Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
I really don't see an alternative though. If we refused to use products manufactured in 3rd world countries, it would be almost impossible to live above the poverty line in a country like Canada (try getting a half-decent job that doesn't use tools or electronics made by poor people).
We could all protest and demand better salaries for indentured laborers in 3rd world countries I suppose, but that would also raise our cost of living to an unmanageable point. I hate to say it, but if you aren't beating them, you're joining them.
Not that I agree with the current wealth distribution or think it is just, but I just don't see how the average person can break it without sacrificing themselves and their family. Honestly, humans (and most animals) are not wired to do things against self-preservation.
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That's pretty much it for me. I hate it that half of the stuff in my house was made by slaves. But what can I do about it?
I'm not gonna go full out Amish and make all my own stuff. I'm not going to be moving to Bangladesh to build schools anytime soon.
I'm skeptical about fair trade goods. I absolutely love the concept but I am worried that it is just another scam like "carbon neutral" or organic farming. These scams don't do any good. They are only there to relieve us of guilt and make someone rich.
If we were to somehow go to a more "fair trade" system I really don't think that the standard of living would be affected as much as you think. It would mean that we would have to live with less stuff. Maybe a new computer every 5 years instead if every 18 months. Maybe the kids get 10 hot wheels for their birthday instead of 50. Maybe we would have to make our own Christmas tree ornaments. We have been tricked into thinking that we need all of this stuff, but the reality is that we don't need all of this junk and it doesn't make our lives any better.
So I just try to buy less. I make my own furniture whenever possible. I have a friend who has been to Haiti 11 times, and I give him a bit of cash directly whenever he is leaving on a mission. Not much, I know. But I think it's more productive than pointing my fingers at the 85 wealthiest people in the world.