9/10 "Using our Purchasing Power for Justice and Hope"

Actual Text #1:
The first part of the reading that really stood out to me was the text on page 10, describing the phenomenon in Jamaica. It discussed how, although the Blue Mountain coffee was delicious, the forests and soils used to grow the beans for the coffee are now destroyed, due to the harsh working conditions on these grounds, over the years. As a result, the residents of Jamaica have grown significantly poorer and there lives are now governed by the cash crop, “coffee.” With the vast amount of price fluctuations in the stock market, these resident workers are now working in fields that they do not own and they are becoming poorer while someone else is profiting off their hardships and dedication to properly grow good coffee beans.

Response to Text #1
I was really fascinated with this story because I feel as though we are so completely unaware of the hard work that goes into producing products that we so-call “need.” I found it devastating that people are working under such harsh conditions, just to make ends meet, for our need for the luxury of “delicious coffee.” Not only do these workers get paid way less than they should for their devotion to satisfying our needs, but they are also residents of Jamaica and have to work under the authority of someone else, watching that authoritative figure make all the profits for their work. It is sad that we can take Jamaica’s beautiful land and forests and destroy them for our own luxuries, as if we do not already have enough.

Actual Text #2
The second part of the reading that really stood out to me was the part where the author describes how Fair Trade encourages artisans to work together rather than compete with one another. It states, “when one helps another becomes more skilled, one strengthens the group.” The author also stresses the importance of being transparent and honest to create a healthy and proactive working environment. It is also saying aside from good communication between artisans, they also are very generous to help each other out. If, for example, one woman is unable to complete her part of the job, because of an injury, they will all make sure she still gets paid. This “cooperation gives artisans the opportunity to establish their own rules and solve problems in ways that are life-giving.”

Response to Text #2
The reason I thought this part what of great importance to reflect on is because I believe the underlying cause of a good, successful working environment is teamwork. If you are not willing to be open to others and share a common working ground then you will not accomplish the same amount of progress, as you would if working together. I think there is something to value in the way these artisans view life. It is very heart-warming to know that these woman who come from nothing still hold the value of friendship and learning from each other to the highest standard. I think it would be very beneficial for people of this day and age to see what true cooperation and sharing accomplishes. Overall, I think these woman have a greater idea of what is important in life and I think many people these days forget about that when it comes to success and money.

More blog posts in this category Common

• The Wound & the Blessing/The Economy of Communion Project Post
• The Crest- Jewel of Wisdom & Work as a Spiritual Practice Post
• "What Money Can't Buy" Blog Post
• Blog Post Ni: FTRN Booklet & Arithmetic of Passion
• Work as a Spiritual Practice (The Transformation of Work)