What do we want our kids to do? Sweep up around Japanese computers?

The quote "What do we want our kids to do? Sweep up around Japanese computers?" by Walter F. Mondale highlights concerns about American competitiveness in the face of rising technological advancements, particularly from Japan. Mondale, a former U.S. Vice President, was speaking during a time when Japanese companies were becoming dominant in the global technology market, especially in fields like electronics and computing. His question expresses frustration and a sense of urgency about the United States' need to maintain its leadership in innovation and manufacturing.

The origin of this quote is tied to the economic climate of the 1980s, a period marked by Japan’s rapid rise as a technological powerhouse. Japanese electronics companies like Sony and Panasonic, along with the global success of Japanese car manufacturers, were outpacing American companies in key industries. Mondale's statement was likely aimed at underscoring the need for the U.S. to invest more in education, research, and technology to ensure that future generations of Americans would not be relegated to low-level, manual labor roles while other countries advanced in high-tech industries.

By asking whether future American workers would simply "sweep up around Japanese computers," Mondale is emphasizing the risk of economic stagnation if the United States did not act to enhance its own technological capacity and workforce skills. His words reflect concerns about the shift in global power and the importance of fostering an environment that supports innovation and competition in high-tech industries.

Ultimately, Mondale's quote is a call to action for the U.S. to focus on education and technological development to ensure that future generations could compete globally, rather than falling behind. His words reflect a broader concern that without a strong commitment to advancing in science, technology, and engineering, America risked losing its economic and technological standing in the world.