Lauren Ramos
Annotated Bibliography
Dorgan, B. (2006, June 12). Sweatshops in Africa? Consider the Case of Jordan (1 Letter).
Retrieved October 6, 2010, from http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/12/opinion/l12kristof.html
The article is written to an editor of the notoriously know New York Times. Dorgan, U.S. Senator of North Dakota is appalled by columnist Nicholas Kristof. Kristof condones these horrible sweatshops in Africa and Dorgan believes that before publishing an article in a well known newspaper, one must review the facts and do their research. Senator Dorgan challenges Kristof’s story with the case of Jordan. Jordan supplies the U.S. with merchandise and factories in Africa are smuggling workers from China and Bangladesh and exploiting them. They are cheating the system. This article is beneficial to my research not only because it gives a lesson on the importance of being well researched and educated, but it also opens my eyes to the extent political influence has on many issues.
Lagan, Attracta, and Brian Moran. Three Dimensional Ethics: Implementing Workplace Values. Maleny: eContent Manaegment Pty Ltd, 2006. 1-172. Google Scholar. Web. 30 Sept. 2010. http://books.google.com/books?id=0Mef4G6gQu4C&printse
Attracta and Moran make it clear to the reader in their book that ethics in the workplace are subject to change depending on societal values and governmental control. Because each region has different ethical outlooks on certain situations, we can never truly understand or comprehend the why’s and how’s happening in different areas. An onlooker sees injustice in other areas, but we must come to accept the differences. We must consider this fact when casting judgments on these factories said to be dangerous and unethical. This book has been published fairly recent, so everything written has had the influence of the twenty first century. Human rights and ethical values should not differ from country to country, but it does and we must modify our way of thinking.
Meier, A. (2006, March). Endangered Revolution. Retrieved October 4, 2010, from http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2006/03/ukraine-revolution/meier-text/1
In Meier’s blog, the reader’s eyes are open to a different point of view when looking at the situation of those in Ukraine. Instinctively, our minds tell us that people working in factories that are located in third world countries are suffering. We fail to acknowledge the progress they have made in both the industrial and governmental aspects of their society. Working conditions appear horrible and reform seems improbable, but we must look beyond the surface and see the deeper reconstruction that is going on in their society. This blog from the National Geographic Magazine is relevant to my research because I must be aware of the lesser details of my topic. National Geographic Magazine is a trusted publisher that has been around for decades and has delivered factual and credible articles. The story of those experiencing this “abuse” opens my eyes to what is actually happening.
Millman, J. (2009, October 4). Sweatshops benefit poor. Retrieved September 30, 2010, from http://www.thelantern.com/opinion/sweatshops-benefit-poor-1.626775
In his article, Millman presents a side of the argument relating to sweatshops most individuals conventionally do not consider. A majority of people are against sweatshops, but he is for them and stands by that view point based on logical and factual evidence. Sweatshops are considered to be outlandish here in the United States; however, to those in third world countries, they are a blessing. We as Americas can never truly empathize with those living in a third world country. Liberal economist Paul Krugman and columnist Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times provide arguments that support Millman’s take on this issue. “No one is forced to take a job.” Millman takes a firm stand on being pro-sweatshop and does so in a respectful and educated way. It is important to consider both sides of an argument when researching a topic and trying to take an educated stance on the issue.
Now & Then Timeline: Sweatshop Journal. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2010, from
This Journal is a timeline of all the major events that occurred in relation to labor unions, strikes, and protests. It dates back to June 3, 1900 International Ladies Garment Workers Union protested their unfair wages and working hours. 1938 marks the date when the first law was passed to require a minimum wage to be paid to all workers, which still wasn’t sufficient. The journal reveals that although many efforts were made and are still being made labor injustice and abuse is still in existence. It doesn’t matter what century we are in, this issue is still alive and well. This journal educates the reader and reveals to them key dates and facts. With this resource I will be able to educate myself in the early history of my topic.
US: European Corporate Hypocrisy. (2010, September 2). Retrieved October 6, 2010, from http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/09/01/us-european-corporate-hypocrisy
Here in the United States, employee’s labor rights are being violated by European owned companies. Loop holes are being found and corners are being cut. Our nation is so concerned with the labor rights of those in third world countries that they fail to protect the rights of those living in their homeland. Unjust wages and working hours, abusive bosses, and hostile environments are not a thing of the past here in the U.S. Humans Rights Watch is an online organization that brings awareness to the world through their informative articles. Sweatshops do not always appear to be dirty and uncivilized. Through the years, factories have become more civilized and have concealed their true front, but they still practice the same exploitation.
Westervelt, M. (2006, February 27). Students Protest Sweatshops. The Exponent. Retrieved October 4, 2010, from http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/sweatshops/3782.html
Factory workers from Mexico visit Purdue students and give them an earful of the abuses they
endure. They ask us not to stop buying certain name brands but rather to take action to ensure that a company’s method of executing the production of goods is fair. Awareness is key. I believe this newspaper article to be relevant to my research because it gives the reader an opportunity to hear the voice of a factory worker from an area closer to the United States rather than that of someone from Ukraine or China. Location is vital in this case because it reflects government involvement in the laborers rights and to what extent the people of the region are allowed to have a say in certain matters. Global Exchange website posts many links and articles that educate individuals of recent and important matters currently happening all throughout the world.
Williams, M. (2010, October 6). At issue: Child Labor and Sweatshops. Retrieved October 6, 2010, from http://www.enotes.com/child-labor-article/38989
In this article, Williams tells the reader of a twelve year old boy, Iqbal Masih, who escaped from an abusive carpet company in Pakistan. His tragic success story brought reform to child labor rights. Most individuals who work in these unspeakable working conditions are women and children. Many campaigns have been held to bring awareness to the world; we are asked by many activist organizations not to boycott companies who abuse their workers, but rather “demand safe and humane working conditions.” Williams has done extensive research on the topic; he gives detailed stories of individuals who have personally struggled with the issue and of those who fight to end this abuse that goes on in many factories all over the world. Many organizations can attest to William’s documentation on eNotes.com of their efforts to bring awareness to the world about factory abuse.
