Behind the Label

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses items from three big designer names and compares the population statistics of the countries where the items are manufactured to those of the United States. Although all three are attempting to improve their image, the author exposes the environmental, social and human cost at which these items are being manufactured. The paper concludes that taking advantage of lower costs often translates into human rights and labor rights violations, and environmental degradation.

Outline:
The United States
Item 1: Banana Republic (monogram) Pants
Item 2: Victoria's Secret Bra
Item 3: Adidas Running Shoes
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The label lists the country of manufacture of the cotton pants as Cambodia. According to Responsible Shopper, the Gap's clothing is "manufactured with genetically engineered and pesticide laden cotton." Moreover, "in more than 40 Gap-contracted factories in Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Lesotho, El Salvador and Mexico," interviews with workers revealed "abusive" conditions ("Responsible Shopper"). Cambodia became the center of attention for the Gap and its subsidiaries like the Banana Republic line of clothing. Responsible Shopper notes that in 2003, "a Gap worker was shot to death during a worker protest in Cambodia." Not only that, "Cambodian police opened fire to disperse more than 1,000 garment workers who were protesting working conditions and pay." Doing business in countries that treat their citizens like they do in Cambodia is more than unethical; it is akin to being an accomplice."

Sample of Sources Used:

• CIA. "The World Factbook." Retrieved April 25, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
• "Responsible Shopper." Retrieved April 25, 2008 from http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/

More papers on Behind the Label:

• Book Review # 22815 : "Bonacich & Appelbaum's "Behind the Label"
• Term Paper # 117508 : "Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)"
• Essay # 87136 : "No Child Left Behind Act"

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