22 September 2008
Sweatshops, Part Three
Posted by admin under: Uncategorized .
Author’s note: This is the third in a three-part series. To check out part two, click here.
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So, we’ve already talked about what sweatshops are, and some ways to fight against them. But Joe has another question:
“oooh…another has to do with the fact that greedy business people are slashing and burning the rainforest at an incredible rate so they can turn it into inexpensive grazing ground for beef.
In turn, countries off the coast of Africa are experiencing significantly increased drought conditions and thus poor harvest. As a Christian put here by God with part of my job being to have dominion over the earth, is this action right or wrong? Should I take a stand against it? Is there a balance, and if so, where is that balance?”
I think that we definitely have a responsibility, as Christians, to make sure that God’s Creation is being used responsibly. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14 - 28) Jesus makes it pretty clear that we are to use the gifts we are given wisely. And we are also told that, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:34 -40). So again, I think we have a moral imperative to safeguard God’s Creation while at the same time ensuring to the best of our ability that all people are treated well.
Now, what are some other ways we can help? By shopping with responsible retailers, we can, in a sense, “vote with our dollars”. By supporting retailers that employ responsible business practices, we are taking revenue from those business that exploit their workers and the environment. If enough consumers do thisthose businesses will be hurting, and will have to change their practices to stay in business.
For more information, Co-op America has some great resources for battling sweatshops. Click here for their excellent guide to sweatshops.
By understanding our buying choices, and how those choices can adversely affect people living in other countries, we can take small steps toward ensuring fair treatment for workers. And many small steps put together can equal great change.
One Comment so far...
tom o Says:
22 December 2008 at 8:27 pm.
In almost the same breath as God’s giving man dominion over all the earth, Genesis says, “and God saw everything He made and behold it was very good.” The implication is that if we have dominion, we have also the responsibility to keep it “very good”.
