Actual Text #1
After reading this article, one part that stuck out to me, was the discussion of Fair Trade’s purpose and how it compares to Free Trade. It is stated on page six, “Free Trade increases nation’s economic growth, where as, Fair Trade empowers marginalized people and improves the quality of life.” It also talked about how Fair Trade is developed to be honest and transparent. It is not created so that companies can say they are Fair Trade but really only have 5% of their purchases be Fair Trade oriented. Subsequently, when discussing the difference between Fair Trade and Free Trade, it showed how Fair Trade eliminates the middleman for a more direct trade route, where as, Free Trade’s supply chain includes many parties between producer and consumer.
Response to Text #1
I think it is important for everyone to know the difference between Free Trade and Fair Trade. It is clear that Free Trade does not have the workers’ overall well being in mind, but rather directs their focus to helping undeveloped countries by way of government policies. I understand that it is good to help these less industrialized countries make money and have strong financial support, but it is not helping them as people when we are not treating them in the most respectful manner. These individuals should not feel as though we are pitting them. It is not important to them to receive money from us, but rather to help us, by showing Americans what they are passionate about. They are pleased to help our country out through Fair Trade because they can see their hard work is being noticed. Another important piece of information that stuck out to me in this article was the word “empower.” When describing Free Trade vs. Fair Trade, it is shown that the main goal of Fair Trade is to empower the people and help them improve the quality of their lives. It is great to know this goal is focused around the individuals themselves. I feel that they are more likely to get out of unsafe living conditions, grow and succeed, as human beings and as communities, if they are given the tools of learning and empowerment, rather than us Americans giving them money to show our “support.” Lastly, it is imperative that Fair Trade cuts out the middlemen that Free Trade has in their supply chain. Reason being that, these groups of people in undeveloped countries, live their whole lives around work and designing products they feel passionate about. They create these Fair Trade products to survive. There is no need to have parties between the producers and consumers, when it’s clear and ethical to give the money to the people who earned it.
Actual Text #2
Another story that was touching to read about was the “Visually Impaired Woman in India finds Lifeline in Fair Trade.” This woman is an artisan and has been visually impaired, since she was born. Because of this devastating condition, she has spent most of her life poor and famished. However, with the help of Blue Mango, she was able to find the help she needed. Not only to fix her living condition, but to also help other women who are either widowed, abandoned, abused, and disabled. Blue Mango facilitates training, employment ownership and empowerment, to these women, so they are able to lift themselves out of the demoralizing situations and change their lives for the better.
Response to Text #2
The reason this story stuck out to me the most was because it showed how anything is possible. Today, in the states, people constantly complain about their lives, the government and other issues, but they continued to sit around and do nothing about it. They think that everything in life should be handed to them, but that is not how life works. These women, especially Botumani, show what it means to get out there, push through the hardships and difficulties and change your own life. She has a disability that most people are lucky they were not faced with, yet she still is doing more from her end then we do, living in a free country. There is so much opportunity out there, but everyone is too naïve to see it or step out of their comfort zone to achieve it. Botumani shows true strength and provides the world a great lesson that anything is possible. Finally, when reading this story, it reminded me of my favorite quote that I would like to share. “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it” (We Bought a Zoo).
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