Xref: utzoo comp.sys.amiga:16973 comp.sys.atari.st:8718 comp.sys.ibm.pc:13908 comp.sys.mac:14603 sci.electronics:2648 comp.arch:4157 Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!husc6!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!sarrel From: sarrel@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu (Marc Sarrel) Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga,comp.sys.atari.st,comp.sys.ibm.pc,comp.sys.mac,sci.electronics,comp.arch Subject: Re: GATT declares U.S. - Japan chip pact illegal Message-ID: <9252@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu> Date: 30 Mar 88 23:40:54 GMT References: <2441@unicus.UUCP> <1259@hubcap.UUCP> Organization: The Ohio State University Dept of Computer and Information Science Lines: 62 Summary: We have met the enemy, and it is us. [Well stated arguments concerning foriegn trade deleted] While I agree with you that the Asian countries have a cheaper labor force and that their economies are sometimes stacked against imports (especially Japan's), I cannot agree that that is the whole problem. Ask not what they are doing that is underhanded, as what we are doing that is wrong (so that we can correct it). I generally do not favor protectionist policies. Take the automobile industry as an example. In the begining, the Japanese gained a foothold because their cars were cheaper than American built ones. Then, we fell further behind during the energy crisis because our cars were less fuel efficient. Over the years, Japanese cars have become more luxurious, until now they rival some American Cars in that regard. However, with the rising Yen, those cars have become more expensive. But, because of the image that the American car buyer has of Japanese quality, Japanese cars still sell well. (However, I think this is changing.) Basically, there are two differences between "us" and "them" that are important here. First, the Japanese seem to be more responsive to changes in the market, and they seem to be able to change quicker. This is not a function of worker's salaries. Second, and more important, the Japanese as a society seem more willing to support the long-term technological research that is needed to make products in a more efficient manner (or at all, in some cases such as VCRs). (You should watch a tape of the NOVA that was on last night about superconductors, they made some good points about this.) We Americans seem to do better at inventing new things, but the Japanese are better at spending the time needed to develop these ideas into marketable products. Again, this has nothing to do with worker's salaries. I could go on about the problem of the Japanese owning businesses in this country. There is also the problem of worker education (or lack thereof). These are problems that need to be addressed, but they are peripheral to this discussion. It all boils down to this: In order that both societies should prosper, we need to become more like the Japanese and the Japanese need to become more like us. We need to fund that long-term development research, make sure that our work force is better educated (to keep up with changing technology in the workplace). And, American consumers have to change their attitude about foriegn products. (A little attitude change is better than a lot of trade legislation.) (Presumably a change is attitude will bring about a change is behaviour. ie: we'll buy more domestic goods.) American companies overseas should know more about those markets. Trying to sell the Japanese a product that sells well in this country without modification is often a fatal mistake. The Japanese, on the other hand, should change their behaviour about imports. They _should_ open up their markets to foriengers. (On the other hand, American companies should learn about the sometimes baffling Japanese system of business dealings, after all, they had to learn ours to be a success here.) The bottom line is that pointing the finger at Japan and crying foul is incorrect, useless and possibly fatal. 'nuff said -- Marc Sarrel The Ohio State University 611 Harely Dr #1 Department of Computer and Information Science Columbus, OH 43202-1835 sarrel@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu Disclaimer: Hey, what do I know? I'm only a grad student.