I just watched a news article about child-sweatshops in India. My first reaction was, oh my god, that is terrible! But do I really believe that? The news piece focused on a major clothing company that I frequently buy from (the name of the company will remain anonymous, since this blog has such a large audience, I don't want to cause any major losses to the company), and, truth be told, I have known about this for a long time and still buy there. We have all known about this, and we still all buy there.
So, deep down, was I really upset that a ten year old in New Delhi is working without shoes for 13 hours a day? Or do I stop caring when go to buy my ten dollar t-shirt, or three dollar flip-flops? I think of the child in New Delhi, and I try and think what kind of life he will have. When I was ten, I was in fifth grade, playing sports, having fun with my friends. I had my own sneakers, and when there was a little wear and tear to it, my parents took me to get new ones. I am sure that childhood is a far away dream the young boy in India thinks of while stitching together my next pair of dockers.
What did I do to deserve the great childhood I had? When yo get down to it, what can a child ever do to influence his life? Isn't that supposed to be the beauty of childhood- you don't worry about the future, because you are just a kid? But I am getting off topic here. Let us return to the original question
Are people inherently good or bad? Unfortunately, I have come to the conclusion they are bad. Look at the people around you- how many would you trust your life with? Did you get past your first hand? I doubt it. How many people would you make a sacrifice for? Do we really care about other people, when it isn't beneficial to us?
Let me make myself clear- I am not saying whoever buys clothes that are made in sweatshops are bad people, but it gives us great insight into the nature of man. We (hopefully) feel a twinge of guilt when we make such purchases, but that is usually it. You may respond to this, "it isn't my job to make sure Brand X doesn't use child labor," and that is completely true. But why is it being done in the first place? This is not a rare occurrence, where only a few evil companies do this- no, that is not true. It has come to be widespread practice, basically acceptable. And that is why I think we are inherently selfish people.
How quick we forget our principles in the face of a good deal. And if you are that quick to "forget" your principle, what is really there in the first place?
Who knows, maybe tomorrow I will witness some amazing act of one stranger helping another, and my worldview will change. I hope that is the case, but so far I have been let down by humanity. Don't get me wrong, people can change. They can become good, kind, and inspirational. But they are the exception, and that is why they are so rare.
I know this post is a little on the dark side. Again, take what you will from it. Hopefully next time I will be in a better mood.
Until next time,
Live Life To The Fullest
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