The front page of the New York Times had a story about thousands of East Germans escaping communismfleeing to the West. first through Hungary and then Austria. There was not any story. however. about people fleeing democracyescaping into the Iron Curtainthat says a lot. To those who have watched in horror the refugee camps in Southeast Asia and Africa. it made interesting reading that the refugee camps for East Germans have Job want ads posted. According to a recent survey by the West German Government. those fleeing from the East are disproportionately youngeducated and skilled. Over half are under 30 years old and over 80 percent under 40 years old. 86 percent have completed job training and 87 percent actually held a Job the day they fled their country. This talent drain from East Germany is turning into an unexpected boon for West Germany and Is ending fears that Soviet bloc refugees can only be a drain on the West German economy. It was interesting to read the storyalso on the front page of the New York Timeswarning us that unless preventative steps are taken soon. American colleges and universities will face a major shortage of faculty members in the next several years. Such a shortage will again hurt Americas chances to compete in the 21st century. A dwindling available work force that will not be as highly educated as other industrial nations will injure Americas competitive edge. I also found the placement of this story interestingright next to the story about the quality of people fleeng East Germany and I had to wonder what contributions these and other Soviet bloc refugees could offer our country. There was more interesting reading in the Washington Post today. A column by Ben Wattenberg which surrounded a picture of a blindfolded Statue of Liberty.
Identified stereotypes
Generalization that East Germans are disproportionately young, educated, and skilled.