A former OU professor will discuss Japan's economy and how it affects the global market during a public lecture next week at the Norman Public Library.
Sidney D. Brown, former OU professor emeritus of history, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday as part of Norman Public Library's "Great Decisions" series. Several other OU professors have participated in the series.
Brown will address Japan's economy in recent years. He will also discuss how the Japanese economy is affecting the market, the global economy and aspects of the U.S. economy. Brown will predict what the U.S. economy will be like in the new era, and what its policies will be.
"I think that we should be aware of other things around us," said Alicia Vo, pre-pharmacy freshman. "I am glad they are doing different things so we can get a lot of information."
The Japanese economy grew rapidly for 15 years after World War II, and it has become the third largest economy in the world. In the 1990s, Japan's economy began to decline with the crash of real estate and financial markets. Brown will evaluate the history of the Japanese economy and its future.
"(The) area of manufacturing is being affected by Japan," said Tade Okediji, assistant professor of economics. "Japan is not demanding our manufacturing. Consequently, there were some layoffs in manufacturing in the U.S. That has had somewhat of an adverse effect on us. We still have a trade deficit. We are buying more from them than they are from us. Since our economy is healthy, we are able to do this."
Bob Tormey, Norman Public Library employee, said this series gives participants a chance to have their views known nationally.
"Those that attend some of the series can complete a ballot about their opinion," said Tormey. "It will go to a group in Washington, D.C., and they will tabulate them in Congress. This is one way to locally express views and have them viewed by national policy makers."
Cam Danh, president of the Japanese Student Association, is writing a research paper on Japan's economy.
"Every economy is affected by trade of Japan. It is interesting where Japan's economy is now, because America can be credited for helping Japan's economy after World War II," Danh said.
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