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I've been writing here about lifestyle differences within the United States, but hoo boy, I noticed some really big differences when I visited England for the first time two weeks ago. And I think they stem from education!
I went to London and Birmingham with a colleague from work to check out the reception of a new packaging industry product in the British packaging trade (yep, that's what I do!). Well! Throughout the country I met people who were well-spoken, focused, and most astoundingly, well-educated. You might think I am writing about the "business people" I met. No way Jose, I'm talking about everyone, from the Indian-born clerk in the BP gas station where I bought "crisps" to the "northern" taxi drivers who brought me to and from the convention center and my hidden hotel, to the professional packagers who talked with me about my company's products. The vast majority of people I spoke with demonstrated knowledge of current events and technical matters.
One example that may be meaningful only to me (but I hope not!) was when two 60-something women visited my company's stand at a trade show and introduced themselves as the proprietors of a company that makes Christmas puddings year-round, selling them during the Christmas season within the UK. Well, I expected them to have some general interest in our computer-based products, but I was bowled over at their knowledge of computers and electronics. They certainly knew a lot more than I did! And yet their main experience had simply been baking for most of their lives!
If this conversation had taken place in Chicago, it would have been far more general in nature. These ladies would have asked their "technicians" to contact us for information, and many follow-up conversations would have been necessary. In comparison to Europeans, I think it is absolutely undeniable that most Americans have far less grasp of science and math, and far less understanding of the world around them because of this. I believe that, because subjects are taught so very differently in England, these two bakers had the knowledge they needed to size-up my company's technical products and determine whether they would be an advisable purchase.
Schoolchildren in Warwickshire
What a lesson to me! That experience served to solidify my interest in home schooling, and my concern for the children I have not yet had! |
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