The World IS Flat

I don't understand why some of my UP classmates express so much disdain at the works of Tom Friedman when all he does is describe globalization.

I challenge any of them to argue that it is untrue that hundreds of thousands of Indians and Filipinos are now plugged into the global economy, perhaps beginning as call center agents, but progressing as managers in a global supply chain, earning a lot more and contributing value to their economies. Many of them, who otherwise would be unemployed, are now hopeful of joining the prosperous global middle class.

Too often, academics criticize students who enter the BPO industry for "wasting" their talents. I do not see that rallying in the streets and calling for a revolution is a better use of talent. Neither do I see becoming an instructor before gaining the experience and maturity that the world outside the ivory tower normally confers as a better use of talent. However, I see working hard, working one's way up, and growing the business, so more people can be hired, as a better use of talent.

The world is flat; those who do not see it should get of their ivory towers and see for themselves.