On April 18, 1955, Indonesian President Sukarno coined the phrase "Third World" to describe less developed nations not attached to the Soviet block or NATO.

THIRD WORLD, GLOBAL SOUTH, DEVELOPING WORLD—What's the difference?

The terms "Third World," "Global South," and "Developing World" are often used to describe various groups of countries based on their economic development, political systems, and historical context. While people sometimes use the words interchangeably in casual conversation, each term has its own distinct origin and connotations.

THIRD WORLD

The term "Third World" originated during the Cold War to describe countries that were neither aligned with NATO and the capitalist West (the First World) nor with the Communist Bloc led by the Soviet Union (the Second World). It included many countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania that were not actively participating in the Cold War's ideological and political divisions.

Over time, the term came to be associated with countries characterized by lower economic development, higher rates of poverty, and weaker political institutions. However, the use of "Third World" has declined due to its Cold War origins and its negative, simplistic connotations, implying a hierarchical ordering with these countries being the lowest.

Using the term "Third World" is now considered disrespectful and, by many, racist.

GLOBAL SOUTH

"Global South" is a more contemporary term that refers to countries located primarily in the southern hemisphere, historically less economically developed than those in the northern hemisphere. It highlights the socio-economic and political divide between these nations and the wealthier, more developed "Global North." Unlike "Third World," "Global South" attempts to avoid the hierarchical implications and instead emphasizes geographical and historical factors contributing to global inequality. It's important to note, though, that "Global South" is not strictly a geographical term, as it includes countries in the northern hemisphere that face similar developmental and economic challenges as those typically found in the southern hemisphere.

DEVELOPING WORLD

"Developing World" is a term used to describe countries with lower levels of industrialization, lower Human Development Index (HDI) scores, and, generally, lower gross national income per capita than more developed countries. International organizations such as the United Nations often use this term to group countries that share similar economic and developmental characteristics, focusing on the economic aspects rather than political alignments or geographical location. While "developing world" is widely used, it has faced criticism for potentially perpetuating stereotypes about poverty and underdevelopment and for its broad generalization that doesn't capture the diversity and complexity of conditions within these countries.

CONCLUSION

While all three terms attempt to group countries with similar developmental profiles, each reflects different perspectives on global inequality and development. The choice between them often depends on the context in which they are used, with a trend toward more inclusive and less hierarchical language.

Africa

Apr

Blue & Green Day, Ntl.: April 12

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National Blue and Green Day raises awareness of the importance of organ, eye, and tissue transplantation and donation. On this day, the public is encouraged to wear blue and green, hold events and fundraisers, and partner with local restaurants, malls, media, and community organizations to raise awareness.

Africa

Apr

Education & Sharing Day (1902): April 19

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National Education and Sharing Day began as a Presidential proclamation in 1978 to honor Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Schneerson tirelessly devoted his life to extending access to education to all people, regardless of gender or background. As the presidential proclamation says, “On this day, let us carry forward the Rabbi’s legacy by recognizing the limitless potential of each young person and empowering the next generation to lead our country, and our world, toward an ever brighter tomorrow.” This event falls on his birthday in the Hebrew calendar.

Africa

Apr

Fiddler's Frolics, Halletsville (US-TX): April 26-28

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Fiddlers Frolic is the annual Texas state fiddling championship in Hallettsville, Texas. The competition occurs over several days and includes contests and prizes for fiddling and bar-b-que, adult events in the evening, and family events during the day. Over 15,000 people attend each year, and the winner of the fiddling contest walks off with $25,000.

Africa

Apr

Garlic Day, Ntl.: April 19

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National Garlic Day is celebrated in the US. Garlic is one of the more unique roots in the world, with applications in medicine and cooking. The favorite food flavoring originated in Asia and has been used in cooking for over 6000 years.

Africa

Apr

Hanging Out Day, Ntl.: April 19

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We all love hanging out; however, National Hanging Out Day honors something different, the importance of doing everything in our power to preserve and protect the environment. April 19 is the day that aims to encourage people to hang their laundry out on a clothesline instead of machine-drying it. It's good for the environment, saves you money, and is a win-win!

Africa

Apr

John Parker Day (1775): April 19

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John Parker was a militiaman during the American Revolution. On April 19, 1775, on Lexington Green, Massachusetts Bay, he said, "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless you are fired upon—but, if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." It was the first military battle of the American Revolution, with battles held in Lexington and Concord. Parker would not see the war's end, dying on September 17, 1775.

Africa

Apr

Kamada Ekadashi (H): April 19

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In the Hindu religion, Ekadashi is a holy day with two Ekadashi each month. Lord Vishnu is worshiped. Kamda Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of the Shukla (waxing moon) paksha of the Hindu month of Chaitra. As its name Kamada suggests, worship on this day is believed to grant the individual all his or her desires while cleansing each of sins. Family members are freed from curses. Devotees perform a day-long fast and seek love and affection from Lord Vishnu. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Apr

Oklahoma City Bombing (US-OK)(1995): April 19

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April 19, 1995, is the day of the Oklahoma City Bombing, which killed 168 people, and the terrorist responsible was an American citizen.

Africa

Apr

Patriots' Day, (US-FL)(1775): April 19

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Patriots' Day in Florida marks the first death in the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

Africa

Apr

Pets @ Work Day, Ntl.: April 19

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Pet supply company Petco sponsors National Pets @ Work Day. Sharing a workspace with your pet brings peace of mind (less stressing about potty breaks and lack of attention) and some notable health benefits. Studies show the presence of friendly animals can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and regularly interacting with animals can reduce anxiety and promote calmness.

Africa

Apr

Shabbat HaGadol (J): April 19/20

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Shabbat HaGadol, or the "Great Shabbat," is the Saturday celebrated immediately after Passover. Shabbat is "Sabbath" or "Saturday" in Hebrew. A Haftarah from the Book of Malachi is read on this day, a long and traditional sermon given in the afternoon. The Jewish Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. PLEASE NOTE: All Hebrew calendar months and celebrations begin and end at sundown. LEEP Calendar marks Jewish months and events on their first full day. Observant people of the faith will observe the beginning at sunset the day prior.

Africa

Apr

Vrishabha Sankranti (H): April 19

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The sun transitions from Mesha Rashi to Vrishabha Rashi during Vrishabha Sankranti. Giving cattle as a gift is considered auspicious on this day. Devotees visit Vishnu temples and pray that Lord Vishnu grants them the wisdom to choose between good and evil. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Apr

Animals, Laboratory Animals, World Week For: April 20-27

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World Week for Animals in Laboratories occurs the week of the United Nation's World Laboratory Animals Day, April 24. The goal of this week is to spotlight this issue and educate people about how animals are used in research, testing, and education. The American Anti-vivisection Society notes the following: "Nearly 20,000 cats were used in research in 2015, and thousands more were dissected in classrooms across the country. In 2015, over 60,000 dogs were used in research and testing. Beagles are the most commonly used dog breed because of their size and temperament. Pigs are used in many research areas, like cardiology, dermatology, xenotransplantation, and as surgical training models. Nearly 50,000 pigs were used in labs in 2015. Primates are target species for drug testing, neurological studies, and infectious disease research. In 2015, labs housed over 105,000 primates, 62,000 of which were used in experiments."

Africa

Apr

Chinese Language Day: April 20

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Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. The other official languages of the United Nations are English, Spanish, Russian, French, and Arabic. Each language gets its day yearly, and Chinese Language Day began in 2010.

Africa