It's a hidden face of modernization, I would argue. Free trade brings lowers the prices for the consumers in the U.S. and provides jobs and opportunities for people in these developing nations. A global change does not happen overnight - it will take generations.
Immigrants to the U.S. till this day work hard and that is why it is a "developed country." Without hard work and sacrifice, no nation can succeed. What you are seeing here is a face of modernization which will take decades. Once the gap between these countries (through free trade) is closer, they will start competing with each other (comparative advantage).
I do not feed bad for these workers working 20 hours a day. I think of it as an opportunity for them and the generation that is to follow them. Just think of it this way - what would they be doing if they didn't have a job?
Justifying unfair work conditions by saying "What else would they be doing if not for these companies?" is as lame as lame can be. I am an advocate of capitalism but just because Bangladesh is a developing country doesn't mean you can totally rip off workers. There has to be some corporate responsibility other than remaining beholden to the bottom line.
This documentary is a good thing. All it takes is some spark and the right timing in this country. Look at global warming - suddenly its THE cause of the moment. Companies have been forced to address how to become more environmentally responsible because the consumers are watching. Who knows - sweatshops might become a big issue at some point.
Public awareness is definitely needed in this area to help minimize the exploitation of these poor workers. I am totally against unfair/unethical means used but that is the job of the government and the corporations involved. There must be a unified voice against the corporate culture that is developing in the U.S. but to say "I am not going to buy these products" is also lame.
There are many means for special interests group to voice their concerns in our pluralistic society. Global warming is a good example you mentioned but did we stop driving our cars and consuming products? NO.
There…here comes another sucka warning about globalization! Basic economics…Law of comparative advantage. Those who don't get it will keep yelling to no avail: social scientists and a lil-knowledge is dangerous guys in developmental economics. Globalization is growth and development. Show me any self-sufficient economy in the world today? We all need to import items that are not in abundance and we export that ones we have an excess of? And don’t we all wanna pay a price we feel is worth the item rather than overpay for the same bull? The US/Developed economies are using the abundant labor in other nations and providing them jobs which otherwise they'd never have. Isn't this process helping the poorer nation too as they receive more inflow of foreign reserves now? BTW, as per an article I read a few years ago, most mutinationals corps in India pay much more than the domestic industries do for the same work performed (most had benfits such as schools for the employee's kids, housing and basic facilities that were provided free or at subsidized costs). I'm sure this very article must be on the web too…gotta check and post it here!
Get a class in International Trade and then start mocking these sociologist who think they have the answer to any phenonmenon out there but end up making matters worse.
and it begins - on Day 1 Trump will begin operations to deport millions of undocumented immigrants
From Trump “I will revoke TPS, and deport them back to their country.”
To Sajha admin
Travel Document for TPS (approved)
All the Qatar ailines from Nepal canceled to USA
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