Over the past fortnight, I have observed numerous articles about America losing its competitiveness in Science and Technology. My opinion, people and their “Cool Hunting” nature is to be blamed for the most part. If history is any evidence, this is what we have observed.
Take the manufacturing industry, some 30-40 years ago, manufacturing jobs were honorable in the US, but today no body in US or Western countries want to work in the Shop floor which involves huge amounts of sweat and strain. But people in China are happily churning out the volumes.
Lets take the airline industry here in the US. At one time, being an airline pilot was thought to be glamorous work. But bankrupt airlines, falling salaries, the threat of hijacking, the grind of globe hopping, and a life of chronic jet lag have made the profession much less romantic and less desirable than it once was. But in the Booming Airlines industry in India this seems to be exactly the kind of jobs the youths are looking for. I sincerely believe that the nature of the jobs or nature of the industry as such, does not change, its the nature of the people that changes. Yes, the geographical locations might change, but if you are interested you should be willing to pursue them in which ever part of the Globe. Otherwise, One man’s menial job is other man’s dream job.
The IT industry has also started to take a toll due to this search for non-challance. At one point IT was a youth movement, an infusion of cool ideas and fresh technologies, having brains was really cool. But with Outsourcing and Offshoring, long hours and attention to detail, the effects of the “cool steroids” began to fade. Tech jobs have turned out to be monotonous, uncreative and easily farmed. The youths here started looking for other avenues, and hence stayed away from Science and Technology.
The results of this attitude has already started to show with US beginning to lose its competitiveness. Maths, Science and Technology decline has only been in the minds of people. For as long as I can remember Maths, Science and Information technology skills have supported economic expansion in all sectors. Its only that the generations after the 70’s here in the US and in most Western countries, that it has lost relevance & hence its direction. The parents and current generation kids alike, seem to have lost interest.
Its little wonder, that the Asian Century has begun. Can a few thinking parents, save the West ?. Overall, I think this cartoon summarizes it all !.
.