Transnational Studies Initiative Workshop
Date and Time
"Big Bird Goes to China: Globalization, Culture and the Politics of Transnational Collaborations Among Economic Development Organizations"
Although critics of globalization voice concern for its potential to eclipse local power, culture and agency, globalization also provides new opportunities for transnational collaboration and cooperation. Using Sesame Workshop as a case, we will examine how partner organizations in developing countries negotiate for programs and strategies that are locally adapted and culturally acceptable, resolve conflicts with their U.S. partners when they arise, and garner local support for projects. Sesame Workshop works in over 30 countries on local co-productions of Sesame Street, and on extensive outreach and development programs. Each production and outreach program focuses on the unique educational needs within each country, such as the stigma around HIV/AIDS in South Africa, girls’ education in Egypt, and health education in Latin America. Programs also promote religious and ethnic tolerance in conflict zones (currently between Israel and Palestine, Kosovo Albanians and Serbs, and in Northern Ireland).