And the winner is...

                          

The current future of our nation's next political leader -- it's clear that in our nation it will be close but how about the rest of the world?

In a recent Foreign Policy article, a recent poll was done which interviewed over 26,000 people from 32 different countries and 62% of those respondents reported, "the U.S. president has a high or very high impact on their lives." What to me was the most surprising, was that an astounding "42% felt they should have the right to vote in this year's contest for that very reason!"

Not to be outdone, out of the 32 countries--would  choose President Obama again over Mitt Romney- only 1 (being Israel) would not . Don't be fooled- the article clearly outlined that everyone isn't diehard Obama fans (only France in this case) rather they seem to all fall in the middle. Other countries are even less enthusiastic, like Germany, but still do choose Obama.

Living in such a globalized world, I do think it is important to have an understanding of other countries policies' and to know that there are so many people in the world that look to us is remarkable. Sadly, I feel that many Americans are so concerned about only domestic issues -- that many have little understanding or knowledge of the outside world. 

Food for thought, will this make or break our national election- no, but surely I find it interesting. Anyone else, the article itself breaks down into information much more thoroughly.

Reality Check- Aisle One Please.

As many may know, Hurricane Sandy and later to be known as Superstorm Sandy recently swept through and demolished a significant portion of the East Coast. Sandy left behind a war path full of devastation and lost; as a nation we are left to pick up and face reality. Yet whats interesting is that this storm brought about two interesting realities: one (that mainstream press seemed to cover little about) was the impact of global warming and two -- the economic realities that many face now. 

1.) Global Warming --> Sandy's recent mark on several states clearly shows how we should not mess with Mother Nature. A recent Bloomberg Buinessweek magazine cover, clearly lays out the connection that this super-storm had with global warming. This is a clear example of how, as a nation, we really need to take the proper measures to ensure we are respecting and taking care of the environment we live in. Not only does global warming induce storms such as Sandy, bringing total devastation -- but Mother Nature also has a lingering impact, with most notably being our national upcoming election. The devastation of this storm is so great that recent articles, like this one from USA Today, mention the significant ramifications Eastern states will face from the lack of power that may still be out come November 6th.

 

2.) Economic Reality -->  In Timothy Noah's book, "The Great Divergence" he highlights the economic divide that is occurring in our country, and I think Hurricane Sandy, really brings to light these issues in our country. Millions are without power, no matter the social strata, but as Randy mentions in his blog- what about the homeless?! Of course they have acclimated to extreme weather and conditions, but to be faced to such extreme conditions- where was help for them? Granted, I don't know that much about taxes to know that if we were to significantly increase taxes for the super wealthy if that would help the economic divide -- and even dwindle down far enough to help the homeless either. But it doesn't sound like it could hurt. 

I have to admit that upon reading an article from this morning, this article about Katie Holmes and her daughter Suri, made me roll my eyes. Poor Katie Holmes had to leave her luxury apartment because of Hurricane Sandy and stay in a 4 star hotel with her daughter. 

This is a slap of reality. Instead of focusing on most of Middle Class America, and even the poverty stricken who have lost their homes and livelihood to the storm -- mainstream media wants us to feel bad for millionaires being forced to stay at a top hotel? I know I certainly don't. Millions of everyday Americans have been significantly impacted by this storm but the focus still lies on the top 1% of America's richest people. The super rich continue to be pampered by our government while those who face hardships on a daily basis, have to fight for government assistance. Perhaps doing a tax increase for the super rich is an pathway to a solution in solving America's "Great Divergence."

Broadway's take on Islamophobia

What do you call a trio of bumbling jihadists, a suicide bomber, a scheming small-time mastermind and a humorless terror-war widow? The answer may surprise you, a new Broadway play, called: Modern Terrorism, or They Who Want to Kill Us and How We Learn to Love Them. 

(really? this is the image they use to highlight the play?)

                                       
This play addresses Islamofacism and Islamophobia and not in a dry academic nature rather it turn to comedy. It appears that this play tries to humanize the characters by showing how their struggles and life experiences are just the same as everyone else. 

For Modern Terrorism, a review describes it as: "a cartoon capped with a Jacobean conclusion, one so badly miscalculated it reveals the foregoing hijinks as cheap and naïve." 

I think it's great that a cultural venue has taken on such a relevant and controversial issue. But, it is disheartening to hear that it makes light of the issue and only highlights common stereotypes. Why is it that the plot has to revolve around a group of terrorists? Is it so outrageous to have a play that addresses Islam with normal, everyday people?

Nonetheless, after further research, starting price of tickets for this show is over $75!  Although unique, personally I wouldn't want to spend that amount of money on a show that capitalizes on negative stereotypes to draw people in. 

To read more about this startling new play, click here (Vulture article) or here (NYT). 

The Time Has Come...

The time has come- to stop being idle bystanders and begin actively making change within our educational institutions. I recently came across an article from the CEO of Chegg, Daniel Rosensweig about the need to disrupt education in America. Although we have talked extensively on this issue in class and on our blogs- I can not begin to stress the importance of our country really needing to transform the current educational system that is set in place. Instead of advancing with time, especially our K-12 educational system, has continued to remain stagnant. Sure our classrooms are now outfitted with computers, e-readers, and iPad's but most of the actual academic content has remained the same. So much so that students are only being taught what to know on standardized tests and not having the opportunity to be creative or artistic. 

Although America's institutions of higher learning continue to be highly regarded by many around the world, even this level of learning is facing stumbling blocks. 

The CEO of Chegg, Daniel had his company do a recent study to asses the current jobs that were available and at the same time examined the majors of the most recent college graduates. This is just a brief and troubling summary of the findings from this study:

"Fifty-four percent of jobs in San Jose, California fall within the area of IT, but only 2 percent of students in the area are graduating with IT degrees.  Thirty-nine percent of the jobs in Columbus, Ohio also fall within the area of IT, but only 2 percent of students are graduating with IT degrees.  And, in Miami, Florida, 36 percent of the open jobs are in the accounting/finance field and just 4 percent of students in the area are graduating with accounting/finance degrees."

As an undergraduate who graduated with a double major of German & Political Science, I am actually not that surprised by these results. For me I'm simply not interested in pursuing a career in IT but I do know of so many who could truly excel and clearly who could find jobs if they had the necessary academic qualifications. Yet at the same time, the cost of getting this one piece of paper has become astronomically high. There are so many challenges that America's education system (both K-12 and even higher education) are facing and although not everything can be solved immediately, we should at least begin baby stepping to a solution. 

In closing, once again I think Daniel Rosensweig, makes a very valid point with this statement: "The time is now to fix our failing education system. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue, this is an American and economic issue." 

To read more of Daniel Rosensweig' illuminating article, click here.