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In the United States, more than a century of activism and legislation has drastically improved factory safety at home, but so much of our clothing is now manufactured overseas where workers do not have the same protections. American consumers benefit from lower prices, but at what cost? Should we be concerned about the health and safety of those workers overseas in less then ideal conditions or at the end of the day is a good bargain worth it all?
The imposition by one nation of its mores and customs on another has a name: imperialism. It is not up to the US to tell other nations how to live or how to conduct their business. Just as India has no right to impose its caste system on the US, the US has no right to impose its social structures on India.
Every country and is entitled to its own culture. In the past, Europe tried to impose Western ones (liberty, the rule of law, individual rights) on non-Western people, most often with bad results. Let them live as they see fit. History shows that these are losing battles that create a lot of casualties with very little good to show for the efforts.
I agree with Troyfan. If an individual wishes not to buy from Source X, I have no problem with that. If a government were to do the same, that would be horrific.
American consumers benefit from lower prices, but at what cost? Should we be concerned about the health and safety of those workers overseas in less then ideal conditions or at the end of the day is a good bargain worth it all?
All developing economies have gone through a period of worker exploitation. Eventually it ends. Moving from 3rd to 1st world status requires cheap labor and labor exploitation. It's unfair yes, but so is starving for lack of any opportunity.
In the United States, more than a century of activism and legislation has drastically improved factory safety at home, but so much of our clothing is now manufactured overseas where workers do not have the same protections. American consumers benefit from lower prices, but at what cost? Should we be concerned about the health and safety of those workers overseas in less then ideal conditions or at the end of the day is a good bargain worth it all?
And the health and safety of US workers who are working in filthy environments with no ventilation, dirt, mold, chemicals.
All developing economies have gone through a period of worker exploitation. Eventually it ends. Moving from 3rd to 1st world status requires cheap labor and labor exploitation. It's unfair yes, but so is starving for lack of any opportunity.
Are you saying that a lot of the third world countries will see a rise in standards, pay, and so on even without pressure from an outside force?
On the flip side, many companies that make products overseas follow strict social compliance standards. These standards are set in place to make sure employees get paid, are treated fairly and are safe from hazards or harm. In addition with clothing standards are in place to make sure they are up to our safety standards. Everything from limited lead paints, to how humanely animals were treated if it is a leather product. It gets even crazier for kids clothing.
Are you saying that a lot of the third world countries will see a rise in standards, pay, and so on even without pressure from an outside force?
Of course, prosperity and freedom are contagious. After great prosperity, the societies can then begin to meltdown feeling they have sinned, maybe they'll be able to pass some time on forums such as this griping about how stupid older first world nations are.
Are you saying that a lot of the third world countries will see a rise in standards, pay, and so on even without pressure from an outside force?
Yeah and has he ever wondered if our standard of living is dependent on their exploitation?
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