Thomas Friedman is not ready to Cede the 21st Century to China Yet...By Jane Ames
Thomas Friedman has written an interesting column about the education goals necessary for the global economy that exists today. Competence, skill and creativity will be crucial for thriving in an economy that can scan the globe to find the least expensive resources and labor. A continuing committment to learning and changing will serve us well as individuals and as a community. The New York Times December 13, 2006 I recently attended an Asia Society education seminar in Beijing, during which we heard Chinese educators talk about their "new national strategy." It's to make China an "innovation country" - with enough indigenous output to advance China "into the rank of innovation-oriented countries by 2020," as Shang Yong, China's vice minister of science and technology, put it. I listened to this with mixed emotions. Part of me said: "Gosh, wouldn't it be nice to have a government that was so focused on innovation - instead of one that is basically anti-science." My other emotion was skepticism. Oh, you know the line: Great Britain dominated the 19th century, America dominated the 20th and now China is going to dominate the 21st. It's game over. Sorry, but I am not ready to cede the 21st century to China yet. No question, China has been able to command an impressive effort to end illiteracy, greatly increasing its number of high school grads and new universities. But I still believe it is very hard to produce a culture of innovation in a country that censors Google - which for me is a proxy for curtailing people's ability to imagine and try anything they want. You can command K-12 education. But you can't command innovation. Rigor and competence, without freedom, will take China only so far. China will have to find a way to loosen up, without losing control, if it wants to be a truly innovative nation. But while China can't thrive without changing a lot more, neither can we. Ask yourself this: If the Iraq war had not dominated our politics, what would our last election have been about? It would have been about this question: Why should any employer anywhere in the world pay Americans to do highly skilled work - if other people, just as well educated, are available in less developed countries for half our wages? If we can't answer this question, in an age when more and more routine work can be digitized, automated or offshored, including white-collar work, "it is hard to see how, over time, we are going to be able to maintain our standard of living," says Marc Tucker, who heads the National Center on Education and the Economy. There is only one right answer to that question: In a globally integrated economy, our workers will get paid a premium only if they or their firms offer a uniquely innovative product or service, which demands a skilled and creative labor force to conceive, design, market and manufacture - and a labor force that is constantly able to keep learning. We can't go on lagging other major economies in every math/science/reading test and every ranking of Internet penetration and think that we're going to field a work force able to command premium wages. Freedom, without rigor and competence, will take us only so far. Tomorrow, Mr. Tucker's organization is coming out with a report titled "Tough Choices or Tough Times," which proposes a radical overhaul of the U.S. education system, with one goal in mind: producing more workers - from the U.P.S. driver to the software engineer - who can think creatively. "One thing we know about creativity is that it typically occurs when people who have mastered two or more quite different fields use the framework in one to think afresh about the other," said Mr. Tucker. Thus, his report focuses on "how to make that kind of thinking integral to every level of education." That means, he adds, revamping an education system designed in the 1900s for people to do "routine work," and refocusing it on producing people who can imagine things that have never been available before, who can create ingenious marketing and sales campaigns, write books, build furniture, make movies and design software "that will capture people's imaginations and become indispensable for millions." That can't be done without higher levels of reading, writing, speaking, math, science, literature and the arts. We have no choice, argues Mr. Tucker, because we have entered an era in which "comfort with ideas and abstractions is the passport to a good job, in which creativity and innovation are the key to the good life" and in which the constant ability to learn how to learn will be the only security you have. Economics is not like war. It can be win-win. We, China, India and Europe can all flourish. But the ones who flourish most will be those who develop the best broad-based education system, to have the most people doing and designing the most things we can't even imagine today. China still has to make some very big changes to get there - but so do we. Posted Thu, 12/14/2006 - 10:45am.
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BummerSubmitted by SoWhat on Fri, 12/15/2006 - 7:35pm.
Lee, Tragic, really, your loss. Given all the rest that is going on in the world and all. I don't have a view either. Can you believe that the City of Portland allowed someone to build houses on both sides of mine? And then they allowed someone to build across the street and someone else behind mine. I feel your pain, man. Let us know when you are running for City Council so that we can vote for you. Oh...I just realized that this topic is about being competitive with China. I say we've got them beat on whining and navel gazing...they never catch su! » reply
"We can't go on laggingSubmitted by Steve on Fri, 12/15/2006 - 11:15pm.
"We can't go on lagging other major economies in every math/science/reading test" OK, I give what does this have to do with any of Mr Adam's initiatives to improve where we live. Math/science/reading? Heck, we can't fill potholes and teh Sellwood bridge is slowly decomposing into a pedestrian-only bridge. I agree with Mr Friedman, but when you see governments national and local focusing on things like wars and trams, yet forgetting we have to improve the collective intelligence, it is hard to see where we are going to find that "creative" class to ride all of the light-rail cars to their condos. And - no - building more theaters is not going to make us competitive with the Chinese. » reply
We could take a lesson fromSubmitted by jim karlock on Sat, 12/16/2006 - 9:12am.
We could take a lesson from China about the value of transportation. They are planning on building a lot of roads. Here are the highlights: Principally toll roads COMPARISON TO THE UNITED STATES Meanwhile Portland politicians consider congestion good, in one case because you can window shop from you r car and have conversations with peds. Another said we used to fight congestion, but we don’t do that any more. We can’t compete with China because of our politicians. It is just that simple. Congestion, taxes, silly rules. Provide the most business friendly city and state in the country and we will prosper instead of languishing near the bottom of the heap, financially. Continue mis-spending BILLIONS on Homers’s holes (and other schemes) and we will stay near the bottom. China refrence:http://www.publicpurpose.com/hwy-chinamotorwaysystem.pdf Thanks » reply
Can't compete with China?Submitted by Ni hao on Sat, 12/16/2006 - 10:00am.
JK, Why do you want the US to emulate a third world country? I thought that you had higher standards than that. Have you ever been to China or driven on the roads there? I'd suggest you learn a little bit more about what you are talking about before you suggest that we follow their road building strategy. As someone who has both owned and driven a car there, I can tell you that things are getting worse, not better. You might think about this World Bank Report for some additional context before you suggest that Portland follows their lead : http://www.chinadevelopmentbrief.com/node/662 The funny thing is, China is learning that their communist planning approach of roads at all costs isn't working and are looking to both Europe and the US for a different approach. You might think about that, too. Thanks. » reply
Voters are in chargeSubmitted by Voter on Sat, 12/16/2006 - 10:57am.
JK: "We can’t compete with China because of our politicians" Me: Yeah, the politicians I voted for, along with a majority of Portlanders, Oregonians, Americans. Don't be a sore loser, the Portland we are building is the Portland we (the majority) want to have. Ranting about something does not make it reality, nor will it turn a loser into a winner. Regarding the topic of the article - Interesting post. I look forward to competition with China in the coming decades. I think regardless of who remains the world superpower the continuing march of human progress will raise everyones standard of living. The US will certain remain competitive. » reply
China, roads, etc.Submitted by lin qiao on Sat, 12/16/2006 - 11:33am.
While in NE China two years ago as a scientific consultant, I saw boatloads of road building. Not exactly the US way of doing things: for example, construction materials were just dumped on the roadway, impeding traffic, with no warning signs or flaggers whatsoever. Gangs of men were building culverts and embankments by hand, using hammers and chisels to shape hunks of rock. Safety glasses? Give me a break. Anyway, the new, paved roads were nice if one doesn't mind the occasional oxcart and the maniac drivers, who make NY cabbies look like rank amateurs. Every other "road" was an absolute nightmare. But back to Friedman's blurb. I take a dim view of this guy, because what he does is hang out with the privileged classes of developing countries and them generalizes from their experiences in a totally anecdotal way. Nonetheless, it is abundantly clear, and has been for at least 20+ years, that whatever success the US still enjoys in high-tech and other scientific/engineering endeavors depends upon a constant importation of trained people, commonly Chinese, Indians, Iranians, Arabs, and other Asians. Few of the US' best and brightest go on to science and engineering careers, but instead opt for day trading, biz school, and the like. I do not attribute this to our educational system as much as to our culture's values. Science- and engineering education is a long, hard slog. I did it myself. There's no instant gratification and riches. » reply
People rank congestion problem above educationSubmitted by jim karlock on Sun, 12/17/2006 - 11:14pm.
Ni hao Why do you want the US to emulate a third world country? Voter:Don't be a sore loser, the Portland we are building is the Portland we (the majority) want to have. Voter: Ranting about something does not make it reality, nor will it turn a loser into a winner. lin qiao: Nonetheless, it is abundantly clear, and has been for at least 20+ years, that whatever success the US still enjoys in high-tech and other scientific/engineering endeavors depends upon a constant importation of trained people, commonly Chinese, Indians, Iranians, Arabs, and other Asians. Portland must quit wasting over $60 million in property tax money every year on urban renewal. Thanks » reply
The Methodology Must ChangeSubmitted by Terry Parker on Sat, 12/16/2006 - 4:06pm.
To create a society of innovative thinking, politics must be removed from the education process whereby students are given the opportunity to think for themselves and freely make their own choices in an atmosphere where all sides of issues are presented clearly balanced and without bias. Today’s educators place too much importance on preparing curriculum that agrees with the opinions of the people in charge. This is particularly true in Oregon where social engineering and control of choice is entwined not only in our schools, but throughout the entire methodology of state and local government. » reply
You must have a methodology beyond rantingSubmitted by arueducated on Sat, 12/16/2006 - 8:05pm.
Terry, What is your educational and occupational background to make such sweeping judgements of Oregon educators? Have you been spending a great deal of time in classrooms or monitoring how, exactly, curriculum is written? How about giving it a rest and not constantly ranting all over the internet...unless you have something truly insightful to offer? The only thing missing from your post is a mention of bikes paying their own way...I'm sure that is part of the educational plot, as well. » reply
Another Fictitious CommentSubmitted by Terry Parker on Sat, 12/16/2006 - 8:50pm.
If you have something to say that you expect it to be taken seriously, stop hiding and sign your real name. Fictitious postings do not deserve answers. » reply
125 MILLION dollar bike laneSubmitted by jim karlock on Sun, 12/17/2006 - 11:21pm.
arueducated: .... The only thing missing from your post is a mention of bikes paying their own way How do you feel about the proposal for a new $125 MILLION dollar bike lane across the Columbia (my preliminary estimate). Are you willing to pay your part? Thanks » reply
EducationSubmitted by mmmarvel on Tue, 12/19/2006 - 6:19am.
Actually I did shadow my daughter through a week of classes at a public high school (and it was one of the high schools that was considered one of the better PPS high schools). What I saw, with disrespect and disregard to the teachers, kids going in and out of the classroom like it was a revolving door, teachers just going through lessons - often with an unmasked bias. It made me downgrade my level of living (which wasn't too high to begin with) and put her in a private Christian high school. She will graduate this year. When asked she admits that in the public high school she did 10% of the work that the Christian high school demands. I add that to the volumes of material I read about how public education has failed the kids (you wish to read more go to www.joannejacobs.com and see what is going on). New math and new reading are jokes, some of the fall out from the 'new reading' (aka whole language reading) has already come home to roost, but they are starting to mess up math now. So yes, I've seen what the public educational system is - you've posed the question, I've answered it. So here is my question to you - Have YOU actually spent some recent time in a classroom? Have YOU actually dealt with a recent high school graduate (who couldn't do 3 X 4 without a calculator)? He was typical, I see in all the time in kids that we interview and test for jobs in construction. » reply
Nice ComebackSubmitted by Snappy on Sat, 12/16/2006 - 10:04pm.
Substantive response. I thought that this blog allowed for anonymous postings. Are you suggesting that because you post under a supposed "real" name (who knows, on the internet?) that you deserve to be taken seriously? » reply
Snappy Are you suggestingSubmitted by jim karlock on Sun, 12/17/2006 - 5:56pm.
Snappy Are you suggesting that because you post under a supposed "real" name (who knows, on the internet?) that you deserve to be taken seriously? JK: A lot more seriously than someone who posts under multiple names. (With a sack over their face, so to speak.) Planners and students on vacation tend to do that because they cannot carry on a sustained exchange based on FACTS (they seldom have any.) Instead they rely on distortion, straw men and the ability to distance themselves from their discredited postings. You don't really expect respect, when you hide your identity, do you? (If you want to expose corruption at you PDC job, that would be different.) Thanks » reply
RefugeSubmitted by Anonymous Poster on Sun, 12/17/2006 - 6:50pm.
JK, My guess is that more than one person here posts under anonymous names and probably more with "real" names that are not real. However you seem to have made the poster's point. The refuge of poor thinking is in personal attacks, the avoidance of discussing ideas and name calling. Well done. Now if you would only address the issues. » reply
I've had my fill of dealingSubmitted by jim karlock on Sun, 12/17/2006 - 11:23pm.
I've had my fill of dealing with PDC and planner types that change their name evcery time they are proven wrong. » reply
Well...Submitted by Actually on Mon, 12/18/2006 - 11:36pm.
Actually, JK, you fixate on names and avoid the fact that your facts don't stand up to scrutiny. You fail to answer the most basic of challenges in a straight forward way. Your data self refers to itself (and you). Take a statistics course (and learn to use a spell checker) and we'll all be better off. » reply
Get a real name or leave meSubmitted by jim karlock on Tue, 12/19/2006 - 1:57am.
Get a real name or leave me alone. PS: My facts DO stand up - prove them wrong. Thanks » reply
Sexual deviance likeSubmitted by pissing on Sat, 10/27/2007 - 5:08pm.
Sexual deviance like all other profoundly human and irrational instincts is potentially disruptive to the social mechanism; the social mechanism, therefore, must do all in its power to prevent against the existence of any such destabilising forces. Ultimately, as the title quote illustrates, More » reply
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SoWhat Condo Towers block Views
You can't see it, but my home is hidden behind the center condo tower in Sam's Visual Post Title.
I know, I can't be a nimby. Losing views is part of living in this wonderful city. What rights do I have?
Now just imagine an additional 56 condo towers with some even higher up to 325ft than the 250 ft shown, that is possible just in the central district of SoWhat itself. Triple that for the areas south and north of the central district of SoWhat and you get "SoWhat" to the rest of us living in the city.
Now add in the fact that there are over $170MILLION dollars of unfunded transportation projects for SoWhat that won't even hardly make a dent in the traffic problems when SoWhat is built out. This is another "SoWhat" to our citizens of the city. But we have the tram that solves all as it sways over our homes to deliver OHSU employees from a 1200 car parking lot built right on our Willamette River. "SoWhat" that this is a violation of the city/states Greenway regulations.
"SoWhat", we all like density of this magnitude. Right? "SoWhat" to the consequences, and there are many more I could list.