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Friday, January 28, 2005

Those thousands who touched that branded shirt you bought

There are those who cannot live a day without buying that cute Gucci bag or that FCUK coat. Also, there are those who will wilt if they do not have a car.

I have learned something important in Sociology class last night. Now, I feel lucky to have grown up in a peaceful and prosperous country. There is no war. The economy is still surviving. I can afford to strut my stuff in the latest fashion designs. I can afford good and tasty food. I can sit in a car, or even drive one. I was taught to appreciate these things and compare myself to the poor people who don't even get enough food in one day. Still, I took many things for granted along the way. And, I am sure all of us had to some point in our lives. Perhaps, it is just human nature, and the fact that consumerism has become part of our daily lives. Well, is it not true that we constantly need new stuff? Getting that new cellphone, that new bag, new car, new house...everything. The case is not so lucky for Russia. Or Nigeria. Or even China.

We watched a documentary in class last night. It showed us the whole process of manufacturing formal coats. I did not know that the wool from sheeps in Australia travelled to so many places in the world before reaching retail outlets. Tags on our clothes such as "Made in Russia" or "Made in China" ought to be appreciated because not many stop to think of the thousands who helped pieced them together for us. When they interviewed some of the workers, I felt sorry for these people who have to work so hard to receive only a minimum wage by the end of the day, just enough for sufficient food to survive. There was this lady worker in China who can only visit her family once a year. She came to the city to work in the factory when her husband fell very ill. They had little money thus she had no choice but to find a job in the city. She said her eldest child was so happy to see her when she returned home, but the little one does not remember her at all.

Poverty is still a very big issue all over. In Russia, the economy is controlled by the mafias. It is difficult to prosper because of that reason. I know I cannot feel the real pain and sufferings of these workers in Russia, but when they interviewed the women who work in the textile factory, I realized that I should appreciate what I have now even more. These women are underpaid. In reality, they are being exploited for their expertise. However, they said that they are contented with what they have. At least, now, they have a job, and their lives now were better than before. During the communist days, it was worse. They had nothing at all. Now, some can afford to buy a television and other appliances because they saved enough during communism in Russia. But they can only watch about the Western items that they cannot afford to buy (for example, toothpaste).

Well, the next time you buy that branded item you see, remember the effort of the thousands who made it for you. At least, it did remind me to appreciate my parents' hardwork to provide me with that comfort, money and food.

Yun @ 1:28 AM | |

about me

Home: KL, Malaysia
School: U of A

I am someone who frets a lot - I call it a psychological disorder. I am constantly trying to escape my complex mind which, very often, drives me and my close companions to the edge of insanity. Born under the sun star Libra, I am greatly affected by a disease called "indecisiveness". Nicknames were never part of my dictionary until I met some people who decided to name me "turtle". Soon, I was representing a zoo of hamsters, "sotongs", pigs, cats, etc...

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