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THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN REPORTING: THE OTHER SIDE OF OUTSOURCING (TV)

Summary

This special presentation, reported on by New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman, examines the outsourcing of American jobs to India. Friedman begins his research in the center of south India: Bangalore, one of the most technologically-advanced cities in the country. He visits a round-the-clock call center, speaking with supervisor Anney Unnikrishnan about the significance of these jobs to young Indians. Friedman visits a recruiting seminar where young Indians go to compete for the highly sought-after jobs. Next, Friedman goes to an "accent-neutralization" class where Indians learn how to make their accents sound more American. Friedman examines whether these jobs are making the workers a "little less Indian" and how the economic boom from outsourcing is creating a generation gap between young and old. Two youths, Sophia Ross and Cynthia Aaron, talk about how their generation is changing Indian society. Then, Friedman speaks with the girls' parents about generational differences and family bonds. Next, Friedman visits the apartment of three young Indian women who live together, speaking to them about their lifestyles and comparing them to characters from the "Friends" TV show. Indian scholar Anantha Murthy speaks with Friedman, wondering whether globalization simply means that India is becoming more "American," eroding typical Indian values. Then, Friedman examines the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization that promotes Hindu supremacy throughout India. RSS members discuss their specific problems with globalization. Next, Friedman discusses the idea of "glocalization" -- capitalizing on the global economy via local talent and culture. Friedman visits the Jadoo Works animation company to view "glocalization" in action. Next, the program looks at the numerous services and products that are now being outsourced and how they are eliminating many American jobs. Next, Friedman speaks with the richest man in India, entrepreneur Azim Premji, who speaks on the impact of outsourcing on America, the role that innovation will play in the future, and how globalization must have "two-way traffic." Next, Friedman examines the role that Indian high-tech companies have played in the geo-political conflicts of south Asia, specifically the India-Pakistan nuclear disagreements of 2002. Then, Friedman looks at the slums of India and the "working poor" who inhabit it, playing their own part in globalization. Friedman later meets Abraham Varghese, a former business executive, who speaks about villagers losing what little they have from the changing economy. Friedman also visits a women's rights group that voices fierce anti-globalization sentiments. Finally, Friedman travels to a "remarkable" school outside of Bangalore, the Shanti Bhavan School, where children from the lowest caste of Indian society come to learn modern technology. Commercials deleted.

Details

  • NETWORK: Discovery Channel
  • DATE: June 3, 2004 10:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:44:33
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:89479
  • GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
  • SUBJECT HEADING: She Made It Collection (Judith McHale)
  • SERIES RUN: Discovery Channel - TV, 2004
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Ann Derry … Executive Producer
  • Philip A. Boag … Executive Producer
  • Stephen Reverand … Executive Producer
  • Kenneth Levis … Producer, Director
  • Dina Hossain … Co-Producer
  • Iobal Kidwai … Field Producer
  • Saritha Rai … Field Producer
  • APM … Music by
  • Les Marshak … Narrator
  • Thomas L. Friedman … Reporter
  • Cynthia Aaron
  • Anantha Murthy
  • Azim Premji
  • Sophia Ross
  • Anney Unnikrishnan
  • Abraham Varghese