Comparative Advantage: Individuality

Some countries are better at doing things than other countries; true.  Why? Because countries are composed of individuals.  Individuals have their own talents, skills, weaknesses, and strengths.  When you combine all of these elements together, what do you get?  A sum total of every angle of every individual combined.  This leaves the country with its own overall total of talents, skills, weaknesses, and strengths.  We have all experienced a change within ourselves because of the influence of another individual whom we are closely associated with- whether it be a neighbor, friend, or especially family member.  This is how a culture is formed.  A group of people slowly meshes together and becomes quite similar.  Granted, they are still individuals and remain distinct, but when looked at as an overall whole it is easy to decipher what talents and skills they have.  In the case of Friedman’s “The World is Flat” he frankly states that, “every region of the world has its strengths and weaknesses…(Friedman 412).” 

What an interesting principle to try to understand!  Every country contributes to the growth and development of the world in its technical advancements, ideology, medicine/health improvements and findings, education, and so forth.  Because of each country’s “specialties” we can all benefit.  However, it is also easy to discern the weaknesses of each country as well (we have become quite good at it, sadly).   When we focus on the strengths and resources we each have (just as we are taught in our homes as individuals) everyone prospers. 

The next major issue that has come from the flattening of the world is whether or not globalization equals Americanization.  There are, as always two sides to the debate.  Many have feared that because America has such a large influence on the rest of the world that rather than being distinct, as talked about before, we would all slowly morph into one mass American-influenced society.  What a boring, unproductive, and unsuccessful world we would live in if this were the case!

However, many fail to observe the positive influence the Internet has on this issue.  The ability to upload presents the opportunity for individuals all around the world to share their culture-meaning their “native dress, native cuisine, native music, and extended family-all the things that make up a native culture (Friedman 479).”  I have just recently begun noticing the American style change towards more European and even Indian styles! Culottes, a very Indian-based style of pant has become quite popular.  Not quite as recent are the European recipes that are extremely posh.  There are many examples of the positive effects globalization has had on the world, and it has not meant in any form that Americanization has been the result.  These styles, recipes, etc. have been a direct result of individuals placing their culture on the web where anyone and everyone can learn and then apply them into their own lives, halfway across the world. 

After studying this section my understanding of self-directed consumers is that when one sees a need, they fill the need.  If a product is not created or ones’ way of life is not ‘up to par’ they do something about it.  This is the world we live in today, hard work and imagination truly do get you places and what is even greater are the resources available today to provide entrepreneurship.  I would not consider myself a self-directed consumer.  I often see needs, but do not even scratch the surface of all that is available literally at my fingertips.  However, this book has begun helping me change towards becoming a self-directed entrepreneur.  If the opportunity to improve life is available, do it!

Free Trade and the New Middler

Free Trade, according to New Oxford American Dictionary, is “international trade left to its natural course without tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions”.  What a brilliant concept!  It came as quite the surprise to me to learn that there were actual products that could be and actually are purchased between countries that have no added amount (tariffs) attached to it.  Of course there are benefits to having free trade and there are drawbacks as well.  It simply depends on which side of the trade you are on, and in all honesty, whether or not you live in America.  Free trade allows us to exchange product for the value that it is at, and sell it as such.  Whenever we place barriers between us and other countries, no good ever comes of it.  There are products and designs that would take us years to think up, whereas other countries create it in a few short months; and vice versa. 

The basic concept of a sports team applies well to the concept of free trade.  If a team member were willing to give more than they take, they would be considered a ‘team player’.  Even if a team member practices for hours every day to improve their game but isolate himself or herself when practicing with the team and refuse to depend upon others’ skills, they will contribute nothing to the game they are so fond of.  So it is with Free Trade.  Every individual has the capacity to donate something to the world.  If they are unwilling to share, or those receiving are unwilling to receive all due to minute and insignificant details, (usually as a result of selfishness and greed) the world would not progress.  We would be stagnant, and so would every other continent on the planet.  The moment we begin trading amongst one another and do it freely, we progress and ideas build upon others’ ideas. 

However, this brings us to another point that could be a downside to the concept of Free Trade.  When jobs are being sent from the United States to other countries to be more efficient, suddenly the United States’ economy suffers; jobs are lost, and people no longer have the ability to contribute.  There are many more perspectives and angles that ought to be looked at when considering Free Trade.  All in all, the ability to trade freely between countries and share ideas is beneficial to nearly everyone involved. 

As previously discussed, Globalization can be broken down into 3 parts : Globalization 1, 2 and 3.  In Globalization 1 “countries had to think globally”, then in 2, “companies had to think globally”, and in 3, “individuals had to think globally” (Friedman 278).  Simply put, individuals have to be concerned more with themselves and their fitting into the world (not just their family or community) now.  In order to fit in and thrive they must find the new middle.  To continue doing what ‘old timers’ have always done will bring little to no success.  New middlers include ‘The Untouchables’ and ‘The Greats’.  Untouchable persons are those whose jobs are nearly forever secure.  They have the prime situation-they are the heads of businesses and the famous individuals we hear about in the news.  ‘The Greats’ are individuals who succeed in their area of expertise simply because of their talents and drive.  In order to ever feel secure globally it would be wise to become one of these individuals.  Getting there is quite the feat though. 

The equation CQ+PQ=IQ would be of great benefit for anyone striving to feel the security previously talked about.  CQ (curiosity quotient) and PQ (passion quotient) are more important to society today than IQ.  If a child has curiosity and passion, they can accomplish nearly anything they put their mind to.  My husband is the perfect example of this.  While driving in the car he speaks of nearly anything and everything we are passing by, things that, to a ‘regular’ person, would be quite boring.  It is truly a talent to turn something that seems common in the world into something fascinating and fantastic.  Desire and curiosity are main players in the rising generation’s success; they require diligence and hard work.  In a flat world, those two qualities are becoming more costly than gold. 

Convergence and Intellectual Property

Triple convergence seems to encompass a fairly wide range of concepts, however, to put it simply: convergence is the unifying of individuals, communities, and countries through the use of technology.  Even 20 years ago the theory that we could communicate with others from around the world seemed like magic.  Today, not only can we converse, but also we use the accessibility to pursue inventions.  There is no need to limit the brainpower used to create new and improved technology, now a technician can bounce ideas off of another specialist of his kind in India.  This idea will be further explored later on. 

            I wish not to restate what Friedman writes in his book, however I feel it has a profound message that we can all learn from.   In India, before the process of Triple Convergence began, thousands of students were preparing for and executing their dreams of becoming doctors and various other ambitious professionals.  They were halted however in their lack of ability to excel in their profession and to perform what they had learned.  When the countries began to converge a massive ‘explosion’ of talent and progress in education occurred.  We were all now able to work as a team in every aspect imaginable.  Convergence plays a role in every human being’s life who has and will walk on this earth, I think more so than we will ever comprehend.

            As a result of convergence there have been many circumstances arise that were unexpected, such as the situation between India and Indiana.  There still is a need for countries, states, communities, and individuals to be independent to an extent.  However, what is that point and how do we establish it?  In the case between India and Indiana, Indiana was striving to become more independent and provide more jobs for its citizens.  There was too much outsourcing taking place, therefore they sought to “hire a consulting firm... to upgrade the unemployment department of the state of Indiana” (Friedman 240).  And guess who was hired for the job?  India.  They outsourced to solve the problem outsourcing was causing their state.  The government workers jumped all over the issue.  However, in my opinion, it was one of the greatest things that could have happened to America.  It was a harsh lesson to learn, however, we ought to do all we can to maintain our independence and support our people while still sustaining relations with other countries in order to advance the world as a whole.  This, again, is a delicate balance, which we still have yet to maintain. 

            This leads into my last and final point regarding the need to share thoughts, work, and findings.  It is human nature to keep successful findings to ourselves, to take the pride and credit for things that are our own, and rightfully so.  However, in order to succeed as a team (the world) we must be willing to play as a team.  Intellectual property is one of the new occurrences that has caught us off guard.  Suddenly information, which is placed online to be shared amongst one another, is property and must be protected.  It is blatantly illegal for an individual to walk into their neighbors’ home and swipe the $40 off of the coffee table.  Why? Because the owner earned that money, and it rightfully belongs to them to be spent as they see fit.  What is the difference between earned money and earned ideas and creations?  The creations are simply in a different location and presented in a different form.  An individuals possessions not only includes physical items and money in the bank, but also intellectual property.  Respect for one is just as important as respect for the other.   

Computers in The Work Force Today

As I pondered the different careers associated with computers and networks my mind was filled with many different options, and options within those options!  However, my father, who is an avid computer nerd, naturally came to mind.  Since he was young he had an interest in the functionings of the basic computer.  (However, anyone who has spent even a moment peering into an open computer knows it is not so ‘basic’.)  When my father was in his late 20’s he started up his own business to which it was named, ‘Interwest Laser Marking Incorporated’.  In a nutshell, he builds his own lasers and uses them to brand thousands of different types of metals and other materials.  In order to produce the correct mark on the product he must first begin at point number 1: the computer, to create a logo which can be sent to the laser. 

I wish to share a few thoughts my father, a computer genius, has regarding computers and their influence in our world today, and more specifically his laser business. 

Question:  In what ways do computers influence your field of work?

Answer:  “Quite literally, we would be able to accomplish absolutely nothing if we did not have the ability to use computers…we wouldn’t be able to run the lasers…therefore there would be no business without the computers.”  Interestingly enough, computers are his business, and his business is miniscule compared to the ‘technology-flourishing’ United States! It is mind-blowing to think of the world without computers.

Question:  What is the greatest benefit that comes from your understanding of computer technology?

Answer:  Increased productivity and an ability to produce an end product.

Question: How did you learn about computers?

Answer:  His very first introduction with a computer was when he began working for a computer manufacturing company, Unisys, in the early 1980’s.   

Question: What was your first thought when you used a computer?

Answer:  “This is cooool.”

Question:  Why did you stay at Unisys and continue learning?

Answer:  “I found it fascinating…extremely interesting.”  It was thrilling to learn about this new machine that had so much potential, and to be able to consider, program, and create that potential.

Question:  How do you see computers influencing the future?

Answer:  “I believe within 30-40 years artificial intelligence will completely influence our lives.  It will be able to completely assess information as quickly as our brain.  It will increase productivity.  The people who do not endorse the use of computers, or who essentially do not support it, their business will become non-existent.

“America, as a whole, certainly took advantage of the computer technology….certainly from an economy perspective.  The entire world has endorsed it now, to a point now that America has lost the advantage they once had.  Globalization is very real and has taken place.  Computers have singlehandedly flattened the world-you can make a sale internationally now, where 15-20 years ago you would have never even considered it.”