Hmmm, I will agree that I see a difference between the 2nd generation asian students vs. the ones from overseas along the lines you describe. I wonder if it will take the third-gen to become fat, lazy americans? ;).
Re: the depression, suicide connection. It’s a very real issue unfortunately:
Oh, but you are. I’m sure most of the development done on Windows OS are done by Indian engineers and most of the CPU that run those OS are made in China.
Sorry, I’m a Unix guy. Proudly produced in New Jersey and California. By American’s (I’ve met most of them in fact!).
I think there is world of difference between a culture that encourages innovation vs. one of replication (not passing judgment either way). American seems to excel at the former at the expense of the latter where Asia is vice-versa. Toyota is a great example, Ford pioneered the personal automobile, where Toyota perfected the production and distribution of it.
The world is a better place for having both, of course.
As an aside, I think bringing Japan into the discussion is very interesting. Much of the griping I hear about China and India reminds me of what folks were saying about Japan when I was a youngster. Last I checked things didn’t exactly turn out in their favor. I suspect the average American enjoys a higher quality of life due to our respective countries relationship, vs. the average Japanese.
