BBCiPlayer has last weeks episode of 'blood sweat and luxuries'. Anyone here watched it? It's six English people who like to shop going to the countries where their things are made. This episode is where they take part in minning sapphires and are shocked to find how little the workers are paid (just over £1/day). It's not new news. There's been news about how children make footballs and factory workers are drugged to stay in work for years. It's shocking that we let it go on and on and on though, isn't it. love to read your views; if you can watch BBCiPlayer;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00s5gct/Blood_Sweat_and_Luxuries_Gems/
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Originally posted by zeeblebotDon't let those goods be imported - quit buying them if they are. (Is it significant that the first solution you thought of involved massive costs of blood and cash?)
what can "we" do about it? knock over the dictatorships and impose democratic market economies?
Originally posted by TerrierJackThe whole industry needs changing. There's only so many things in the shops that are fair trade. Did you see the programme tuesday on leather? It's a by-product of the meat industry- so the issue wasn't the cows, but the programme mainly concentrated on that and the English peoples views, which in my opnion have the luxuary of chosing to not eat meat. (Programmes' covering of issues are not living up to me expectations now)
Don't let those goods be imported - quit buying them if they are.
It's an extreeme angle; but can I just put this idea to you all- we've abolished slavery but these people working for just enough to live on in the sapphire quarrys and factories in Affrica aren't free and we are living in such luxary that we don't even count things as extras and wants but neccesities and needs.
One does wonder whether these people in developing countries will be better off if Western people stop buying the stuff they make, considering their government does not protect human rights. And as long as such a government is not in place, what's stopping people from abusing others for things other than making stuff for the West?
Nevertheless, more consumer awareness in the West could aid the struggle for human rights in developing countries; if governments see there is money in human rights.