I have only recently begun to think deliberately on worldwide issues, much to my shame. As citizens of the most powerful country in the world, we must always be mindful of how our actions affect the rest of the world. We have a responsibility to be Christ not only to our countrymen, but to all who are made in God's image. I must thank Clay for helping me to think more beyond our borders. I read one of his emails to his family that addressed his concern for sweatshop workers. I have been thinking on the subject for a while and have done some limited internet research but still am not sure how a Christian living in America should respond to the issue. Here are some possible choices:
Do nothing. Just continue living your life as though nothing is wrong.
Boycott all goods produced in a sweatshop.
Become an activist to raise awareness for the situation.
Help fund organizations that are working to improve working conditions around the world.
As I am still formulating my stance, I have submitted my opinion as a comment and I want you to comment as well so that we can learn from each other.
4 comments:
As of yet, I do not know the full extent of the working conditions in factories deemed "sweatshops", so please understand that I am speaking from a fairly ignorant standpoint. However, I feel we would be doing a great injustice to 3rd world countries if we ceased buying products from them because their working conditions were not up to our standards. It seems to me that the root of the problem is a tremendously unbalanced supply and demand. There is a huge supply of workers but very few jobs. In this situation, the workers have no power because they are expendable. If they don't like the working conditions, there is someone else waiting in line who will tolerate the conditions for less pay. If we buy only US made products, we will cause the supply and demand to be even more unbalanced. It just might be possible that by outsourcing more U.S. production, it will create a more competitive environment where workers will be able to choose jobs with better conditions and pay. There are very few Americans who would work as hard for such little pay, but does that mean that they shouldn't get any of our money. Buying only US goods, only ensures that the rich stay rich and the poor get poorer. So that is not an option, in my mind. However, I want to do everything I can to ensure that my actions are not supporting forced labor and/or child labor. That is all I will say for this opening comment. Please feel free to disagree, it is only through being exposed to people with whom I disagree that I will ever learn, but remember to always disagree respectfully.
So how do we know what products are produced in sweatshops?
Oh yea nevermind. I didnt read you're comment before I asked that.
I read on one site that a few years back Gap admitted to using sweatshops. Since then, they have stopped using those facilities and are proactively trying to help working conditions in the area where their sweatshops were. So Gap is pretty safe to buy from. Unfortunately, the paper trail is difficult to follow from US brand name to foreign factories. So there is little way to be sure.
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