Jamie Chang

Since 2006, I haven't bought almost nothing that is Made in China or another nation without strict, decently fair labor laws. Simply put, I don't buy the completely idiotic argument that trade with these countries is one day going to improve the economic and social circumstances of the working class there. While the United States, Canada and some Asian and European countries do not have perfect labor and production laws, they are at least supporting populations that have some modicum of support of the basic human rights of the common working, producing woman and man. Until this is the case for China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mexico, India, etc., I can't buy products made in those countries. Labor practices in places like these are often at worst slavery and at best exploitation.

And what bugs me even further is that the exploitation doesn't stop there. Not only are workers cheated of their humanity, consumers of these products are often cheated as well. Think about these designer labels I found while strolling in a popular department store in downtown San Francisco:

And of course, my favorite - "We the Free", this label says ...

Free to what?

Well, here's what I think. How much do you think Mr. Marc or Vince paid to have their sweaters Made in China? How much are they asking you, the consumer, to give them for their product? When you give Ms. Malandrino $400 for a shirt Made in China, you are giving your money for her to be wealthy. So little of that $400.00 goes to the individuals who actually made the product, so you're not paying for craftmanship. You're free to pay for designer and designer's people and reps to get rich - in a filthy way. One thing that drives me nuts is when such gross behavior is veiled under eco/labor conscious boutique labeling and/or "green" marketing (ex. organic Levi's made in Mauritius or Turkmenistan)

All of this is, of course, in addition to the massive environmental impact of such production. Humans are not the only ones who are stunted in this process.

Sure this stuff is cute and you might feel good wearing it for a few weeks. But after that, it's just a shirt Made in China. One that some old lady probably bent over sewing. That some corporate designer profited thousands selling. One that you're $300.00 short because of.