Why globalization is a big crock and isn't helping me move to the UK.

Those of you who knew me when I was still a fiery, idealistic, anti-corporate-monopolast in college might remember a design project I made where I turned a Monopoly game into a scathing critique of global hegemony. The point of the game was to play as one of a dozen developing countries seeking aid from multinational organizations like the IMF, World Bank, etc, in the hopes of building infrastructure and economic growth - the kicker was, you couldn't win. Instead of bankrupt and tax cards, players were socked with fees, restrictive relationships, and other hazards that basically put them further in debt. Obviously no one actually PLAYED this game; it was meant to be a conversation piece to illustrate the horrors of the geo-economic hegemony that industrialized nations hold over the developing world.

Since then (my junior year), my viewpoints have moderated and I realize there are centuries of complexities influencing the rise global corporations and the continuing struggle of still-developing countries. However, every so often I encounter something so stupid that I find myself as indignant at the travesty of today's world as I was back in 2002. These days, it is the sham of the so-called "connected world" enabled by global corporations.

Specifically, there are two companies that I deal with for important services that I chose precisely for their presence in multiple countries around the world. One is Citibank, the other is TMobile. I chose them over their competitors because I knew that one day I'd succeed in living and working abroad, and in the meantime as I travel about I could use my services without extra fees or hassle. You would think this was a good plan, right? Well, you'd be wrong.

Citibank apparently has services for ex-pats - their website says so. But I can't find out about them. When I went into a branch in New York to inquire further, the staff had no idea those services exist and they told me to call the number on the back of my card. I tried calling the UK number but no one answered; I left a message and they never called me back. I have so many issues with this situation that its hard to articulate them at all logically without ranting, but one is customer service. I am a customer. I want to keep doing business with this bank. Their representatives do NOT want to help me. Just because I don't have a gazillion dollars on deposit with them doesn't mean I don't deserve good service, assistance with this move, advice about financial services. That's what I pay for by banking with them. But even though Citibank has offices all over the world and throughout the UK, they are not linked and they are not in touch with each other enough to provide seamless service for me. As a service company, they are not providing ME, the most important part of the equation (the customer) with good service, and therefore they are not selling a good product.

TMobile is similar. Even though TMobile is owned by Deutsche Telekom and has presence and service all over Europe, each country is run separately through its own silo. Therefore, even though I've used TMobile for FIVE YEARS in the US, I have to say goodbye to my lovely 646 mobile number and my sweet rate plan and go into a UK mobile shop and start a whole new account. Like I have built no history with this company.

I think that might be the worst aspect of this "fake" globalized world. The promise of a seamlessly integrated product or service across boundaries and borders is not actually true. It may be, if you're willing to pay a premium for it. The promise of individualized, customized products for every person, allowing true self-expression around the world, is also not true – we're all still numbers, and numbers are easily forgotten.

The bottom line is, multi-national companies, I thank you for making an effort (I'm not sure if it's sincere) in creating service products that help people in an increasingly connected world. But don't make promises you can't keep - because I WILL find you out, and I WILL have a temper tantrum.