I’m sure you’ve heard about the Ralph Lauren “made in China” Olympic uniforms debacle. Personally, I can’t believe this was met with such surprise. House Speaker, John Boehner, responded to the news with “You’d think they would know better.” Really? Americans buy things in droves on a daily basis that are not made domestically. When the American people spend just as much, or more, on mass-produced sweat shop items, why would the designers think it matters where their manufacturing is done?
Yes, it would be nice if the designers took it upon themselves to do the right thing, but we need to take responsibility for the part we play. We are all in this together. Lately, one of my favorite quotes is from Anna Lappé:
“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.”
And being unaware is not a good excuse. If “made in the USA” is such an important issue to those who are upset about the Ralph Lauren situation, then they should already know that the majority of U.S. clothing is manufactured overseas.
While I’m more concerned about the conditions in which items are made, rather than where they are made, I will say that I have had a hard time finding U.S.-based ethical companies and designers, and I’m looking for them. Perhaps more will be brought out into the spotlight now that there is some focus on the issue. One positive thing that I hope will come of this Olympic controversy, is that people will start paying more attention to where and how the things they purchase are being made.
Do you think the outrage was justified? Do you think we as consumers have a responsibility in where our purchases come from?
