“30 Little Turtles” by Thomas Friedman is a short argument in favour of hiring from other countries, in this case India, for jobs that are “low-wage, low-prestige” American jobs (177). Although I can see the positive side in hiring from other countries for these types of jobs, I can’t help but find it a little sad that the people taking these jobs are first trained how to speak with a Canadian, US or British accent, depending on which country they will be answering calls from. But, they don’t seem to mind. They are just happy to have what they consider to be high-paying, fulfilling jobs.
Many of the young people that are hired to work the call centres would otherwise not be working. Many have degrees from college or university that will not be used (176). It must be frustrating to put the time and energy that it takes into their schooling only to be faced with lack of employment when their education is complete. This does not seem to bring them down in their enthusiasm according to Friedman (176).
It is refreshing to hear that these call centre jobs create a sense of pride among the workers. They are given a chance at financial independence and a sense of hope for their futures. Freidman finds it “uplifting” to watch these young people as they gain “self-confidence and self-worth” (176). On a larger scale, it works out to the advantage of everyone involved to continue to outsource these jobs. The Americans aren’t really interested in this work, while the Indian people are happy to have the jobs. This being the case, those people that call in are just happy to have someone on the other end of the line willing and happy to help. On a personal note, if I need assistance with something, I would prefer to deal with a person that is enthusiastic about what they are doing. Overall, is it more important to keep these jobs local to North America, or to have someone do the job that enjoys it and strives to do the best they can?
Works Cited
Friedman, Thomas. “30 Little Turtles.” Perspectives on Contemporary Issues. Ed. Katherine Ackley, Kim Blank, and Stephen Hume. Toronto: Nelson, 2008. 176 – 177. Print.
I believe it is better to allow other people the chance to strive at a career that they will enjoy, especially since North Americans never seem to be happy with any job they do. Why not allow someone that will appricate it more the opportunity to do it.
ReplyDeleteEveryone deserves to be happy in their career, no matter what country they are from. If we can give those jobs to people who will really enjoy them and work their hardest, why shouldn't we?
ReplyDeleteI agree. People spend so much time at their jobs, that they really should be happy doing it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure it's a question of how happy people are at their jobs, it is more so a question of the employment situation in the country that is outsourcing. If America has no unemployment issues of its own there is a case for outsourcing. Otherwise the jobs should be made available to American people as this will help to prevent poverty and poverty related violence in America.
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