Opinion: A look at the East

The world finds itself in a cacophony of international strife and decay. Superpowers struggle for domination of global commerce and wealth. In the eyes of nations across the world, two of these powers take center stage: the U.S. and China.

These two countries have been seen as rivals and almost enemies ever since the American economy began to suffer.

Wouldn't it seem better, however, if the people of these two very different countries were to come together and learn from one another?

While they – or we, in this case – may have our differences in the economic sphere, it is imperative that the two influential nations maintain healthy relations. A relationship where both prosper culturally and intellectually would help maintain positive bonds between the strained countries.

For instance, language serves as a powerful boundary between two such cultures. Communication should be encouraged, language classes should be offered and tourist-friendly centers should be available.

Now I know many of those things are offered in China. Chinese students are put through English courses from when they start school until the end. By the end of their education Chinese students are close to being bilingual.

That much cannot be said of American students. The language departments in American schools are mostly devoted to studying Spanish. Of course, I have no problem with the Spanish language (or the people who speak it) but it seems that since the beginning of our education in America, we are drilled on the culture of the west, western history and western languages.

America – or American schools – need to become aware of the importance and size of the eastern world – India, Africa and the Asian countries. It is, however, important to remember our western heritage and the roots of America, but the importance placed on western studies need to be tempered with studies of the east.

This is true of other eastern countries, as well. Japan is an ally of the U.S. and a powerful one at that. Americans often see their country as one full of diversity and a mixed racial palate.

They see their country as one that accepts and understands others. Why, then, are our history courses solely devoted to European history, with a dash of middle eastern thrown in there?

Why is it that the Boxer Rebellion was hardly covered at all? Or why was it that most students can't explain the concept of feudalism?

As for languages, one can make the argument that Chinese and Japanese are very difficult languages to learn.

The same can be said of English! The English language is one of the – if not the – most complex, complicated languages in existence. America needs to look well beyond the Prime Meridian horizon and make some new friends.