Monday, September 15, 2008
Outsourcing student voice
In the Chapter titled "Trading Jobs" in Global Issues, Local Arguments, a particular letter caught my attention. A student, Nicole Neumiller, describes how outsourcing has affected where she lives. It never really occured to be that outsourcing really affected a large amount of Americans, but it does. She recalls her aunt telling her about the large amount of layoffs in her Washington community. As more and more work is outsourced to India, more people are being layed off from work. I thought that only the bad jobs were being taken, but after reading this, it seems to not be true. She even mentioned that those who are layed off are unable to find new jobs. This is slightly disturbing. It seems that outsourcing really is more hurtful to our economy then it is helpful. Nicole explains that even though American businesses are benefitting from outsourcing, that many families in the middle class community are being hurt and suffering from a loss of income. After reading this I truly wonder, is outsourcing hurting the economy or helping it?
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4 comments:
I agree with you completely. It is disturbing that individuals who are laid off are unable to find new jobs. You would assume these individuals would not have any difficulties finding jobs in America. I also thought that most Americans would be well qualified for a wide range of jobs, resulting in a temporary experience of unemployment. Nicole Neumiller’s report, though, does open your eyes to the actual suffering the middle class experiences.
I agree that out-sourcing jobs has seemed to effect a good number of Americans, but at the same time look at the countries it has helped. People in developing countries have been helped tremedously with this new source of jobs. But one of the main reasons that there have been a decrease in jobs is that we have developed better technology. Businnesses of course say that this increase in technology helps us, but for job holders it really hurts them. I believe that better technology is often an overlooked source of job losses. And it effects everyone in every country. No matter if you're for or against job outsourcing, you can't deny that the improvement of technology will take jobs away from people. Some say that this is creative destructionism, but I think that most statistics will show that the creationism side is lagging. But you know what, I think the job losses are unavoidable and will keep on coming. Technology will only keep on getting better resulting in more machines replacing manual labor.
I also agree that outsourcing does seem like its doing more harm than good. But you must consider there are always two ends to an issue. Neumiller spoke alot on the disadvatage it brings to middle class American families but we have no idea the extent of impact outsourcing is having for less fourtunate families in India. Another "advanantage" of outsourcing that is mentioned in Ch. 3 is the principle that is "creative destruction". Whether outsourcing seems like the end of the world, or the beginning of a whole new one i think we shouldn't be so closed minded to it.
I think that we need to make a decision of what we think is more important. I believe that outsourcing is hurting us. I experienced a lot of trouble trying to get a job this past summer and with whats currently happening with our economy. Things are not looking good. I think that there are better ways we can help promote thriving economies in developing countries.
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