Linsanity in China? The Plague that Could Change a Country

February 2012 may forever be known to NBA fans as the time the nation (and the world) caught the epidemic known as Linsanity.  Jeremy Lin is the perfect underdog story, to some extent: a Harvard graduate, who failed to get drafted in the NBA, was cut by 2 teams, until finally flourishing on the New York Knicks.  But what does this have to relate to economics?  The Economist blog states that the people of China, while currently rallying around Lin, may not share the same feelings from their government towards the Asian-American player.

The blog goes on to discuss the numerous reasons, but the one that stands out most is the clear cut opportunity that Lin has been given over his lifetime.  The United States system has allowed Lin to excel not only in athletics, but in academics.  His success in both fields landed him at the most prestigious university in the world, along with playing basketball at the highest level of competition.  At the current time, China doesn’t offer the ability to gain this similar experience, and it may hurt the overall perception by Chinese citizens.

If Chinese people rally around Jeremy Lin, a man who was able to accomplish to very different trades, and see the lack of opportunity in their own country, what incentive does this show to future generations when the youth attempt to pursue their dreams?  I believe that it is essential to have exposure to an array of skills, whether it is sports, academics, or music.  The feeling of becoming pigeon-holed because the opportunities are not available is something that I cannot imagine and would not hope for anyone to experience.  In fact, I could see the consequences building up beyond the individual sunk potential.  The lack of exposure could cause less economic growth and development due to losses in critical thought and interpersonal connections via cross-cultures. 

I may be going out on a limb with this thought, but the matter is that one person can truly make an impression on youth.  In America, many will see Lin and be inspired to not only become a great athlete, but to succeed in the classroom.  In China, the opportunity to reap the benefits from being successful at both of these trades may not be there due to the current position in the Chinese system.  I am highly interested to see how China as a whole reacts to the Linsanity and what effect he may have on the country in the future.

References:

1. “Stop the Linsanity?”. The Economist. http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2012/02/chinas-new-sports-problem