James Fallow's Essay 'How America Can Rise Again'
How America Can Rise Again – A Critique
POL101 – Introduction to Political Science
Colorado State University
November 12, 2013
How America Can Rise Again – A Critique James Fallow’s article “How American Can Rise Again” for The Atlantic Magazine is a thought provoking piece addressing the issues and fears facing a nation that may potentially be on the brink of losing its title as leader and innovator of the free world (2010). The article takes a fair-minded approach to identifying many of the greatest fears Americans have concerning a fall-from-grace of the country, its economy, education, military and political system. Fallow supports his arguments well using a mix of historical and political references as well …show more content…
as modern day events, viewpoints and the words of various authors, leaders and figureheads. I do agree with Fallow’s perspective in that there is potential for America to continue to excel as a global leader and we as citizens hold the power to manifest our own destiny.
The Questions Fallow opens up his article with a personal travel reference concerning the three years he spent in China. That point is tied to the reality that even though China is becoming a global economic powerhouse, average American life, our grocery stores, cars and sizeable backyards, surpasses that of China and many other countries around the globe. He goes on to discuss our modern day shortcomings; lack of cell phone coverage, technologically antiquated hospitals, damaged freeways and desperate need of better public transportation systems. He then poses his thesis question, “are the fears of this moment our era’s version of the “missile gap? Are they anything more than a combination of the two staple ingredients of doom-and-darkness statements through the whole course of our history” (Fallows, 2010, p.1)?
This is not the First Time for America The first point Fallow brings to the forefront of his editorial to answer his two-parted question is that since the inception of The United States of America many have felt the country was on the brink of disaster (2010). The idea is simple and resonates easily. Pick any decade in America’s history and you can find strife that could be communicated as a catalyst to end all things American. Again, answering simply and effectively he states, “and of course any discussion of American problems in any era must include the disclaimer: the Civil War was worse” (Fallows, 2010, p.2). Truer words could not have been written. As dismal as it may seem today, with infighting across the aisle of congress creating so much political stagnation that ultimately governmental shut-down is caused, we are still very, very far away from taking arms against each other. As Fallows points out we continue to progress and outpace many other countries when it comes to issues of civil rights and racism, women’s rights, gay rights, and immigration reform (2010). America has been here before and we are still moving forwards. Not only are we moving forwards, but many times in history we have advanced by leaps and bounds when our backs were to the wall. For example, the technological advances in nuclear physics that were a result of the Manhattan Project’s objective to create the atom bomb before Germany which ultimately shortened World War II (Nuclear Files, 2013).
Is America Falling Behind? Fallow goes on to tackle the fears of America falling behind the rest of the world. As he brings to light, we have feared this throughout history from the former Soviet Union, the Japanese, the Germans and today with China and India. Fallow’s point is that only after World War II did we as a country measure ourselves against the other countries of the globe. Prior to that time we were only concerned with falling short of our own expectations and virtues (Fallow, 2010). I agree that we need to focus more on the advancements that can be controlled within our own boarders as opposed to being obsessed, or possibly jealous, of the advancements made by other countries. As Fallow writes concerning China’s developments,” A generation ago, its people produced, on average, about one-sixteenth as much as Americans did; now they produce about one‑sixth. That change is a huge achievement for China—and a plus rather than a minus for everyone else, because a business-minded China is more benign than a miserable or rebellious one” (Fallows 2010, p.3). In the true spirit of uniting our globe as an advanced and peaceful society we should champion the progression of neighboring nations.
How Does Outsourcing Affect American Economy? Where I do not agree with Fallow is on the point that the out-sourcing of American jobs is not to be worrisome. Fallow writes, “According to prevailing economic theory, a country’s job structure and income distribution are determined more by its own domestic policies—education, investment, taxes—plus shifts in technology than by anything its competitors do. That’s especially true of a large economy like America’s” (2010, p.5). This point has a lot of grey area and may have been partially true in our past, but as we see American jobs, and thus cash flow, moved oversees the industrial backbone of our country potentially leaves with those jobs, both in terms of financial resources and emotionally. Emily Wax’s article in The Washington Post reinforces my counterpoint, “in the latest phase of globalization, some economists say, Silicon Valley is in danger of losing a sizable piece of its knowledge-based industry to India in much the same way Detroit lost its lead to Japan in the auto industry” (Wax, 2010, p.3).
Is it Time for a Government Overhaul? Fallow goes on to conclude his thesis by explaining that our only legitimate fear in terms of American decline is political in nature (Fallow, 2010). He discusses how our political system has not progressed at the rate our culture has moved forwarded. I agree that emerging nations are choosing democratic parliamentary systems, which provides them with a political tool to pass legislation quickly and effectively, thus creating a government that is more dexterous than our own. Fallow continues to strengthen his argument by highlighting The American Society of Civil Engineers and their report card on America’s failing and embarrassing infrastructure (Fallow, 2010). Again I agree that we as a country have stopped focusing on investing in ourselves for periods of time longer than the terms of our politicians and if we desire a future of success we need to concentrate on internal change. “American culture is better than our government” (Fallows, 2010, p.6).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fallow writes a powerful article backed up by great sources which answer his thesis questions.
America has seen dark days before and we have always found a way to not only survive, but thrive. “There is no reason for America to feel depressed about the natural emergence of China, India, and others as world powers” (Fallows, 2010, p.3). We should cheer for the success of other nations and focus on refining our domestic systems and policies. Fallow has an incredibly powerful point concerning international culture and America as a worldwide magnet for those who wish to learn and join our American way of life. “The simplest measure of whether a culture is dominant is whether outsiders want to be part of it. These days the world is full of businesspeople, bureaucrats, and scientists who have trained in the United States” (Fallows, 2010, p.4).
References
Fallows, J. (2010, January/February). How America can rise again. The Atlantic Magazine.
Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/01/how-america-can-rise-again/7839/1/
Nuclear Files (2013). Manhattan project. Nuclear Files.org.
Retrieved from http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/key-issues/nuclear-weapons/history/pre-cold-war/manhattan-project/
Wax, E (2010 November). Outsourcing U.S. jobs a source of tension on Obama’s India Trip. The Washington Post. Retrieved from
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/11/06/AR2010110603920.html
POL101 – Introduction to Political Science
Colorado State University
November 12, 2013
How America Can Rise Again – A Critique James Fallow’s article “How American Can Rise Again” for The Atlantic Magazine is a thought provoking piece addressing the issues and fears facing a nation that may potentially be on the brink of losing its title as leader and innovator of the free world (2010). The article takes a fair-minded approach to identifying many of the greatest fears Americans have concerning a fall-from-grace of the country, its economy, education, military and political system. Fallow supports his arguments well using a mix of historical and political references as well …show more content…
as modern day events, viewpoints and the words of various authors, leaders and figureheads. I do agree with Fallow’s perspective in that there is potential for America to continue to excel as a global leader and we as citizens hold the power to manifest our own destiny.
The Questions Fallow opens up his article with a personal travel reference concerning the three years he spent in China. That point is tied to the reality that even though China is becoming a global economic powerhouse, average American life, our grocery stores, cars and sizeable backyards, surpasses that of China and many other countries around the globe. He goes on to discuss our modern day shortcomings; lack of cell phone coverage, technologically antiquated hospitals, damaged freeways and desperate need of better public transportation systems. He then poses his thesis question, “are the fears of this moment our era’s version of the “missile gap? Are they anything more than a combination of the two staple ingredients of doom-and-darkness statements through the whole course of our history” (Fallows, 2010, p.1)?
This is not the First Time for America The first point Fallow brings to the forefront of his editorial to answer his two-parted question is that since the inception of The United States of America many have felt the country was on the brink of disaster (2010). The idea is simple and resonates easily. Pick any decade in America’s history and you can find strife that could be communicated as a catalyst to end all things American. Again, answering simply and effectively he states, “and of course any discussion of American problems in any era must include the disclaimer: the Civil War was worse” (Fallows, 2010, p.2). Truer words could not have been written. As dismal as it may seem today, with infighting across the aisle of congress creating so much political stagnation that ultimately governmental shut-down is caused, we are still very, very far away from taking arms against each other. As Fallows points out we continue to progress and outpace many other countries when it comes to issues of civil rights and racism, women’s rights, gay rights, and immigration reform (2010). America has been here before and we are still moving forwards. Not only are we moving forwards, but many times in history we have advanced by leaps and bounds when our backs were to the wall. For example, the technological advances in nuclear physics that were a result of the Manhattan Project’s objective to create the atom bomb before Germany which ultimately shortened World War II (Nuclear Files, 2013).
Is America Falling Behind? Fallow goes on to tackle the fears of America falling behind the rest of the world. As he brings to light, we have feared this throughout history from the former Soviet Union, the Japanese, the Germans and today with China and India. Fallow’s point is that only after World War II did we as a country measure ourselves against the other countries of the globe. Prior to that time we were only concerned with falling short of our own expectations and virtues (Fallow, 2010). I agree that we need to focus more on the advancements that can be controlled within our own boarders as opposed to being obsessed, or possibly jealous, of the advancements made by other countries. As Fallow writes concerning China’s developments,” A generation ago, its people produced, on average, about one-sixteenth as much as Americans did; now they produce about one‑sixth. That change is a huge achievement for China—and a plus rather than a minus for everyone else, because a business-minded China is more benign than a miserable or rebellious one” (Fallows 2010, p.3). In the true spirit of uniting our globe as an advanced and peaceful society we should champion the progression of neighboring nations.
How Does Outsourcing Affect American Economy? Where I do not agree with Fallow is on the point that the out-sourcing of American jobs is not to be worrisome. Fallow writes, “According to prevailing economic theory, a country’s job structure and income distribution are determined more by its own domestic policies—education, investment, taxes—plus shifts in technology than by anything its competitors do. That’s especially true of a large economy like America’s” (2010, p.5). This point has a lot of grey area and may have been partially true in our past, but as we see American jobs, and thus cash flow, moved oversees the industrial backbone of our country potentially leaves with those jobs, both in terms of financial resources and emotionally. Emily Wax’s article in The Washington Post reinforces my counterpoint, “in the latest phase of globalization, some economists say, Silicon Valley is in danger of losing a sizable piece of its knowledge-based industry to India in much the same way Detroit lost its lead to Japan in the auto industry” (Wax, 2010, p.3).
Is it Time for a Government Overhaul? Fallow goes on to conclude his thesis by explaining that our only legitimate fear in terms of American decline is political in nature (Fallow, 2010). He discusses how our political system has not progressed at the rate our culture has moved forwarded. I agree that emerging nations are choosing democratic parliamentary systems, which provides them with a political tool to pass legislation quickly and effectively, thus creating a government that is more dexterous than our own. Fallow continues to strengthen his argument by highlighting The American Society of Civil Engineers and their report card on America’s failing and embarrassing infrastructure (Fallow, 2010). Again I agree that we as a country have stopped focusing on investing in ourselves for periods of time longer than the terms of our politicians and if we desire a future of success we need to concentrate on internal change. “American culture is better than our government” (Fallows, 2010, p.6).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fallow writes a powerful article backed up by great sources which answer his thesis questions.
America has seen dark days before and we have always found a way to not only survive, but thrive. “There is no reason for America to feel depressed about the natural emergence of China, India, and others as world powers” (Fallows, 2010, p.3). We should cheer for the success of other nations and focus on refining our domestic systems and policies. Fallow has an incredibly powerful point concerning international culture and America as a worldwide magnet for those who wish to learn and join our American way of life. “The simplest measure of whether a culture is dominant is whether outsiders want to be part of it. These days the world is full of businesspeople, bureaucrats, and scientists who have trained in the United States” (Fallows, 2010, p.4).
References
Fallows, J. (2010, January/February). How America can rise again. The Atlantic Magazine.
Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/01/how-america-can-rise-again/7839/1/
Nuclear Files (2013). Manhattan project. Nuclear Files.org.
Retrieved from http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/key-issues/nuclear-weapons/history/pre-cold-war/manhattan-project/
Wax, E (2010 November). Outsourcing U.S. jobs a source of tension on Obama’s India Trip. The Washington Post. Retrieved from
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/11/06/AR2010110603920.html