Video
WE DON’T PLAY GOLF HERE – and other stories of globalization
(2008)
Description
What can the construction of a golf course in Mexico teach us about globalization? Using Mexico as an example of what much of the developing world has experienced in recent years, this disarmingly engaging documentary offers a primer on how ‘free market' economics can distort both culture and the environment.
In the first story, the residents of the small town of Tepoztian face off against federal troops in attempting to halt the construction of a corporate golf course and country club. As the town mayor explains, "we don't play that sport here." Maintaining a golf course, he contends, would drain farming water and with the necessity for chemicals and pesticides pollute the town's aquifers.
In the second story, "ecological peasants" tortured by Mexican army personnel describe in detail their efforts to stop Boise Cascade (the company behind OfficeMax) from clear-cutting forests in Guerrero. The third story focuses on Tijuana residents who tell how the US owner of a battery recycling plant allowed dangerous chemicals to seep into their water supply. When local authorities refused to condemn the plant's practices, the residents took it upon themselves and marched on the factory.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2008
Citation Information
Sonia Chaidez. "WE DON’T PLAY GOLF HERE – and other stories of globalization" (2008) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sonia-chaidez/14/