Asia's per capita economic rise - by Hans Rosling

One theme of this blog is the rise of Asia, especially China, and the need for the US educational system (and our part of it in Oregon) to respond with more Mandarin and study abroad in China programs. Here is yet another presentation on the rise of Asia. It is humorous and entertaining. I’ve yet to see another forecast that has China’s per capita income reach the US level by 2048. Most have that event much later.

As a doctor and researcher at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, Hans Rosling identified a new paralytic disease induced by hunger in rural Africa. Now he looks at the bigger picture of social and economic development with his remarkable trend-revealing software. More here.

I share Rosling’s main concern (from the 14^th minute):

But what I’m really worried about is war. Will the former rich countries really accept a completely changed world economy and a shift of power away from where it has been for the last fifty to hundred, to hundred and fifty years back to Asia? And will Asia be able to handle that new position of being in charge of being the most mighty and governors of the world?

Teachers in Oregon, in particular, need to ponder Rosling’s concern. I think more Mandarin and study abroad in China programs can increase the likelihood of future peace. The Oregon Education Association, and it specific subsidiary the Portland Association of Teachers, do not support either more Mandarin programs nor the Go Global High School Study Abroad Program.  They are not now working for peace and, given their weight in Oregon politics (with their political support we could have both many more Mandarin programs and be sending many high school students to study in China), will carry a profound responsibility into the future: if there is a future war with China, could these educational programs in Oregon have helped prevent it? Future historians may not treat them kindly.

It is why I am now protesting at the OEA headquarters and other teacher sites with my sign “Give Peace a Chance, Support High School Study Abroad.”

This presentation in from November 2009 in India.

Comments

[David E]

Learning a foreign language is almost a must for any child graduating from high school these days. Despite having a bachelors and masters degree, I never bothered to learn a foreign language. Now I'm living in South Korea and I find it difficult to pick up Korean at my age.

A Korean professor told me a joke once and unfortunately it's true:

What do you call people who speak two languages?

bilingual

What do you call people who speak one language?

American

[viagra online]

He's little dull looking, like you could get more human interaction out of wood slab or a cold stone; Both of which, by the way, have more acting talent and model potential than Mr.