Ethics

Today we visited Gamarra, a forty block gated district where clothing is made. We saw all kinds of names we recognize in the States and commonly wear--Holister, Rip Curl, Abercrombie, DC, and dozens more for about a fifth of the cost in the States. Sweet deal for shopping right? Well, the first thing we did before shopping was visit the places the garmets were made--sweat shops. I felt myself trapped in an ethical dilema: I have to wear clothes, obviously, however much of what I wear is probably made somewhere like this! People work 48 hours a week for S/ 800 a month--less than $300. Yet, they are lucky to have jobs. If we didn't buy the clothing, these people would have no jobs. It is a never ending cycle for which I cannot find a solution! Obviously, a solution would be to pay the workers better and give them benefits, but if they will not do it, then those working on the streets in the informal sector will quickly jump into their places and work for the same conditions, because while the circumstances are poor, they are still better than those on the street. I felt so twisted and torn today and don't know what to think about it. Is there a realistic solution?

Erin Gesell BA: Creative Writing