“The number of Chinese engineers is growing by 350,000 annually, young workers and managers willing to put in 12-hour days and work weekends, an unparalleled component and material base in electronics and light industry, and an entrepreneurial zeal to do whatever it takes to please big retailers such as Wal-Mart.” (italics added).
Ah yes, a country that tries to hide but also embraces exploiting child-labor is filled with excited entrepreneurs! Wow, let’s all outsource uncontrollably. Then we can put more things in our houses.
Okay okay, the cat’s out of the bag. I do have some issues with this quote. It appears that the author of this piece, Jim Pinto, who is an industry analyst and commentator, writer, technology entrepreneur, investor and futurist, must have written this, while caressed by an ergo chair in an air conditioned room, looking over stats; but not actually in China. Because the truth is, most Chinese manufacturing factories have poor working conditions to say the least. Furthermore the long hours and 7 day work weeks are essentially forced because the pay is so low. Companies such as Wal-Mart capitalize on these third world workforces.
Interested? Check out Jim’s short article for more info about where most of your clothing, kids toys, man-gear, or other tic tacs are made in this short article at- http://tinyurl.com/kumomv.
Cheers,
Man I just had an argument with my brother about this tonight.
I want to plan attack against American ignorance on this subject. We see a lower price and don’t think twice about what it really means.
Good post. Thought-provoking rant. Keep ‘em coming.
Josh, I just finished Randy Alcorn’s novel Safely Home that addresses this directly. It is a great read and also highlights the plight of the persecuted church in China. Materialism is the new “god” in China. And, sadly, an old but going-strong god in America.
@Josiah thanks for reading man! I wasn’t sure if anyone would because the topic is still majorly untouched by the mainstream.
@Mrs. Runnels I’m so glad you read that book. I agree about materialism. It’s truly a complicated beast though huh? I’m still searching for wisdom concerning my own spending, saving, and distributing.
You will find that I tend to “stir the pot” when I comment on things. I would say, “sorry” but I am not and would be lying. With out further adieu here are my few cents:
1. It is sad that the people of China are exploited (and allowed to be by their own countries leadership) in order for businesses to save a few bucks (and for us to save as well). However, how is it my fault or problem that the Chinese government does not see fit to protect their own people? Why should I not save a few bucks (which could add up over the years) which could help my own family out? There was a time in this country that Child labor laws did not exist and we fixed that issue (now the problem is we keep raising the min wage thus driving prices up which leads to more companies sending their industry to china wear the labor is cheaper).
2. Are our laws to blame for this trend of sending our business over seas to get the cheaper wages and thus lower overhead costs? YES! As I stated in the first point, we keep bumping up Min Wage, which intern creates a desire to lower the costs of manufacturing or labor. Also, when we start looking at the heavy taxes that our current admin wishes to levy on our bigger business. Wouldn’t YOU (as a business man) want to try and find some way to lower costs?
p.s. thanks for writing again!
@Brandon stir away my friend.
Josh,
I read your blog, cool. I didn’t know you had one, I’ll have to put you on my blog roll and keep up with you.
About your comment on my post: I love TOMS. I haven’t purchased any yet, but next time I need shoes, I will look there. There are lots of other fair trade companies that manufacture products overseas too. If you google it, you can find lists of them. I buy stuff that’s fair trade or made in the U.S.A. I’m not all patriotic or whatever, I don’t care where stuff is made, as long as people are being treated fairly. It’s hard when you’re standing in Wal-Mart or Target though to know which items that say “made in ____” are ok and which aren’t.
I have ordered some items from sites support fair trade, and I’ve found quite a few companies that do make clothing in the U.S.A (most Lucky Brand jeans are, for instance) because I figure our labor laws are trustworthy for the most part. It’s more expensive this way, but I’ve realized that in order to really care about this sort of thing, we have to change our outlook on life, not just where we buy things. If I buy fewer, more expensive, and ethical items, and take better care of them, I think I’m being a good steward of my money and making sure that I’m not encouraging slavery and sweat shops. I used to think of clothing as a much more expendable/disposable commodity than I do now.
I love throwing these thoughts around. Clothing is a huge part of this world-wide problem, but the article you discussed seems to be more about electronics. This has been an enormous challenge for me, and I think I’ve come to the conclusion that I just might not be able to buy things that I used to. I have not been able to find any fair trade electronics. Admittedly, I haven’t looked much yet, but that’s my next research project.
@Janessa thanks so much for stopping by! “I used to think of clothing as a much more expendable/disposable commodity than I do now.” I love this thought. At this point, my thinking is right along those lines.
And I’m so glad this conversation topic is happening. I believe it’s really important and that change can happen.
Josh,
My husband and I both own small business. I can tell you first hand it would be cheaper to outsource our product. But we choose to stay American made.
I would like to take it one step further as a small business owner with a store front it is a struggle to compete with the mega stores. Not only there price point but the amount of products they carry at any given time. Bigger is not always better and it is my hope that we all stop and shop local business and American Made before we drive to a mega store.
Good post glad to see someone thinking beyond the moment.
@Sherry thanks for reading and sharing your experience! I digg small business and people who go for it. I would love to know more about what y’all do. And I’m definitely trying to live in consideration of “beyond the moment”.
I didn’t add that on purpose. I think it was just part of the theme I chose. I’m not what we like to call “computationally inclined”
Hey honey! Cool layout. I love the big font
@Lauren thanks baby! And thanks Josiah.
Gah!! I love freedom and Capitalism, but C’MON, America!!! It’s so easy to enjoy our blessings at the expense of others, when the “others” are on the other side of the world. Well spake, sir.