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Ailsa -> RE: TIRADE (Nov. 8 2007 8:39:25)
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I had a turnaround about Chinese goods recently. I've visited China and read a lot about how it was and is to live there, especially in rural areas. The poverty is on an astonishing scale.
I had heard that western businesses setting up there at least provided a better standard of living. Yes, they were getting goods made on the cheap, but it was also a good deal for the people working in their factories - better accommodation, better wages. So people wanted to work in the factories despite the long hours, tedious work etc.
However last week I read another side - that they pay workers to lie about how good the conditions and pay are in order to recruit others. Then once the new workers are in the system they charge them almost all their salary for the accommodation, so they end up with little left.
In my naivety I was very disappointed. I mean, they could make a decent profit even if they paid them properly. They don't have to screw them to make an even bigger profit.
So I too am now thinking I ought to boycott not only Chinese goods, but the large corporation that this article was about (branches in US and UK!). But what difference does one little boycott make?
Seems like not only are we being screwed with poorly-made products, so are the Chinese.
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