Where are all the global visionaries?

A strength of reading about weighty topics such as security and the implications of globalization is that while it feels indulgent, it is necessary for growth as a professional and thinker. Indulgent is the word that comes to mind when reading Stone (2012). At first glance, most people should understand what security is to them from their lived experience; Militarized law enforcement and inhumane immigration structures are two examples of systems providing or taking away perceived or real security that many Americans are debating about in contemporary politics. Critical conversations in the classroom and in the community are important to flesh out the concepts provided in the texts. Stone (2012) describes two models of security: rationality and polis, which make up a large section of the chapter putting forth conceptual frameworks.

Security as images versus numbers. Bad events and probability. Expectation and abstraction. Likelihood and reassurance. Irrationality and sensibility. Universality and politico-moral choices. Estimating risks and risking estimates. Vested Interests. Catastrophes and interpretations.

A more practical and pedantic portion of Stone (2012) speaks about “double-edged swords” which modify security negatively when the systems in place were made to increase security. The three examples that come to mind in reference to the border area are, “surveillance, border patrol, prisons, and weapons.” (Stone, 2012) From a mental health perspective it is important to note that Stone (2012) reports more gun suicides happen than gun homicides which points to the double-edged paradox of personal security or self-defense providing a weapon of public health concern. Stone (2012) eloquently notes that the paradox of borders is real: “protection from outside threats” versus “psychological insecurity,” and “awareness of outside threats.” This may contribute to contemporary feelings as opposed to rational thought about immigration and national security policy.

Jansson (2017) while it intersects with Stone (2012) on immigration, Jansson provides more textbook style knowledge and foundational concepts in globalization. A theme of Jansson (2017) is that globalization may have an impact on vulnerable populations, the environment, public health and developing nations. Social workers need to be thinking about the global picture and Jansson (2017) illustrates this point beautifully in the chapter speaking about the above impacts in issues such as natural disaster. Policy and global change is imperative to ensure health people and a healthy planet. Whether policy advocates believe natural disasters are caused by global warming or other systems, the need to address the preventative measures and the aftermath is critical. Social work and other disciplines must come together to create and advocate for a just and healthy present and future.

Jansson, B. (2017). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Stone, D. (2012). Policy paradox: The art of political decision-making (3rd ed.). New York, NY: W.W.Norton & Company.

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