Human Capital

Human capital is highly valued throughout the world and each individual should be interested in raising their human capital to its highest possible level. “Human capital is the sum total of skills embodied within an individual: education, intelligence, charisma, creativity, work experience, and entrepreneurial vigor (Wheelan pg 127).” Great thinkers and political leaders have reflected societal views of human capital throughout history. Different industries use perceived human capital to choose people that will be useful to their organizations. Three areas where human capital is carefully examined are the immigration department, universities, and average employers. Each of these values the human capital of their applicants in somewhat similar ways. In the United States human capital is valued and thoroughly considered when the immigration department considers each candidate for citizenship. Also, during an admissions process, universities are often influenced by particular backgrounds and the intended studies of their future students. A potential employer will desire to know that the candidate being considered for employment has intelligence and good work experience. Both of these factors illustrate the applicant’s human capital.

An increase in human capital indicates a rise in productivity and therefore a rise in standard of living. The United States as compared to its global competitors has a significant amount of human capital in the majority of its citizens.  In fact, the United States is ranked third in the world for its standard of living.

“Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, [while] those [gave] the art of living well (Aristotle).” This quote expresses Aristotle’s belief in investing in the human capital of one’s child. By doing this the parent is not only giving their child life but the quality of life. This quality of life would then extend into the next generation and the generations after that. Aristotle’s philosophy has been embodied by many of the parents throughout the generations who want to give their children everything the parents themselves never had.

            Different types of people however have different ideas of what makes a human valuable. Take Adolf Hitler for example. He believed that to have value one must be a pure German with blonde hair, and blue eyes. On the other hand, if one was Jewish, in Hitler’s eyes, one had lower value than the dirt under his shoe. Now this is Hitler’s opinion of the human capital of a Jewish person or an imperfect German. Conversely, other Jews would hold a Jewish rabbi in high regard and his knowledge of his religion gives him a high human capital. Human capital has a lot to do with the perspective of the person judging another person’s value. 

            “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive. (Albert Einstein)” Einstein believed that the value of man was in one’s selflessness and contribution to society. Consider the ways Edison’s contribution to electricity, Bell’s telephone, Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights efforts, and Steve Jobs’ apple technology have bettered civilization on a global level. The legacy of human capital left by these men is irreplaceable.

The process of choosing people who will be allowed to immigrate into the United States is based on quality of human capital, productivity, and the element of family. “There are two ways in which immigrants can contribute to the human capital accumulation in the receiving country: first, they bring with themselves the skills they have acquired before arrival, and, second, after arrival they accumulate human capital differently than natives or they can influence the natives accumulation of knowledge (Dolado pg 194).”

Dolado points out that these non-native citizens bring a unique element to the country, and are therefore valuable because of their influence on native born Americans. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 40% of PhD scientists working in the U.S. were born off American soil. This fact highlights the importance of immigration for the success and advancement of the American way of life.

Immigrants’ productivity raises the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by an estimated $37 billion per year (West). This is a huge number which must be taken seriously. Immigrants have a significant impact on the economy which demands to be noted.

The element of family is another key to immigration to the United States of America. Family values have always been treasured here because success starts in the home. Period. If an American woman marries a Philippino man who is not a citizen, it is easier for him to gain citizenship because a husband and father creates a certain amount of stability and therefore success for his marriage and future children.

In early American history, anyone who could afford to come to the United States was allowed in. There was no real consideration of human capital prior to citizenship around this time.  However, this philosophy changed over several decades. Race and ethnicity became the larger issue.

“The McCarran-Walter Act establishes the basic laws of U.S. citizenship and immigration. This act, also known as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, has undergone several changes since its adoption. Originally, the law admitted only a certain number of immigrants of each nationality. But a law passed by Congress in 1965 gave preference to immigrants with skills needed in the United States and to close relatives of U.S. citizens. A 1990 law continued these preferences. (Braziel)”

The United States began to disallow citizenship from those nationalities they considered suspicious.  This discrimination began with the freed blacks in America and continued with Asians, Chinese, and Japanese people. The human capital of these minorities did not outweigh the perceived danger or destruction these people might bring to the United States.

Other examples of selective immigration in history can be found during WWII. When the Nazis persecuted the Jews, they became refugees looking for countries to take them in. Americans readily accepted the brightest scientists, artists and others who could academically or culturally enhance the United States. However, they were not interested or accepting of “ordinary” people. A cinematic example is found in the movie Deep Impact (2012). The movie tells a tale of a catastrophic disaster and how the world prepared for it and specifically how it affected the life of the protagonist and those he cared about. The government builds bunkers to protect the people with the greatest value and those who were younger in age to preserve the human race. This shows how increased human capital creates a demand for that individual.

Human capital is a focal point of university screenings for admission. The United States of America is the top destination for foreign students to study. American universities want foreign students in their schools because it makes them internationally competitive and better shapes them to function successfully in a globalized world thereby increasing domestic American student’s human capital (McClatchy). According to Princeton University statistics, 11.3% of their student populations are children of Princeton alumni. This figure points to the fact that universities value the human capital of their graduates and want to draw from that for their future students.

 The military brings large amounts of human capital to the individual who invests his or her time serving their country. This includes a powerful combination of purpose, work ethic, leadership, and an unmistakable drive to succeed. All of these qualities are often recognized by employers and valued above the average citizen (http://www.lucasgroup.com). American employers may favor American applicants over immigrant applicants because they value the comradery they have with a fellow American and it will take time to build up trust and connections for the immigrants.

“Metropolitan areas are home to many immigrants who were educated and gained their experience abroad in medical professions, engineering, information technology, and other careers who could contribute to local economies. However, immigrants who acquired their education outside the United States often have difficulties finding jobs in their field of specialization in the first several years after arrival.”

 (Singer pg 4)

The above quote illustrates how culture can affect the worth of the human capital. In the case above an immigrant may be as educationally qualified as an American however it may be difficult for the employer to detect this.

             

            Everyone has a human capital and only they can truly determine how great the value is. The acceptance granted by the immigration department, universities and employers is a narrow path guarded by a demand for “…education, intelligence, charisma, creativity, work experience, and entrepreneurial vigor (Wheelan pg 127).” There is great diversity in the concept of human capital philosophies which have been influenced by charismatic leaders and thinkers of the past. Compared to its global competitors the United States of America has become a leader in the production and implementation of human capital. Finally, what must be considered is how Americans can continue to contribute to the national as well as global human capital without becoming strictly consumers.

Works Cited

"Beyond GDP." The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 20 Sept. 2010. Web. 08 Apr. 2013.

Braziel, Jana Evans. "History of Migration and Immigration Laws in the United States." History of Migration and Immigration Laws in the United States. N.p., Mar.-Apr. 2000. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.

Dolado, Juan. "Immigration, Human Capital and Growth in the Host Country." Journal of Population Economics 7.2 (1994): 194. Springer Link. Springer-Verlag, June 1994. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

"Military Transition." Lucas Group, 2012. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.

Newspapers, McClatchy. "US Universities Take Steps to Attract International Students." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 17 Nov. 2008. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.

Singer, Audrey. "Investing in the Human Capital of Immigrants, Strengthening Regional Economies." The Brookings Institution. N.p., Sept. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.

West, Darrell M. "Creating a "Brain Gain" for U.S. Employers: The Role of Immigration." The Brookings Institution. N.p., Jan. 2011. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.

Wheelan, Charles J. Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science. New York: Norton, 2002. Print.

Beautiful Art

Life, Love, and a Killer

A chase, horrible and twisted, his steps close behind me— and blood. My legs tangled in the damp, sweaty sheets. I gasped for air, a death grip on my mattress. Sore from violent dreams, my arms stretched above the pillow and brushed the headboard. I’m ok.

Annabelle, my little sister assaulted our family’s ears with the lyrics of her favorite song. Reluctant, I slumped down the staircase and was met with the aroma of warm scrambled eggs and cinnamon rolls on our breakfast table. My stomach grumbled in agreement with the rest of my body. The meal tasted delicious; however, I had this feeling I couldn’t put my finger on, slight dread but not enough to unsettle me. The feeling like an itch, kept distracting me.

Restlessness overwhelmed me and I decided to go for a short walk. Outside the summer breeze rushed through my hair. To my left, an animal darted into a bush. I plodded down the jaded, dirt path; it was so beautiful outside, I just wanted to capture it all. Pictures wouldn’t do this day justice. The heat absorbed into my pale skin, and my arms tingled with a burned sensation. The fresh air invigorated my whole body. Home, I grabbed a glass from the cabinet and filled it with water. I raced up the stairs to my room.

~

Later that night, mom and dad invited some of dad’s business colleagues to our home for dinner. Sounds of laughter and the clink of crystal glasses carried up the stairs. Draped over my bed with one ear bud in, I day dreamed until a glass shattered in the room below— then silence. A curious stillness paralyzed me from head to toe; it sent chills up and down my spine.  I stopped then peeked around the textured wall, and saw everything in its place. Nothing was out of the ordinary, except the broken glass on the floor, surrounded by a pool of red liquid. I was alone.

Confused I turned back to the wall. Thoughts raced by and invaded my mind. What is going on? Where is everyone? I wanted to call out but something held me back. My legs carried me through the house, from room to room. I felt isolated. A look out the front window proved they hadn’t taken the car. I grasped a picture frame with a family photo tracing the faces with my eyes. Where are they? I set down the frame harder than I meant to, and the glass cracked.  I trembled with each step ‘til I came to the kitchen and cupped water in my hands and splashed it on my face attempting to calm my now flushed cheeks. Out of a reflection, I then saw something that struck fear into me.

 A dark figure emerged from the next room carrying a bloodied knife. Whose blood is that? Why didn’t I hear anything? He scanned the room and cleared his throat, then left in the same silence he came. My mind raced with possibilities, horrible scenarios. I crept out of my hiding place determined to find answers.  

With each quiet stride the dread of something terrible washed over me.  I peeked into the next room and saw more of the same strange perfection. My blood ran cold and my eyes darted back and forth over the familiar surroundings. I felt constricted, my chest tightened. What’s going on? A drip on my right shoulder, water from the air conditioning vent? I could have sworn dad fixed that.  A brush of my fingers over my shoulder, it was warm. I jerked my hand away. What? I brought my hand in front of my face and stared in horror. Blood—then another drop on the opposite shoulder. Muscles tightened as the blood made contact. A loss for words enveloped me. I wanted to scream but no sound would come. A pulse, my pulse pounded in my head with a deafening affect. My head lifted with caution. On the ceiling were my sister, parents and their friends; dead, pinned there with rope and silver knives. My hand flew to my mouth. Breath stolen, tears rolled down my face.

The door opened, the man was back. He saw me with his icy blue eyes and waited for me to move. When I did he began his chase. I leapt over the living room couch. Throwing the back door open, I sprinted across the black street.

The full moon cast a soft glow on the trees, planted in perfect rows. Down the opposite alley I ran and launched myself over a fence but caught my leg and sensed the tear of skin. I bit my lip ignoring the pain. Over my shoulder I looked, then rolled under a parked car. My mind hoped, prayed he hadn’t seen me. Instinct and agility guided me behind a large sign advertising a new neighbor hood community. There I sat rocking back and forth. Paralyzed with exhaustion my body collapsed in a tired heap. Maybe I was safe. Maybe.

 Street noise. I woke up and tried to stand on my sore leg then continued down the road. Although the sun shone bright, the path I took was still ominous and shaded. I couldn’t go home. I had to keep going. A few miles down the road, I had come upon a clean-cut bright white house. Maybe they’d have a phone? I was hesitant to go in but really had no other choice. I really didn’t see anything else. With stealth I moved along the side of the house and peered around the window. The same man, he was there. A frail looking old woman was in tears, sobbing uncontrollably. She was filled with so much pain and sorrow, her eyes bloodshot. “Why can’t I find that girl? This should be easy. How on earth did she get away?” After his tirade, he stomped out slamming the door so hard it bounced back.

I swung myself through the open window as he made his exit. My fingers covered my lips motioning for her to not make a sound. I approached her and used the sleeve of my shirt to dry the woman’s scarlet eyes. “Is he coming back?” I asked.

“No, he’s looking for someone,” she wavered, and looked to the floor shaking. I asked the bruised woman what happened, and after a long pause she retold her life of terror.  With every word she spoke I became more afraid. I took a step back. The story she shared was my own. Mine but a little different.

Mary, explained how she came home and found her husband and son murdered, stabbed on the ceiling of her home. Filled with horror, she let out an ear piercing scream. This alerted the killer, who then captured her and forced her to do his bidding. Several times she attempted to escape but the punishment was worse each time she tried. Mary had given up hope. With a quiet whisper she uttered her final words, “Don’t let him catch you, whatever you do, don’t let him…” Her heart gave out, she then died in my arms. I laid her down on the ground and closed her eyes. Was this gonna be me? Now I was terrified.

Frightened out of my mind I arose, careful to leave the place as I found it. Then I left, and took the path opposite of the dreaded killer. I couldn’t stop. When tiredness overtook me, I rested my head on a bench and prayed for a few hours of peace.

~

I woke up in a bed; a soft blanket tucked around me and sat up. I shouldn’t be here. I have to keep moving. I looked up and met a tanned face inset with pair of brown eyes. “Where am I?” A young man gave me a sympathetic smile and said,

“You are in Brooksville Community Church. My dad and I found you lying on the bench outside and brought you in.” Still nervous I leaned my back against the adjacent wall. “What’s your name?” he asked.

“Ella.”

“Well here, I brought you some food.” He smiled

 “…and by the way my name is Adam, Adam Jacobson.” he set a plate of steamy pancakes in front of me, which I eyeballed. “Go ahead,” he motioned toward the food. I looked with caution but then accepted it, eating every bite.

“You must be hungry. When did you last eat?” he asked as I finished.

 “I have to go. Now.” I cut in, and stood in a dizzy rush. He steadied me, with a light grip still on my elbow.

“Ella, don’t go. We can help you, please.” He implored

“I have to”, I argued.

“No, no you don’t. Stay. Give us a chance.” He said eyeing my leg, “It’s bleeding again, and at least let me rewrap it.” I backed away.

“Why on earth would you help me? What’s in it for you?”

“Honestly, I just want to help.” He said.

 “Thanks” I mumbled, he knelt down in front of me as I sat down on the bed.

 My leg in his hand, he took a bowl of water and a rag from the bedside table and began washing away the blood. He then wrapped it in clean gauze. With all the care he took I began to be more comfortable. 

“Well as long as you want to be helpful, is there a phone around here?”

“Yeah, here.” He handed me his Iphone.

“Can I have a minute?”

“Sure, I’ll be in the other room just holler if you need anything.”

I dialed 911, and listened to the ring. The operator answered, “911, what is your emergency?”

            “Hello, my family they’ve been murdered, I need your help.”

            “Ok dear, where did this happen? Where are you?” she asked

            “My house. It happened at my house: 829 Dunbar Terrace, Aikine County. I’m with a friend. I’ve been running. He’s after me. You have to get them down. I can’t go back there”

            “Slow down honey, get them down? What do you mean? Who is after you? Why can’t you go back?”

            “The man, he killed them. He stabbed them and strung them up on the ceiling. You have to get them down.”

            I’m sending a patrol car over to the house. You said you’re with a friend, where are you? I’ll send a car over there too.” She assured.

            “Thank you. I’m at Brooksville Community Church, staying with the pastor’s family.” I said.

            “Alright dear, an officer will be there in thirty minutes. Stay where you are.”

            “I will.” I said and ended the call. I walked into the hallway, “Adam?”

            “Yeah, what’s up?”

             “Don’t freak out, ok?”

            “Uh sure, what’s up?”

“Some stuff happened to my family and the police are on the way and they need to talk to me… that won’t be a problem, will it?”

“What? Why?”

That’s when it happened. I broke. The reality of my family being gone consumed me and I sobbed. Adam sat down next to me, in silence at first but after a minute he brushed the hair from my face, searching me for some kind of explanation. In a voice which still shook with tears I said, “My family, they were murdered.” A knock on the door signaled the arrival of the officer. Pastor Jacobson opened the door and let the man in, “Ella. There is an officer here to see you.”

            “Adam”, I whispered

            “Yes”

            “Come with me.”, I pleaded.

            “Sure.”, He agreed.

I rose and walked, Adam close behind me, and met the officer in the living room. “Are you Ella Gold?” the policeman asked.

            “Yeah that’s me.” I stepped forward.

When the officer left I collapsed on the couch in an exhausted heap and cried. All I do is cry anymore. Why can’t I just pull myself together? They’re gone. Crying won’t help, but I swear when I get my hands on that— that monster, he will wish he was never born. Adam placed his hand on my shoulder, “El, you’re gonna get through I promise we’ll help you with whatever you need”. El?  No one had ever called me that before but somehow it felt ok, comforting even. I got up, and dried my eyes with the side of my hand. “Ok” was all I could muster.

~

The next few weeks were hard to say the least. I was a wreck. An emotional, unstable mess but Adam and his dad were great. They were always there to talk and to listen; they accepted my flaws and even helped me get a job at the local diner. My life was not normal by any means but I guess I was starting to put the crumbled, shattered pieces back together. And Adam, that boy. He was so sweet, every morning I walked into the dining room and found a warm breakfast waiting for me and a note. I felt a part of the family. As we got to know each other Adam opened up to me and told me about how his mom died in a fire at his father’s old church when he was a child.

Adam and I were attached at the hip we went everywhere together. I needed someone and he was always there, and after about a month and a half I realized something that I didn’t want to accept. I was in love with Adam Jacobson. I first realized it at the annual church picnic and now I couldn’t get him out of my head.

Monday he took his seat at Sallyanne’s Diner, the way he did every day at 6pm but he seemed a little antsy. “Hey what’s up with you?” I asked.

“Oh nothing, can I get my usual El?”

“Sure”, I replied turning to the kitchen.

“Wait” he called after me.

“Yeah?”

“You know how the guys and I go bowling every Tuesday?”

“Uhuh” I said.

“Would you go with me?” he asked.

“Yeah, I think so.” I answered

“I mean with me.”

“Like a date?” I asked

“Yeah”, I blushed, “What time?”

“I’ll come by the house at seven and pick you up.”

“Ok”, I agreed as I rushed to the kitchen to compose myself.

What am I gonna wear? I can’t believe he asked me out. What if I do something stupid? Come on you only have another half an hour to finish. Brush in hand I combed out the tangled mess and smoothed down my shirt. At seven I heard a loud knock, took one last look at myself and went to open the door. I swung open the door but nothing was there. Well that was weird. Oh, a box…hmmm. I wondered what it was and picked it up and set it on the dining room table. I broke the seal and peered in—a human finger. With a scream, I dropped the repulsive package.

When I dropped it a note slipped out, with slow movements I bent down to retrieve it.

I have him. You know what I want. Meet me at the old train station on forks road. If you don’t, believe that he will be dead. You have 59 minutes, good luck orphan.

                                                                                        X

Anger boiled up and burned inside me. How dare he? It was the first time I was a normal girl again. He has striped every person I ever loved away from me. Why? I don’t understand. I have to get him back I can’t let him get hurt because of me. I felt guilty that I drug him into my crazy life at all. Now he’s in serious danger, it’s all my fault. I started toward the station with each passing moment my speed ascended with my desperation.

Upon my arrival I took in the darkness, and eerie stillness. Again I felt alone but this time I couldn’t let the fear overwhelm me, I had to keep him safe. I entered the station, walked a few paces, then the door slammed behind me and the killer appeared with his gun trained on Adam’s head.

“Let him go please. I’m here now. You can have me just let him free.” I pleaded.

Laughter echoed through the empty halls. “You thought it would be that easy didn’t you?” said the monster of a man who stood before me. I walked closer but he tightened his grip ready to pull the trigger.

“ El, run, get away!” Adam begged. “Go!”

“Shut up you little church boy.” the killer growled.

With a sudden click, the lights went out. Then two gun shots and silence.

To Be Continued…