Week 4
Santa’s Sweatshop
Magnolia Garcia
“The search for inexpensive labor benefits U.S. consumers, who enjoy far lower prices
than their European and Japanese counterparts.” Given this statement, I’m wondering: are there
other nations who are exploiting workers in third world countries as much as the U.S. does?
It’s mentioned that because apparel prices have declined, inflationary pressures for the whole
economy have been eased. But at what price? As consumers, we’re turning a blind eye to the
extremely poor working conditions of those who are providing to us; it’s synonymous to
biting the hand that feeds.
than their European and Japanese counterparts.” Given this statement, I’m wondering: are there
other nations who are exploiting workers in third world countries as much as the U.S. does?
It’s mentioned that because apparel prices have declined, inflationary pressures for the whole
economy have been eased. But at what price? As consumers, we’re turning a blind eye to the
extremely poor working conditions of those who are providing to us; it’s synonymous to
biting the hand that feeds.
The article appears to continue to make light of the exploitation of human beings by
saying that “. . . today’s Third World nation can be tomorrow’s development success story.”
A third world country will remain a third world country if the workers are making below the
minimum and basic living wages. How are they supposed to contribute to the growth of the
economy and development of their nation if they can barely manage to make ends meet for
their families? This same, brief paragraph then uses South Korea as an example, claiming
that after Nike sneakers were predominantly manufactured there, the country “evolved into
an industrial powerhouse with a higher living standard.” However, this case study lacks any
real detail; this could merely be a correlation--meaning that, simply because Nike was in
South Korea at the time, it is not the determining factor for South Korea’s “evolution.”
saying that “. . . today’s Third World nation can be tomorrow’s development success story.”
A third world country will remain a third world country if the workers are making below the
minimum and basic living wages. How are they supposed to contribute to the growth of the
economy and development of their nation if they can barely manage to make ends meet for
their families? This same, brief paragraph then uses South Korea as an example, claiming
that after Nike sneakers were predominantly manufactured there, the country “evolved into
an industrial powerhouse with a higher living standard.” However, this case study lacks any
real detail; this could merely be a correlation--meaning that, simply because Nike was in
South Korea at the time, it is not the determining factor for South Korea’s “evolution.”
Later in the article, it’s mentioned that workers in Haiti received 6 cents for producing
an item that retailed for $19.99 in the U.S. A few paragraphs down, however, one of the key
contractors for Disney in Haiti mentioned (in regards to the minimum wage being raised and
how it would affect companies), “‘The margin we make on those products is so slim, I’m not
sure we could afford to continue to manufacture there.’” Of that 333% profit, what about it
makes it so slim?? I just want to know.
an item that retailed for $19.99 in the U.S. A few paragraphs down, however, one of the key
contractors for Disney in Haiti mentioned (in regards to the minimum wage being raised and
how it would affect companies), “‘The margin we make on those products is so slim, I’m not
sure we could afford to continue to manufacture there.’” Of that 333% profit, what about it
makes it so slim?? I just want to know.
If a worker is treated fairly and with respect, if working conditions are comfortable and
humane, it is then that workers will be happier and will have more energy. If they are paid
accordingly, they will experience less stress in AND outside the workplace. It is then that they
might actually be able to produce more of the item and with better quality. In that case, it
would be a win-win scenario for the worker and the company.
humane, it is then that workers will be happier and will have more energy. If they are paid
accordingly, they will experience less stress in AND outside the workplace. It is then that they
might actually be able to produce more of the item and with better quality. In that case, it
would be a win-win scenario for the worker and the company.
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