Global Competition

Global Competition

The United States has been faced with war, economic downturn, and explosive advances in technology. We are forced to compete in the world market. Global competition is a reality facing our country today. How many of us are truly prepared for the influx of new challenges and opportunities that face our citizens?
In his latest book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded, Friedman (2009) states that America has fallen behind in terms of its ability to prepare itself for global demands. In light of the events of 9/11, Americans are less than welcome outside of the United States. Our media resounds a message of fear that is perpetuated with the war on terror. In many cases, the events of 9/11 threaten to supersede July 4th celebrations. Other political factors including the collapse of Communism have flattened the competitive landscape and America has become lazy. America has coasted on its status as a superpower. As a result, our government has not worked to solve real problems or maximize innovation.
Friedman (2009) also states that energy and natural resources will continue to undergo greater supply and demand. The middle class which has expounded in numbers will cause the world to gradually become crowded. If much of the world-wide population lives like Americans, we risk depleting our energy resources. Energy poverty is a reality. Other countries such as China have addressed this problem, but America has not. America has to assume the responsibility for accessing the world knowledge in order to invent and stay ahead.
Energy technology is a pivotal focus within the realm of global competition, and needs to become a priority in the US. The middle class is growing. New groups of people are immigrating into our country. These groups are redefining the middle class. It has been projected that the world population will significantly increase, and will more then triple in our lifetime. Are we truly prepared to meet the needs of so many people in order to sustain life of earth?
Teachers have a unique and important role in the ever-changing world. According to Vivian Stewart (2006), teachers need to change the way instruction is delivered to students. Instead of only teaching information, teachers need to broaden students’ knowledge of the world, increase foreign language competency, and infuse values. Rather than memorize facts, students should be trained to seek answers, work collaboratively, think globally, and construct learning according to the demands of the global market. They should be prepared for the real possibility of working for international companies and/or managing employees from abroad. Competition for jobs will become increasingly greater.
I feel it is important to view the ever-changing landscape of global competition from an opportunistic perspective. Issues may be viewed as opportunities. We are in the midst of a new industrial revolution that Friedman terms the “Green Revolution”. In order for this to fully take affect, government needs to enforce new policies. Educators and policy makers need to delegate the restructuring of schools to meet the impending global demands. Policy goals for redesigning schools may include: adding graduation requirements that encompass global knowledge, expanding teacher training programs, hiring teachers with a strong foreign language background, and providing technology resources that connect our educators with those of other countries. We will look toward policy makers and educators to facilitate the needed changes. As soon as these tools are in place, America will have the potential to regain its footing in the global marketplace.