The World Is Flat

Though once believed to be round, thanks to modern technology, the world is flat once again. This flattening effect can either hurt us or help us depending on how we react to it. Our future lies in our own ability to take advantage of the flat world. Are we ready to compete in this type of environment?

The World is Flat is a book written to snap our country back to reality and take careful notice that our world is flattening. Though this can be somewhat unsettling, the books main message is not one of panic or doom but rather of hope, education, and imagination. Learning and continuing to innovate and compete—which are hallmarks of our country—will lead to continued success even as the landscape of the playing field continues to change significantly.

Today, many “American” jobs are being outsourced at an unprecedented pace leaving our country’s boundaries for others such as India and China, but is this bad for America? From preparing taxes to taking orders at your local drive thru restaurant, jobs are being outsourced throughout the world. However, contrary to what many believe, the author shows how the more efficient companies become, the more jobs they are able to create for all.

Likewise, technology from web conferencing, to cell phones and companies such as Google and Apple, are all greatly contributing to making the world truly a small place and providing opportunities for all, not just the U.S.

As Americans, we must realize the competitive landscape of our economy is changing. At one time competition was between a person and his neighborhood. It then grew to a person and his town, then his region, then state, nation, and now the world. We are living in a world that is rapidly becoming flat in terms of competition, as technology allows jobs and businesses to operate from anywhere around the globe. Additionally, small companies are able to compete against large companies, and large companies are able to act small. Equally, what was once competition between American companies, schools, and students has changed to global competition. No longer are our students competing against only one another for jobs, they are now also competing against millions and millions of Indians, Chinese, and Russians who are all hungry for the chance to compete, earn money, be successful, and win. Americans need to remember the world is competitive and to remain on top, we must work smart and work hard.

Thus, one primary and important message from this book is that America needs to wake up and refocus on education. Too many other countries are passing us in terms of educational ability, and it seems we are quickly forgetting what has helped us reach the top. American’s sense of entitlement needs to be put in check, and our interest in the inconsequential needs to be eliminated and replaced with the desire to learn, compete, and win.

Another message from the book is resources are dwindling while more and more people around the world are demanding them. This means we must be smart with the resources we have, and we must develop new ways to replenish them instead of only depleting them.

Another message is that collaboration is key. Rather than fighting the flattening of the world, we should embrace it. Though somewhat scary, the flat world will provide wonderful opportunities and experiences for Americans and the world. Choosing to fight against the flat world or building unnecessary walls will only hinder our progress. We must find ways to cooperate and collaborate with all. The author solidifies this point in the book using examples of many foreign countries economies that are soaring due to their acceptance of the flat world such as India and China. These countries have embraced new technology and have used it to their advantage. Countries that are stagnant or that continue to struggle with little hope for change are those countries that are fighting against or are ignoring the flat world. These are countries that try to build walls and isolate themselves from others rather than collaborate and partner together. Countries that accept this new world platform will find success. In addition, the author of this book argues that it is possible for every country to improve simultaneously without having to take away from one country in order to add to another.

Lastly, as one of the chapters of the book is titled, “This is not a test!” As America moves forward, we must understand and accept the ideas and concepts found in this book to succeed. Do we realize the world is flattening all around us, and do we accept the fact that we will need to be more educated, more skilled, more capable, and more imaginative to maintain our place in it? America can do it, but it will take the best effort from each and every one of us. It is time for us wake up and remember our place in the world must be earned. It is time for us to prove our abilities and live up to our heritage. It is time for us to excel, it is time for us to be American!