Free Trade, Sweatshops, and a Music Video

Wow, what a great chapter! The author does an excellent job of clearly presenting the distinction between free trade and fair trade. I really appreciated the in-depth analysis of free trade and all of its shortcomings. I can definitely understand why it's such a controversial topic. It's disheartening to read about the exploitation of poorer, still developing countries, the sweatshops, and the lack of protection for workers and the environment. Products "tainted with blood from cut-off fingers or hands" sit on the shelves of Wal-Mart or the racks of The Gap. The imagery is certainly powerful, intense, and effective. And though fair trade is a possible alternative to the problem, is it really feasible? At this time in our economy especially, would we, as consumers, be willing to part with the cheap prices we are currently paying for goods? Stop bargain shopping and only purchase fair trade certified items? Perhaps the corporate voices are just too powerful to overcome. It's a complex situation with no easy answers, that's for sure. And as I see it now, there are going to be "winners" and "losers" for a long time coming.

Here's a music video by the rock band Rise Against. Check it out!
Prayer of the Refugee

It's open to interpretations, but I think the message is really clear.