Exploring Global Issues in Nonfiction: Understanding Broader Themes and Their Impact
As we navigate a world that's more interconnected than ever, global issues like identity, love, conflict, and environmental challenges touch our lives in profound ways. Non-fiction works across various media—like blog posts, documentaries, and opinion pieces—offer us a lens through which to examine these pressing topics. They not only shed light on complex human experiences but also spark important conversations about the realities we face. By diving into a range of examples, we can see how different forms of expression help us engage with these critical themes, empowering us to understand our role in a larger global context.
What is a global issue?
Global issues are universal, interconnected, and long-term, impacting not just your generation but those that will follow. They require teamwork and collaboration, urging us to recognize our shared humanity.
These issues are usually:
Universal: They hit people in different countries, cultures, and situations.
Interconnected: They’re often linked to other problems, making them pretty complicated.
Long-Term: The effects can stick around and affect future generations.
Need for Teamwork: Solving these problems usually means countries and people need to work together.
In a nutshell, global issues are the kind of stuff that really makes you think about how connected we all are, and why we should care!
Identity and Belonging
Example: Blog Posts by Roxane Gay
Global Issue: Explores personal identity, race, and feminism.
Impact: Offers insight into the complexities of belonging in contemporary society.
Love and Relationships
Example: Photographs by Elinor Carucci
Global Issue: Captures intimate family moments and relationships.
Impact: Reflects the beauty and struggles of love in everyday life.
Conflict and War
Example: Documentaries by Frontline (PBS)
Global Issue: Investigates the impact of war on civilians in various regions.
Impact: Provides a deep understanding of the human cost of conflict.
Social Justice
Example: Opinion Columns by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Global Issue: Addresses systemic racism and inequality in America.
Impact: Stimulates important discussions on race and justice.
Survival and Resilience
Example: Series of Speeches by Malala Yousafzai
Global Issue: Advocates for girls’ education and resilience against oppression.
Impact: Inspires others to fight for their rights in the face of adversity.
Environmental Concerns
Example: Documentaries by David Attenborough
Global Issue: Highlights the consequences of climate change and human impact on nature.
Impact: Raises awareness and urgency around environmental issues.
Cultural Heritage
Example: Travelogues by Paul Theroux
Global Issue: Explores the preservation of cultural traditions amidst globalization.
Impact: Offers a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and their histories.
Mental Health
Example: Comic Strips by Sarah Andersen (e.g., "Sarah's Scribbles")
Global Issue: Tackles mental health issues with humor and relatability.
Impact: Normalizes discussions about mental health challenges among young adults.
Freedom and Oppression
Example: Interviews with Aung San Suu Kyi
Global Issue: Discusses the struggle for democracy and human rights in Myanmar.
Impact: Highlights the importance of advocating for freedom in oppressive regimes.
Globalization
Example: Series of Drawings by Banksy
Global Issue: Critiques consumerism and the effects of globalization.
Impact: Provokes thought about the implications of global culture and capitalism.
