Genocide and Globalization

Much of the discussion in class today was centered on the concept of genocide within a modern context.  The conclusion was that in today's globalized world there seems to be a new kind of genocide that leaves most of us, in one way or another, complicit.  This notion raises many complexities about the relationship between globalization and genocide, as well as the issue of individual, national, and international responsibility and agency.
On the one hand, the contemporary globalized nature of the economy has left many individuals unaware of the genocidal circumstances from which their consumer products may have risen.  To use an example from the class discussion, I must admit that I honestly have no idea where or how my iPhone was manufactured.  Thus, I found it difficult to formulate any kind of stance on the genocidal nature of its production.  However, what I can conclude is that I do lack this knowledge.  I am sure that to some degree I am just uninformed, however I also believe this lack to come from circumstances of globalization.  Geography has a profound effect on the extent to which an individual can understand and interpret events.  In this sense, I am reminded of the Road to Treblinka film, particularly the scene showing Berliners relaxing on the beach having heard "only good news of the 'war' in the east."  In contemporary times, economic globalization has only increased an individual's ability to distance themselves from human atrocities committed abroad.  If we so choose, we, as individuals, only ever have to see the final result. 
In complete opposition to this effect, globalization, specifically in terms of information and communication, enables us to prevent or stop genocide.  The transference of photographs and videos has proliferated and rapidly increased its speed.  Every morning, for example, I receive top news email updates from Foreign Policy magazine.  I am thus constantly aware of every new act of violence occurring in places like Syria.  If individuals are aware of these moment by moment events, so too are national governments and international institutions.  In contrast to the way in which economic globalization enables the continuation of genocide, this aspect of globalization enables us to stop it.  Of course, it would be ludicrous for President Obama to turn a blind eye to the violence in Syria, in large because it is no longer possible to ignore.
To reconcile these two examples, individuals must continue to share information, utilizing the media resources globalization has provided for us.  Although this sentiment may be overly optimistic, I do believe that if more individuals were aware of genocidal modes of production, there would be greater pressure on governments and corporations to rectify injustices committed abroad.