Why do people giggle when I say "global" and "librarian" in the same sentence?

[Nelda Arredondo-Parker]

OK...maybe tha'ts hyperbole...people don't literally erupt into laughter, or even giggle politely into their hands. But when I make mention to others---even other librarians----that I prefer a "global perspective" (meaning considering the world at large), they react as if I've said, "Three cheers for stupidity!".

Having been a World language teacher, a global studies teacher/curriculum planner, and having worked in the corporate world on global initiatives (yes, that means outsourcing), the rest of the world has always figured into how I see things....how I plan things. Yes...I follow that same trail in the library, but am bothered by the idea that my initiatives are always seen as efforts towards "diversity". "I'm so glad our kids are learning about 'other' kids of literature". Other kinds of literature? Other than what? But OK...not everyone sees things like I do.

The issue here, I believe, is that this is a very geographically and socially isolated area. People here like living here....and that's GREAT! But they are none too eager to look outward, or to encourage children to do likewise.

Perhaps a good starting place is a place like this....there ARE librarians in all parts of the globe and we DO talk to each other!