March 08, 2008
Did You Know vs. The World Is Flat
In the “Did You Know” video, different statistics are thrown at us about the increase in the use of technology worldwide. The evidence is very convincing. Using the graphs, statistics, and quotes, the video is very to the point and informative.
Thomas Friedman’s “The World Is Flat” takes a slightly different approach. His tone seems to be much more conversational and personal. He uses stories and conversations to make his points not just numbers.
What would be more appealing to you?
1. Worldwide millions have people have started text-messaging more and more.
Or
2. My teenage daughter is constantly on her phone text messaging. The phone bills have increased rapidly. Other parents are experiencing the same problems with their children and phone bills.
Simplistic, I know. But it kind of makes the point. I don’t really know what is best. Informal versus formal is a tricky choice. A choice that needs to be made based on the material being covered.
For me, I found Friedman’s reading more effective than the “Did You Know” video. This is because I didn’t feel over whelmed, scared, and preached at. Admittedly, it may certainly be the point of the “Did You Know” video to have this intimidating effect on people. But I appreciated Friedman’s approach to the globalization of technology much more.
He explained WHY this was happening and the EFFECTS. He offered to provide solutions and explanations. For me, this is much more valuable than numbers and statistics. And I think this is at the heart of the difference between the two works.
Posted by amyljb at March 8, 2008 11:28 AM
Comments
I purposely finished my blogging this week before reading others' entries, and I found it funny to see our very similar title. :)
You are right. Both formal and informal ways of telling something can be effective. I think the clip and readings can't demonstrate better. Materials covered is an important element, but I think it pretty much depends on the audience as well...
Posted by: slui at March 9, 2008 06:28 PM
Hey Amy! I agree with you in that "The World is Flat" had a lot more impact on what I think about globalization. The statistics in "Did You Know" were pretty interesting, but that's really about it. "The World is Flat" put globalization into a much more personal perspective. I enjoyed the reading since it was something that was more informal and hit closer to home.
Posted by: aykrysc at March 11, 2008 02:31 PM
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