border regions of India and Pakistan. It was not hard to notice the military presence in the small city of Ladakh. Machine gun turrets outside building, constant military envoys, and army barracks set up across the city. Being minutes away from the India-Pakistan border made me realize the devastating consequences colonialism can have on a nation. British colonialism enhanced tensions between Hindus and Muslims, which eventually lead to the creation of three different countries where there is still ongoing hostility and violence today.

Although the British have left India, a new type of colonialism has taken over India: Corporate colonialism. Instead of the British or Portuguese coming, Google, Microsoft, HP, Nike, and various manufacturing companies have put their flags into the ground in the form of factories, IT headquarters, and call centers. Although this influx of business has made India one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it worries me because going back every year it is not hard to notice the growing disparities between the haves and the have-nots. This conflicting scene makes me question my responsibility to my country in this never-ending cycle. Many companies, such as Nike, have established manufacturing headquarters in India. As a big fan of Nike products, I have never thought of how my purchases of their products might impact people back in India. I continually ask myself am I contributing to the possible exploitation of workers back in my home country. Although it is tough for me to ever know how my purchases in America or overseas might affect my countrymen, I cringe when I see a label on a piece of clothing labeled “Made in India”.

Although Colonialism and Corporate Colonialism has had detrimental effects on India, I also believe that they have greatly improved the state of affairs within India. One of the British Empire’s most lasting contributions to India is English language. When the British left India, they left behind an educated middle and upper class. Schools, businesses, and the government soon used English in their affairs. India is a very diverse country in which there are many different dialects and languages. Each state has its own language and I believe that English served as a good medium to unite the country linguistically. Corporate colonialism has positively affected India because it has helped to promote the country as an economic powerhouse, established a vibrant middle class, and has also improved infrastructure and health services, which benefit the whole population.

Colonialism in history has often been the catalyst for ethnic tensions, corruption, and violence in countries. After British rule, India was fragmented and relations between Hindus and Muslims were at its worst. The remnants of colonialism left behind greatly impacted and helped India become the economic power it is today. If the British did not leave their language or education systems behind, it is doubtful whether India would be as successful as it is today. Soon after the British left, foreign companies set up shop and established their presence in India. Although I worry about the plight of workers and whether I and others around the world contribute to their possible exploitation, I believe that the presence of foreign companies in India has allowed all classes to grow and will eventually lead to a stronger and more united India.