I just looked through ( 3rd time ) the photos that Jessica shared from India ... where she visited and spent a whole day with rescued children from the sweat shops ...

I am moved beyond words ~ and so greatful ( yet sad ) that Jess had this experience and that she danced and laughed with these very young children

PLEASE research WHERE and who makes the products you buy ... no child should have to be sent away and work like that at the young ages these kids were ...

TY

I totally agree when it comes to factory work or slavery conditions.

My opinion has become much more complex since being in Thailand for kids who seek work in restaurants and shops, etc. (waitresses, baristas, stock boys, etc.).

I'm served food often by girls no older than 13 or 14. The first time it happened, I was shocked. I also general tip even though it's not part of the culture in Thailand to tip (At least not substantial tips). I witnessed that the girls themselves keep the tips, so it's really just an employment situation.

I also was eating at a veggie resteraunt and witnessed a girl serve me who could not speak Thai or English. Upon speaking to her boss, I learned she was Burmese. She couldn't have been more than 13 or 14. These undocumented immigrants (From Burma and other places) flee the conditions they live in so that they can find opportunities--any opportunities. They're not being sold into slavery by their parents (Though I'm sure some exploitation is happening).

It's cause me to rethink my stance when it comes to third world or developing countries. What would a high school diploma do for a dark skin Burmese girl in a country with an insanely high unemployment rate and extremely low currency? She would actually fair better earning her own wages in a country with more opportunities, and perhaps learn the language, and start her own unlicensed business once she's obtain a certain age.

Sure, not glamorous choices. But, not everybody has glamorous choices.

I believe that Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy have clothes made for them in Saipan sweatshops still.

imago said:

I totally agree when it comes to factory work or slavery conditions.

My opinion has become much more complex since being in Thailand for kids who seek work in restaurants and shops, etc. (waitresses, baristas, stock boys, etc.).

I'm served food often by girls no older than 13 or 14. The first time it happened, I was shocked. I also general tip even though it's not part of the culture in Thailand to tip (At least not substantial tips). I witnessed that the girls themselves keep the tips, so it's really just an employment situation.

I also was eating at a veggie resteraunt and witnessed a girl serve me who could not speak Thai or English. Upon speaking to her boss, I learned she was Burmese. She couldn't have been more than 13 or 14. These undocumented immigrants (From Burma and other places) flee the conditions they live in so that they can find opportunities--any opportunities. They're not being sold into slavery by their parents (Though I'm sure some exploitation is happening).

It's cause me to rethink my stance when it comes to third world or developing countries. What would a high school diploma do for a dark skin Burmese girl in a country with an insanely high unemployment rate and extremely low currency? She would actually fair better earning her own wages in a country with more opportunities, and perhaps learn the language, and start her own unlicensed business once she's obtain a certain age.

Sure, not glamorous choices. But, not everybody has glamorous choices.

I believe that Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy have clothes made for them in Saipan sweatshops still.

^

Your dispatches from Thailand are always so illuminating. I need to find friends placed strategically elsewhere around the world.

Machaela said:

Beautiful picture. And what a memorable experience this will be for Jess.

Don't buy H&M or Ikea

Most products are produced in China, because of the lack of labour laws.

If you buy products that are made in China, there is a good change it has been produced under inhumane circumstances.

Companies and governments don't care about people or human rights.

I wish that everyone would be more aware of where their goods come from and who works to manufacture them.

Personally, I'm conflicted when it comes to child labor.

NO, I do NOT want to see children in sweat shops. However, we should all be aware of the reality that instead of laboring in a factory they could instead wind up begging on the streets.

This is obviously a complex social/political issue...I mean, it's easy for us in first-world countries point our fingers and say 'nay' because we already WENT through these issues during our coming-of-age ("industrial revolution").

I've already posted in other threads how disgusted I am that I can walk into Macy*s and pick up a pair of Steve Madden shoes priced at $120 and they're MADE IN CHINA. Seriously? WHY would anyone pay top dollar for a product that cost pennies to manufacture? I can understand Wal-Mart - if you're on a shoestring budget and need to clothe 4 kids with $100, then fine, I sympathize & realize that the cheap stuff from China is a lifeline. BUT luxury goods? From the same looms?

PurpleJedi said:

I wish that everyone would be more aware of where their goods come from and who works to manufacture them.

Personally, I'm conflicted when it comes to child labor.

NO, I do NOT want to see children in sweat shops. However, we should all be aware of the reality that instead of laboring in a factory they could instead wind up begging on the streets.

This is obviously a complex social/political issue...I mean, it's easy for us in first-world countries point our fingers and say 'nay' because we already WENT through these issues during our coming-of-age ("industrial revolution").

I've already posted in other threads how disgusted I am that I can walk into Macy*s and pick up a pair of Steve Madden shoes priced at $120 and they're MADE IN CHINA. Seriously? WHY would anyone pay top dollar for a product that cost pennies to manufacture? I can understand Wal-Mart - if you're on a shoestring budget and need to clothe 4 kids with $100, then fine, I sympathize & realize that the cheap stuff from China is a lifeline. BUT luxury goods? From the same looms?

Thank you for saying that, it seems sometimes a lot of people snub their noses and think others inferior because we have forgotten that our "rights" and "superiority" came at the hands of a lot of blood, sweat and tears of people in the past.

And yes I try to be aware and try not to be a part of the problem, but sometimes it cost.

Don't buy oriental rugs. They use children to put those together.

Machaela said:

I just looked through ( 3rd time ) the photos that Jessica shared from India ... where she visited and spent a whole day with rescued children from the sweat shops ...

I am moved beyond words ~ and so greatful ( yet sad ) that Jess had this experience and that she danced and laughed with these very young children

PLEASE research WHERE and who makes the products you buy ... no child should have to be sent away and work like that at the young ages these kids were ...

TY

Americans buy everything from China . . . .

dJJ said:

Don't buy H&M or Ikea

Most products are produced in China, because of the lack of labour laws.

If you buy products that are made in China, there is a good change it has been produced under inhumane circumstances.

Companies and governments don't care about people or human rights.

Source?

Of course companies and governments care. Someone has to generate income for companies and governments.

Nothinbutjoy said:

Who is making clothes and not using child/inhumane labor? Local gear is not always an option. Is it a given that if it says "Made in China" the labor practice is exploitive? Oops edit [Edited 6/27/11 16:21pm]

No.

I'm sure I'm wrong but unfortunately I somehow always feel like the only way to avoid buying something made by someone oppressed is to just make and grow all my own shit, which I would, but can't.

johnart said:

I'm sure I'm wrong but unfortunately I somehow always feel like the only way to avoid buying something made by someone oppressed is to just make and grow all my own shit, which I would, but can't.

That's unfortunately almost correct.

I saw a thing on the news about New Balance sneakers fighting copyright infringement in China. NB maintains factories here in the USA while Chinese companies are making knock-offs to sell overseas.

I already scour the stores for shoes Made in USA (or Italy or Brazil)...my next pair of sneakers will probably be New Balance.

PurpleJedi said:

I wish that everyone would be more aware of where their goods come from and who works to manufacture them.

Personally, I'm conflicted when it comes to child labor.

NO, I do NOT want to see children in sweat shops. However, we should all be aware of the reality that instead of laboring in a factory they could instead wind up begging on the streets.

This is obviously a complex social/political issue...I mean, it's easy for us in first-world countries point our fingers and say 'nay' because we already WENT through these issues during our coming-of-age ("industrial revolution").

I've already posted in other threads how disgusted I am that I can walk into Macy*s and pick up a pair of Steve Madden shoes priced at $120 and they're MADE IN CHINA. Seriously? WHY would anyone pay top dollar for a product that cost pennies to manufacture? I can understand Wal-Mart - if you're on a shoestring budget and need to clothe 4 kids with $100, then fine, I sympathize & realize that the cheap stuff from China is a lifeline. BUT luxury goods? From the same looms?

This.