moostraks
Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2007
- Messages
- 9,640
I use hyperbole a great deal, but the fact of the matter is you've already lined the evil person's pockets in these cases. My sincere apologies to anyone who might have wanted to pitch their computer out the window (though they wouldn't be able to read this) as a result. You did catch me on it, and I appreciate the levity.
It would be more accurate to say that you are not upgrading to a more ethical computer and OS and peripherals, but I'm not sure whose products those would be.
I am curious as to what companies are "fair" overseas, and what they pay. I'd also be curious as to whether those companies use any slave-labor products or components in their operationsWhat perfect companies are these, so that I may send them a "thank you" note via slave-free carrier pigeon?
The reason I brought up voting with one's dollars is that various people in this thread have bemoaned the horrible conditions, and talked about governmental "solutions" to the problem. I don't really see those as solutions. I see them as more bandaging to help people sleep better at night.
If you're supporting companies with better practices in their overseas plants, and are consciously researching such and up to speed with which are providing living wages and tangible benefits, then that's precisely what I've been talking about for quite a long time on the forums. It's to be commended. Please realize, though, that there are a whole lot of people who are looking to slam the regulations-hammer on companies because of half-information. Hell, even calling this "slave labor" is a misnomer. They're making minimum wage, which isn't great but it certainly isn't living on the street. Actually, they're living (and eating) on site insteadMost minimum wage jobs in the United States don't really give you that option that I'm aware of, do they?
As for labeling... it was done quite a bit earlier in the thread, but not pertaining to those who are against these awful companies' practices.
From the Fair Trade website itself:
...which goes to my observation that these workers are being paid minimum wage and given optional overtime. The whole thread is much ado about nothing.
The lack of choices is a huge part of the problem. Which is why by naming and shaming you get the word to those who don't think about purchases until it confronts them. Then companies become inspired to develop a reputation that results in them being rewarded with customer loyalty.
The choice for primary products manufactured in an ethical (which is a debate unto itself) manner is tremendously small. However you must pick some starting point from which to operate or concede to letting the vultures win. I can't just accept the futility and not try personnally to change the little bit I can change.
I think you might be reading too much into any altruistic solution to the problem to find its shortcomings. Your analysis of the Free Trade website is an opinion. The fact that ridiculous overtime is not mandatory is a huge improvement over allowing global corporations to abuse them. Compensation should be inline with their local economy. Much the same as cost of living differences vary wages earned in the US.
I also advocate for using Etsy and ebay to ones advantage. I feel like both allow the individual to attempt to be self supporting. I think numerous laws are being imposed to limit the competition these sites allow to combat the corporate strangleholds. Once again something I vociferously oppose.
One of my favorite toy websites is:http://www.atoygarden.com/index.cfm You could try her for how she establishes her fair trade rate of reimbursement. I also tend to stick to the local artisans on etsy where you are buying from the artist. My big ticket purchases are generally antiques. So my biggest issue to tackle is the day to day products that are so difficult to track down or find ethical companies alternatives. Doesn't mean I stop trying. We eat a great deal of pasta which I can buy local manufactured. We have a local company for pizza pockets. We buy local produce whenever possible. Bit by bit we chip away at it...
People are pitting the solutions as a black and white response so they can throw stones at each other from their opposing sides. I think there are major problems and numerous ways to attack the issues. Ignoring it is the least attractive option imo.
I think my attitude is that it is either equally enforced or equally dismissed regarding all the living conditions and wage issues. We should be a country that puts our money where are mouth is and not choose to silently exploit those we cannot see while demanding the few that are employed pay for the rampant unemployment and economic devastation occuring due to companies seeking lowest wage and highest profit with no ethics.
