As children (and adults) we are charmed by the simplicity and splendor of Disneyland’s iconic ride “It’s A Small World.” With its infectious song, colorful animatronic characters, and message of interconnectivity of all peoples, this particular keystone attraction of the Magic Kingdom inspires visitors of all ages to appreciate and respect diversity.
As technology expands, our small world seems to contract, getting smaller with each new social network and internet connection. Walt Disney and his Imagineers could not have possibly foreseen just how small our world could become between 1964 and today. Now, with the push of a button, we can video conference with the other side of the globe; we can make online connections with anyone, anywhere. In some ways the endearing dreamers of Fantasyland who inspired us to reach a greater cross-cultural understanding have inspired us to reach from our little world to other faraway lands. Despite the modern addition of Nemo, Woody, Stitch, and others, “It’s A Small World” remains a promoter for world peace and appreciation of world cultures. Today, because of modern technology and transportation, those of us willing to step out of the Magic Kingdom’s pristine, packaged world can easily find that a wealth of experience and rich cultures await us beyond our national borders.
Some of our students are well-travelled, and others are still looking forward to seeing the world. Regardless of how many frequent flyer miles we’ve racked up, each one of us deserves to experience the plethora of cultural, historical, geographical, and spiritual riches of other continents and countries. The expanding net of technology makes each and every one of us more connected citizens of the global community.
Our lives’ roads will lead each of us in new directions, some to distant lands and some just up the way a bit… Wherever the highways and byways take us, let us travel with respect for others, an appreciation for world cultures, a greater understanding of world geography, and a strengthened appreciation for our dear ‘ol United States of America. Safe travels to you, members of the global community!
We teachers are global travelers, visiting and living in such places as Italy, Japan, El Salvador, Greece, France, Germany, the Philippines, Chile, and Ecuador. As educators, we embrace the cultural and historical lessons offered through our travels. We celebrate architecture, artifacts, and the people of the world. There is so much to learn outside the walls of classrooms and the borders of our own homes that we can’t help but cheer the benefits of world travel.
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