The video blog with Annie Leonard is very critical to how the big companies today seems to have taken control over our governments. She is particularly critical of what it looks like in the U.S. which makes this clip extra appealing to me since I am not especially fond by the United States
For when it is all down to one crucial factor, it is all about the money. Rich companies in rich countries are showing there economical muscles to take advantage of less developed countries. It may looks like they are bringing money and jobs but do not think for one second that it is for charity! The profits of having the productions in these countries are many times greater than in for example the U.S.
How do they do to succeed in taking out these profits? They pay minimum salary while security is very poor, and those who live there have no other choice than accept or live in poverty.
The thing that will complicate the process toward a more equal society between the developed countries and not so developed is. Do you dare to guess? That’s right, money. Many people if not everyone in the wealthier countries certainly think that what is happening in the third world is morally wrong, but chooses to ignore it. These like many others have funds and shares and a decision which affects the companies negatively will affect their wallets in the same way.
I would still like to end by saying that the clip is just showing you one side of the truth and you should get a broader view of the matter before make a stand.
I also agree with you that Leonard is just showing you one side of the truth. I don´t think it´s bad that companies move their production to developing countries. I agree that the salleries and working conditions are ridiculous low at some places, but the workers have still chosen to work there and that means an opportunity for them. If the work opportunity wasn´t there they would only have the choise to live in poverty and that would have been worse. I think many people notice the poor living conditions others have, but they see it happening to far away from themself and therefore ignore it. Good thoughts and a good article.
SvaraRaderaYep, seems like you can summarize the 20 minute clip in to one sentence: It all comes down to money.
SvaraRaderaHowever, you should be aware of one thing: The people living in the worst poverty aren't those who are used by the rich countries. It's those who are left out.
Compare the great amount of cheap labour available in Asia, with the nothingness of the darkest Africa. China is used by the rich industrial countries, and now they have an economical growth of 9-10 %. Countries like Somalia, which is (mostly) left alone by the west, has a life expectancy of 50 years, and barely has any economical growth at all.
My point is that we, people/companies of the west, aren't as bad as you think when using (note: use, not abuse) people of underdeveloped countries.
I think a lot of people will agree with you on the problem. From my point of view we all have to pitch in to make a change. We have to realise where wrongs are being made. I think media is a big factor in this game. If they would change their prespective from selling as much papers as possible without beeing sued to make good news it would be easier for people to make a stand.
SvaraRadera