Week 6: China Blue and Cheek

Cheek describes China's classes in much the same way as I would describe our own, which is interesting considering how differently the USA and China are viewed and portrayed. I noticed at one point that Cheek referred to the kind of crackdown v. acceptance two-prong strategy Kurlantzick discussed when he was describing the Working Class, and also the Underclass, to some extent.

In watching China Blue I was struck by the similarities between migrant workers in China and migrant, especially immigrant, workers here. I was deeply saddened by how complicit we in the USA and other Western nations are in contributing to the poor labor standards in China, and the abuses of workers. It forces me to question to what extent the different forces and actors influence the conditions of workers there. Consideration must be given to Western CEOs, shareholders, managers, and consumers, as well as to governments and the laws set forth concerning labor laws, tariffs, international trade, etc., and perhaps lastly, the responsibility falls on the managers and CEOs in China who control the day-to-day mistreatment of workers. I am frustrated by how multifaceted the problem is, because it makes it seem far too complex and ingrained to be remedied. How can I assist Little Jasmine? Already I almost never buy a new pair of jeans, but I know I purchase a good deal of products from China which are produced under similar conditions. But I my family is not like most of the students' at Ithaca College, and coming here for school limits my purchasing choices further. I cannot afford to by only fair trade products, though I try to do so as often as possible. Yet as I said, the problem is so much larger than myself. my buying fair trade goods does next to nothing for Little Jasmine or workers like her, and in some ways by diverting my money to more expensive but ethically more sound products only brings the demand down on "free trade" goods, causing prices to fall in order to avoid a surplus, which in turn would further lower Jasmine's wages. So how do we respond to this crisis? It is not only in China where we see it, though it is certainly widespread there. However, it is visible here, among immigrants and migrant workers, and it is a serious problem no matter where it arises, and no matter what laws govern the nations in question. Yet, I am curious about the note in China Blue that mentioned labor movements being illegal, along with unionization. I am curious about this, and will be incorporating these ideas into my part of out Wednesday issue report.