Today we can shop world-wide; we can work from home for a company on the other side of the world; we can know what is happening throughout the globe almost instantaneously; we can learn, research and study any given subject; we can conduct business on an international level, and we can chat with those from different cultures. Modern advancements in satellite technology have meant cell phones, international television and cyberspace ? to name just a few. This incredible advancement in technology has meant huge changes in the way we perceive the world and others ? apparently helping us to break down misunderstanding and fear of unknown cultures and religions and, therefore, leading us towards a one world order.



But does all of this really mean that we're becoming, or have already become, a global village? Does advancement in modern technology necessarily mean that we are becoming a community of people? Has, or even can technology bring countries of different races, belief systems, political structures and laws into a world community?

That the world has changed, and continues to change at an ever-increasing speed, is clear. We are modern people living in a scientific world, where we think nothing of surfing the net, completing business transactions on-line, shopping the International market or chatting with someone on the other side of the Globe. We expect to hear the news as its taking place in some remote corner of the world, having almost forgotten that not so distant past when communication was often difficult, sometimes impossible. The Internet is just one example of how technological advances have completely revolutionized the way we live, giving us possibilities and choices that would have been impossible not so long ago. Allowing us, almost, to believe that the world really can be our oyster.

We have also seen changes in political structures; the end of the Cold War, the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, and the political and economic union of the European Community. Global organizations, such as NATO, the UN and the World Bank, have come into being. And the fight against terrorism is being fought on an international level as world leaders try to steer the world towards peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.

And yet as we look back over the 20th Century, infamous for its bloodshed and loss of life, can we really believe that modern technology is helping us to become better people ? to truly love our neighbours? Is this advancement in world news, international television, and communication to the masses really breaking down racial barriers, religious intolerance and misunderstanding? The world is becoming more and more connected. Gone are the days when we could have no real understanding of our Muslim neighbours, of foreign traditions, customs and beliefs. The European Community is growing, accepting those with different values, traditions and creeds, opening its boarders to those who just a few years ago were viewed with suspicion and mistrust. But Europe is just one part of the world ? and Europe is not without its problems as people illegally cross boarders in hope of a better life.