Introduction
In the article “My Lazy American Students”, Kara Miller has discussed the differences in the work ethics of American and Foreign students. Miller has utilized her experience of teaching in a college with a large number of international students to understand the difference between the local and foreign students. She has narrated specific student interactions and aspects to support her statements and believes that poor work ethics and time management skills of the American students appear pale in comparison to those of their foreign counterparts.
Summary of Important Points
Own Argument
I support the arguments made by the author as today’s modern culture provides students with numerous distractions through phones, laptops and internet connections. The American students have easy access to all such resources and as a result, they develop an infatuation with video games, social media, and movies. In addition to being more concerned with cultural phenomena and avoiding studies, the local students have had a comparatively more privileged upbringing as the foreign students such as the Chinese and Indians. Such students usually study to become successful and to create a sustainable future for them. Since the international students realize the value of being able to study in America, they pay more attention to their education then social and cultural aspects. The difference in fee charges for domestic and international students may also be a contributing factor towards the varying interest and sense of responsibility to the students as international students are charged almost double the regular fee charges.
Conclusion
Therefore, it can be concluded that the author has made sound and reasonable arguments in her article regarding the high variance in the work ethics and educational interests of the American and international students. The two categories of students demonstrate highly contrasting behaviors regarding their studies and attitudes. As a result, the knowledge gap widens, leaving the domestic students more vulnerable to the changes in the international economy, in comparison to the foreign students who gain knowledge and information despite their struggles with the language and other educational barriers. Privileged upbringing may be a contributory factor to the non-serious attitude of the American students.
Works Cited
Miller, Kara. "My lazy American students." 21 December 2009. Boston Globe. 2016 January 5 <http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/12/21/my_lazy_american_students/>.
