Module 7: Comparative Advantage, Self-directed consumers and Americanization

     It's obvious that geographically we live differently in the U.S. than outside countries. Our terrain is different, for example, but many other things economically are different as well. Starting a different is completely different in many different countries because a different type of system was setup, mostly from scratch that could operate completely different. In economics it acts the same way, some countries will have a better way to produce something at a lower cost, that other countries just won't be able to compete with. While it may seem unfair, it's exactly what a comparative advantage means, which is "the ability of a person or a country to produce a particular good or service at a lower marginal and opportunity cost" (Wikipedia, Comparative Advantage).
     This advantage that has developed over time will continue to change as we continue to find new and better ways of doing things. Computers have changed are lives in ways that we never knew they would, and as a result it has changed the way we trade and do business. Some countries will always be able to provide a better good, or service, better than another. China is well known for a lot of things, one of which is their factory workers and their discipline. Apple Inc. has recently been exposed for the work conditions that have been placed for the hard-worked employees. This has directed some negative publicity to Apple, and has even caused them to be investigated. What will come of this will be likely just Apple increasing investing in better factory conditions as well as more rules/laws for the factory managers. This advantage that China has is due to their focus on discipline and hard work, which are both great reputations to have in a culture.
     Self-directed consumers are what lead businesses on the path to business-improvement. I am, and always will be, a self-directed consumer. A self-directed consumer, in Friedman's terms, are ones that are not afraid to speak up to a business about their products or services. In a flat world, keeping unhappy consumers is becoming a challenging feat. With the advancement of Twitter and Facebook people can openly confess their love, or hate, for a business and have it spread like wildfire. With Twitter especially, this has became a central pace for people to publicly draw negative attention to a business. The wonderful thing is that businesses are starting to respond publicly as well, to try and turn the negativity into a positive experience for the consumer. I have definitely become more vocal about how I feel about the products and services of a business, and have received free pizza on occasion because of a slow, or incorrect, delivery that was made.
     Does globalization mean Americanization? Fortunately as I have spoken with visitors to the U.S. I have noticed quite the opposite. While many people love America, many feel like they still love the culture that they were born into and America can stay in America. It's obvious that American culture is spreading but I don't see the cultures becoming a part of that spreading. I think that other cultures see American culture and actually become even stronger in their own culture. This is a good thing. I don't feel like this will benefit the future leaders of the world. Cultural differences are what set us apart and make us such a strong mass of people across the globe. We were all born with different skills, and different resources that allow us to be resourceful in our own ways. I'm excited for the future of the globe!