Better Late Than Never

The article, Globalization: Threat or Opportunity for the U.S. Economy, was written to explain the specifics of how outsourcing and off-shoring affect the economy, and recommend general guidelines for how the drawbacks could be lessened. It presents outsourcing in a positive light, and explains why and to what extent it actually increases the revenue generated in the United States. It successfully explains the root cause of America's weaknesses and comparitive advantages.

It was presented by a the CEO of a bank to the primary stockholders, and as such, his job was at stake. First, because he was presenting to the people who pay his salary, and second, the accuracy and effectiveness of what he said would affect the success of his business. It has been propagated through several web sites that illustrate the significance and success of the document. The author has gained considerable credibility, and his principles have proven to be popular.


1. Analogy. By comparing a family to a market economy, the author takes a seemingly complex situation and makes it simple and easy to understand. It isn't overly simplistic, and is also easy to relate to.

2. Overstatement. He states that "basically, everyone benefits" from globalization. Although he himself contradicts this later, it is an effective opening statement to set the tone that it is an overall benficial process.

3. Tone. The author consitently maintains an easy-going tone. Although he focusses heavily on statistics, he speaks about them as though they are just side-evidence, and treats his thesis as though it proves itself. Both in his explanation and recommendations, he promotes a feeling of security and trust in the natural economy.

4. Understatement. When attempting to measure the job loss that initially occurs with outsourcing, he admits that there are no official statistics and measurement standards. He dwarfs this fact with a number of credible sounding statistics and dazzling numbers that distract the attention.

5. Simile. "Words about aggregate demand can seem like cold comfort to..." This certainly helps to establish a sense of empathy with the target audience. It demonstrates understanding of the situation on the personal level.

6. Rhetorical question. "Is globalization a threat or opportunity to the U.S. economy?" He clearly demonstrates the risk involved, and the nature of the "investment", and never clearly answers the question definitively. I got the feeling that he's saying it's such a good opportunity, it would be a risk NOT to take advantage.