[Winona Online Democracy] Spenser asked: 3) How is a sweatshop worker aided by one's refusal to buy the goods said worker makes?
They probably are not aided at all. There are examples out there of boycotts and expose' stories eventually shutting down sweatshops. The "developing" country then promtly loses millions in contracts and the workers are either unemployed or otherwise making less money. Good could come in the long term if the "developing" country decided to enforce some real labor standards and court multi-nationals looking to be on the up and up. Or tough it out without multi-nationals and the prevailing notion of "development". All complicated stuff...but what I pull out out of it is that buying stuff is political. The Wal-Mart debate is so healthy in my opinion because it involves people examining the implications of where they put their money. So, Spencer, the effect of my spending on the misery or happiness of a sweatship worker is just about impossible to determine. The effect of a whole community or culture spending politically and mindfully would greatly influence the world around us. All this stuff aside, I'd take my chances not buying goods I thought were produced in sweatshop conditions. I could never see myself picking up a package of socks and thinking, "Sure, they're slaves but it's a living!" Everyone Having Fun? Jamie Groth __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
