In an age of ever-accelerating globalisation, I also find myself thinking a lot about the expression “Concerned Tiger of the Global Village.” It’s a potent metaphor that embodies the simultaneous strength and vulnerability we all experience as members of this gigantic, fluid, international community. Allow me to explain what it is to be a “Concerned Tiger” in this day.

What Is a Concerned Tiger, and What Should You Do?

Think of a tiger—powerful, fierce, and confident with the knowingness of its surroundings. Now, contextualize that tiger in the “global village,” the term coined by Marshall McLuhan to describe how technology has suddenly made the world feel more like a tightly-knit community. The tiger is us or our nations or our organizations navigating through this village with power and caution.

I witness this metaphor unfold in my own experience. As someone who operates across borders and cultures, I’ve experienced the euphoria of opportunity and the burden of responsibility. You may feel it as well — whether you’re running a business or advocating for change, or simply just trying to keep up — in a world bursting with information.

The Global Village is The Place with the Challenges

We live in a global village and that can be both good and bad. It’s a huge opportunity for connection, collaboration and growth. On the one, it offers challenges that can leave even the best among us feeling anxious.

Information Overload

We are inundated with news, opinions and information from every part of the globe. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? I frequently find myself scrolling through headlines and wondering how to tell reality from myth. The Concerned Tiger in me recognizes that being in the loop is essential, but so is safeguarding my mental space.

The American Perspective: Cultural and Political Friction

The global village is a diverse one, and that is its strength. But diversity can also create misunderstandings and disputes. I’ve seen challenges where cultural differences can lead to barriers, but I’ve also been amazed at the magic of how those gaps can be bridged. The trick, perhaps, is empathy—imagining someone else’s experience in order to understand it.

Environmental Concerns

We are all one planet as a world family. The concerned tiger within me is worried about climate change, deforestation and pollution. These are cross-border problems, and so too must our response be cross-border. You and I have a part to play, whether they’re daily small things to do or a case for larger systemic change.

A Guide to Being a Well-Adjusted Worried Tiger

So let’s do what you can if you’re a Concerned Tiger and bring out your out, and revive the inner or beat the outer tiger in the global village, not just survive but thrive. Here are a few thoughts:

Be Informed, but Filter Your Sources

There’s no need to read every morsel of information available. Pick trusted sources and take breaks as needed. I’ve discovered that creating boundaries keeps me centered and less anxious.

Embrace Collaboration

It is the World village, for it is based on connection. Find reputations and dialogues that you find stimulating, and do not sluggish yourself down with blades of grass that are only going to bounce you down. I’ve gained so much from people with different backgrounds, and those experiences have made me a better professional and person.

Do Something, Even If It Is Small

Every effort counts. Whether it be to reduce your carbon footprint, support a local cause, or just be someone kind to other cultures, your actions affect the global village.

Final Thoughts

Global Village: Looking after the Tiger: The Concerned Tiger reminds us that strength should also be tinged with concern. You just learn to navigate this interconnected shitstorm with courage and compassion. Let’s be Concerned Tigers, coming together to make this global village one that’s not only connected but caring.

What does being a Concerned Tiger mean to you? I’d like to hear your opinions. Let’s continue the conversation.