How to Raise a Global Kid

In this article, Jim Rogers raises a few critical but precise points on America’s faltering connections in this rapidly globalising world, as well as the significance of raising “global kids”, a new generation of youths who are able to bridge the gap between the east and the west. Indubitably, we have to agree with his point of view. As we all know, Asia is indeed the future. America has amassed a tremendous debt of $14.46 million, far worse than in 2006, and its debt ceiling ever rising. America may be the superpower at the moment but Jim Rogers is critical of this, as America is disregarding the rapid pace of globalisation, during which the veil between “economies and business; of politics and conflict; of fashion, technology, and music” becomes less and less discernible, a great threat to America’s prosperity. If America continues to be disillusioned by its title of a superpower, it risks being segregated from the rest of the world.

With expeditious globalisation, the prosperity of a nation cannot solely depend on mere bilateral ties with other nations. This simple theory has sent America into decline. America needs a revolution, and it means nurturing a generation of “global citizens”, who have the ability to bridge western and eastern influences and cultures. As it lies on the crossroad of east and west, Singapore has always emphasised on the significance of bilingualism. Over the years, besides English as the main medium of instruction, mother tongue has also established itself in the foundation of Singaporean education, setting the impetus for our nation’s rapid advancement as an Asia-Pacific hub for quality education and healthcare services. Perhaps America should follow a similar approach, not just through the teaching of foreign languages, but a protracted immersion of its youths in other cultures, subtly constructing a global perspective.

Conversely, some people might argue that English would still remain in its position as a global business language and that America will still be the main driving force behind globalisation such that abandoning the English language would not be practical. However, we cannot deny the fact that one still has to be capable of immersing themselves in the Asian culture and language, since fast industrialising Asian countries would eventually be the main contributors to expeditious globalisation. Certainly, it would be more adequate if one were to equip themselves with bilingualism, since it would definitely pay off as one would be able to bridge western and eastern influences, the mainstay of a globalised economy.

In conclusion, Jim Rogers’ perception that America’s lack of interaction and immersion with the rest of the world is salient, addressing the concerns of the rapidly globalising world. We cannot deny the fact that bilingualism and the ability to immerse would be able to bring intangible benefits to countries and more importantly, America.