Friday, July 22, 2011

Term 3 Week 4 (Blogging Assignment)

What is the main argument Jim Rogers is trying to make in this article? Do you agree with his argument? Justify.

In this article, Jim Rogers shares his critique on America’s faltering connections in this rapidly globalising world, as well as the importance of raising “global kids”, a new generation of youths who are able to “fuse” the east and the west. Undoubtedly, we would agree with his point of view. As we all know, Asia is indeed quickly becoming the focus and drive behind the future economy. America has accumulated a tremendous debt of $14.46 million, far worse than in 2006, and its debt crisis is becoming ever more pressing. Although America has long been, and still is, the powerhouse of the world’s economy, Rogers thinks that Americans are oblivious to the rapid pace of globalisation, which has the whole world on its feet. They neglect the presence and progress that India and China have made in the recent years, which may cause the world to plunge into a new world where the Asian countries may rule the economy, leaving little. If America continues to be complacent and ignorant of its competitors, it risks being segregated from the rest of the world.



As globalisation takes hold of the beliefs of more nations, the prosperity of a nation cannot solely depend on mere bilateral ties with other nations. This simple theory has sent America into decline. What America needs is a revolution. It needs to nurture a generation of “global citizens”, who have the ability create fusion using both western and eastern influences and cultures. As it lies on the crossroad of east and west, Singapore has always emphasised on the significance of bilingualism. Since early modern years, besides English as the main medium of instruction, mother tongue has also embedded itself in the heart of Singaporean education, driving our nation towards its aim of an Asia-Pacific hub for quality education and healthcare services. America should probably follow suit, not just through the implementation of the teaching of foreign languages, but a deeper immersion of its youths in other cultures, at the same time creating and realising a global perspective.


Some argue that although Asian superpowers are now taking over the economy, English would still remain as the international medium for communications. However, I believe that one still has to be immersed in the Asian culture and language to better understand these Asian superpowers, especially when these rapid industrialising countries would eventually be behind the wheel of the rocket known as “globalisation”. It would be undoubtedly beneficial for one to be billingual, or even multi-lingual, in order to gain an advantage and be able to deal with both western and eastern influences.

In a nutshell, I conclude that Jim Rogers’ perception that America’s ignorance and low competitiveness compared to the rest of the world is valid, addressing the concerns of the rapidly globalising world. America will fail as the main shareholder of the world’s economy if it continues to refuse to partake in what will soon be an Asian-driven economy. Bilingualism and the ability to immerse would be able to bring intangible and astounding benefits to countries and more specifically, America.

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