Perhaps we can't be superheros and save the world from exploitative, inhumane labor practices, but it is possible in small, realistic ways, to take a stand against such injustices. Whether you are in a small suburban community or cutting edge urban neighborhood, it's possible to stop supporting sweatshops in many ways.
It is unbelievable at times that the colorful and
wish-listed clothing we gaze at in shopping malls and mega stores across America
is the work of an underpaid, abused, and often under-aged laborer. Don’t be fooled, this isn’t business as usual
in an often unfair universe; sweatshops are ILLEGAL. It is the deliberate
violation of the most basic human rights for the sake of lowering labor costs
and maximizing profits. The "why" behind denouncing sweatshop labor isn’t the
issue, but the "how." In a world filled
only with shopping malls and megastores, how can the average consumer express
their condemnation of such practices?
Boycott
You don’t have to get out a bullhorn and a poster to
exercise this effective tool. You don’t
have to be an encyclopedia on the injustice of sweatshop practices or a
political zealot either. By refusing to
buy into the sweatshop world you are simply practicing human decency. Think of
it more as taking back personal choice in your life. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Every choice is
a political choice.” Any look at the tag
of an article of clothing will let you know if it is sweatshop made. The mention of any underdeveloped/developing country
is an easy marker to spot for sweatshop labor.
However, there are sweatshops everywhere in the world, including
wealthier nations such as Japan
and the U.S. Look for "union-made" mentions on labels. Unions
ensure decent standards of work for employees.
However you are unlikely to find the mention of unions on most major
brands, so don’t feel too frustrated when they aren’t there. Unions are often discouraged, put down
(sometimes violently), and banned for garment workers by corporations as it
interferes with the current labor practices.
Overall, any garment found in the local shopping mall, department store,
megastore, etc., is likely to be sweatshop made, so these are generally places
to avoid when shopping with a conscience.
Boycotting does not hurt workers. There are movements to unionize and
demand better conditions in all sweatshops, by supporting unions and avoiding
sweatshop-using companies, you support workers, not hurt them.