Fair Trade

Globalization has had a profound effect on the world over the course of the past three decades. We are in a very interesting, exciting time.  We are experiencing a technological revolution; it's far from over.  Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina began saying in 2004 that we were "at the end of the beginning" of the information age and that the last 25 years were just "the warm up act".  Technology isn't done with us yet.  We are now living in the formative years of Globalization 3.0 (Friedman, It's a Flat World After All).

We have seen the ugly side of globalization, the economic kick-in-the-butt of out-sourcing and off-shoring.  We have also seen foreign investors, at the advice of the World Bank, buy up businesses in Africa, strip their assets and abandon them.  With the advent of social media and instant access to world events, we know that this system is failing.  Exploiting the developing world is not a nice way to do business.

Ten Thousand Villages employs craftsmen is
isolated areas and provides a sustainable
livelihood.

Enter 3.0.  The next wave will not be large corporations that are only concerned with the bottom line.  It will be social entrepreneurs, intelligent business men and women who want to combine global enterprise with a genuine desire to change the world.

All that to say this: fair trade will be a big part of this movement.  Fair trade has been around a while, but is now becoming more mainstream.  Walmart now carries fair trade coffee, which in essence means, "we pay the laborers in the coffee fields a fair wage and do not exploit them. We create jobs and want to make the world a more fair, equal place for everyone."  Other businesses employ people in isolated areas as craftsmen and sell the wares for a profit in the States, while giving the workers good pay so that they don't have to travel to the cities.  Now wouldn't that be an exciting field to be a part of?

The information age makes us aware of what's happening and lays a responsibility on the consumer that has never been felt before.  Look for Fair Trade labeling on your products.  You will have a more unique product and know that you are helping to change the world.

Some Thoughts on Human Rights

It's been a long time since my last post.  I admit that I've been very overwhelmed by the amount of human rights violations the world over, many of which are condoned, or at least looked over, by entire governments.  Then I write a paper or a blog, only to have it shelved, forgotten, or collecting page views in cyberspace.  I'm a writer, yes, but I'm also goal oriented, and my writing needs to serve a purpose.  As a major in international relations, I've read papers that say that our field should be one of theory, not practice.  Or at least that a desire for action leads to a tainting of the academic field because it lends a biased perspective.  Which is why, despite a gaggle of theorists, our world is one of inequality in economics, human rights, civil liberties, and every other aspect you can think of.  It's as easy to feel satisfied in writing as it is to tithe in church; I'm paying my dues, I'm fulfilling my purpose.  But will it make a difference, or just fill up the coffers?  When will it feel like I've done enough?  Probably when there is no longer a "great cry throughout the land".  

Over the next month I will be researching human rights violations in the Gaza Strip.  I am meeting with a number of expatriates and Americans who have traveled there and assisted in humanitarian work.  One person in particular has traveled there recently in an attempt to deliver medical supplies.  I wish with all my hear that I could go with him next time, so if someone feels like granting me a research fund feel free!  Look for the posting in mid-January.  Thank you all for reading :)