It's amazing how Americans seem to at times take things for granted. We feel that because we have access to so many things via, land line phones, cell phones, work phones, beepers, fax machines computers, Internet, and so many other forms of technology. But are we getting the bulk of the good stuff? I check my e-mail maybe every other day depending upon if I am expecting something or looking for a response from someone. But I don't get a thrill out of it because I now feel that it is "old news" (I mean everyone has e-mail right?) It is the same thing for the cell phone. It use to be a time were their were a select few who had cell phones that were mainly for the purpose of business use. Now everyone has cell phones, from adolescents to adults! Is that really the good stuff?
A couple of months ago I went to visit my parents and saw another phone that appeared to be a regular land line phone. I could hear my grandmother and my father debating in the other room about something (as usual.) As I entered the room, my grandmother requested that I chime in to the conversation. It was about this "new phone" that could cost you only a couple of bucks a month that would equal out to less than $100.00 a year, according to my father. My grandmother just couldn't believe that their was a phone service that was that cheap in America. At the time I just said interesting and didn't think anything else of it. But is the phone service originally from Americans? No. According to Friedman, the Chinese originated this phone service called Skype. Doesn't this sound like some good stuff?
Through Globalization 3.0, the world is even flatter. Once you understand the flat world, adjust yourself accordingly to the new technology that is offered, you can be connected to the world. Here we are as Americans living our everyday lives as if we are in control and preparing our children for the technology that is at hand. But by the time they get older the children from India and China will be so far advanced in technology than our children. We need to realize the flattening of the world and configure a way to incorporate this "liberazation" into our schools. Creating a generation of "flatteners"will continue Americas Globalization.
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6 comments:
I couldn't agree with you more! We (Americans) are somewhat disillusioned. We feel as if we are 'cutting edge' but we are slowing but surely getting left in the dust of India and China and others.
As for our schools, well, that is a whole different issue. I registered my son in May and filled out the same information on multiple pieces of paper. It took me 45 minutes to complete the paperwork! If the registration process is that lacking in technology, what in the world is the rest of the system like? It seems that a common theme for both India and China in the book is education and yet here we are constantly cutting funding for ours. This is a very disturbing thought.
I think that America compared to other countries are more advanced in the area of technology.The fact is that outsourcing is a new way business is done by the big companies.Most of th high tech items is being made in India and China or on of the the developing countries because the low cost of labor.
I definitely agree. Americans have gotten too comfortable at being on top and now we are actually starting to fall behind. There are many "new players" that have arrived and are now threatening America's cutting edge reputation. If we do not get up to speed with technology in our schools then we will be left behind.
Let's hope we keep our eyes open for the "good stuff" - maybe if we all become lifelong learners we will feel more engaged with the "flat" world... this was a thoughtful post. Good job!
I like your idea that we must adjust. I know that if I don't maintain pace then I'll be left behind. Simply whining about the problems and waiting for someone to save us won't work. If we can stay plugged in, then we have a chance to compete in the global arena.
Good work, full credit for this post.
:) Kelly
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