Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

I Am Appalled

The more research I do, the more I feel like I should dig a hole and climb in.
Is there nothing in this world that we use that isn't using slave labour to produce?
How hard is it to find products that aren't being made by slaves?
And child slaves too?

I'm using an iPad. I have an iPhone. The research I've done says it was very likely produced by bonded workers or child slaves.

Starbucks. Tim Hortons. And I don't know how many others. Slave labour coffee.
Too many chocolate companies to name, using slave labour.

This could become a ten page diatribe, but I just don't know what it would help. The whole thing makes me cry. Makes me sick.

This is just one site; one article I've read in the last couple of days. If you can bear to read about our guilt, then read this. If not, I don't blame you.

http://listverse.com/2014/12/16/10-everyday-products-that-are-made-with-slave-labor/

I almost wish I hadn't done the research, because I have discovered that it's nigh on impossible to not use something that slaves of all ages have made for us, in our safe little spaces to use, for fun and food. Clothing. Bedding. Pet products. All our luxuries and most of our necessities. Brought to us by slaves.

Oct. 30/16
6:48 am

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

SW-User

You know it's not so much the child labour. I have seen enough poverty around to know that for many of these kids it ensures one decent meal a day at the factory and a roof over thier heads. The issue is the abuse...like in Foxconn where apple manufactures it's products. Kids were made to work 12 hour shifts, grossly underpaid, no holidays and medicals. That's what makes me angry.

Serenitree · F

There are children and adults being stolen or lied to about what to expect. Not paid one cent. Beaten. Fed just enough to keep them alive for a while, until they are beaten to death or die of disease. Then they steal a new batch of slaves. And it's not apple who is the worst of the lot. There are much worse.

Oct. 30/16
7:52 am

SW-User

@Serenitree: I agree.

Serenitree · F

@BigAsset: I wish I though it would do any good to copy and paste all the research I've saved in my personal notes. But I think it would more likely antagonize people and come across as being preachy.

Even hoping and encouraging others to do the reading isn't going to help. Even if everybody here, would do all the reading. There is nothing that we could change.

Oct. 30/16
7:58 am

SW-User

@Serenitree: well I think you should share. There are a lot of people who do care, and those that don't will never bother to do it anyway.
But even if it helps to enlighten one person it's worth it. I also feel the younger generation of kids have way more empathy so the awareness might be helpful :)

Serenitree · F

@BigAsset: there's just so much. About so many products.

SW-User

@Serenitree: yes I know ☹