Instant Vintage : 02.2010 : …there is no free lunch… (Confessions)
Back in May of 2008, the BBC aired three short series centered around illustrating the human costs of today’s throwaway culture. In each, six Brits are sent throughout Asia to experience the lifestyles and working conditions of the people who are responsible for manufacturing the things most often taken for granted in the Western world. Those series are now re-airing on Planet Green.
Compelling reality television does exist.
The first of the three, Blood, Sweat & Takeaways centered around food culture, has already concluded. This time around, it’s Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts.
Yeah. The monster that is fast fashion.
(the guy on the left is a COMPLETE ASSHOLE. Seriously.)
Sure, we’re all (vaguely) aware of the (nebulous) concept of sweatshops and poor working conditions. After all, sucky treatment of workers in poorer countries = cheap, largely disposable clothing and we’re fine with it because we’re saving a few dollars and can remain gleefully ignorant about where it all comes from. This series, however, puts faces and names on the people working to make that cheap and chic shirt; it examines factories with tightly-packed workers making less than $2 a day and sweatshops where workers don’t even go home…they sleep, eat, and work in a dank room with nothing more than a garment on a mannequin and a quota to meet. The show’s subjects are thrown in the thick of it, tasked to work alongside the same people who, in earlier interviews, they couldn’t care less about.
It’s hard to not feel something while watching.
I was already a bit ambivalent about shopping at places like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, but after seeing the first episode, I’m ready to swear it off for good.
Seriously.
The next show airs tomorrow on Planet Green at 10pm EST. For those of you without the cable, here is the second episode…it’s a grainy filming of someone’s television and subtitled with a language I can’t recognize, but you’ll get the point.
Now…be honest…after watching this, how do you feel about shopping at Forever 21/Topshop/Urban Outfitters? Seriously. Let’s discuss.
—
Side note: I also caught a movie featuring two of the most adorably precocious pre-teens called What’s On Your Plate? on the same channel (GO PLANET!). If you can catch a local screening, please do…or you can take my route and scan the guide to set a reminder the next time it shows up on TV.
42 Responses to “…there is no free lunch…”
Thanks for the heads up on this! Asael is programming it into our DVR as I type this. I have a LOT to say on this subject – will be back! Just wanted to leave this msg now.
I’ve never purchased anything from Topshop or Forever 21 but I have (on occasion) from Urban Outfitters. But real takk, this isn’t a problem that is exclusive to these major retailers — just taking a quick browse through my closet, almost everything in there was made in China/India/random country I’ve never heard of and had to look up to make sure it exists.
In my opinion (and maybe this isn’t really addressing the issues presented in the videos) but I really think countries like the United States (and Argentina, only because I was there last summer and was bugging out over the fact that almost NOTHING is manufactured in that MASSIVE country) should train artisans within the boarders and pay them proper wages. Enough with the outsourcing — a sky-rocketing unemployment rate and a shoddy economy should be enough to motivate the “powers that be” to train some of our own workforce to become skilled artisans. How many tv nurses do we really need? And Job Corps could definitely add “seamstress” to the list of potential careers.
Let me stop. Its 4:30 in the morning and I have a complaint to work on. TBC.
Die Konigin Der Herzen´s last blog ..Fashion Week 2010: The Best of Both Worlds
I love that you made this post. I try very hard to buy products that have just been made in Canada or the US or some European/well -developed South American country, the working conditions being one of the reasons.
It’s very hard to know that someone slaved away to make the clothing that you own. If I knew that the product I’m wearing wasn’t made through blodd, sweat, and tears and with decent wages, it would be a different story. But it’s not. And this has got to change.
Other reasons why I try hard to buy products from industrialized countries is not only because they don’t just have better working conditions but also they would provide their workers with better wages and benefits and an increase in manufacturing on our continent would help our economy greatly – if Obama and Harper (Canada’s prime minister) want to save the economy of their countries, this is where they have to start….wow, this could go on a while.
Again, thanks for bringing this up!
Carina´s last blog ..Chicks with Frames
OMG! Just as I was falling in love with Forever21. The love affair is over.
Lenya Jones´s last blog ..My Mother – Styled by Me
@ The Queen: I COMPLETELY agree. It’s hard to believe that the US actually used to manufacture things this day and age. Outsourcing definitely needs to stop if we’re going to heal our economy.
And yeah, the issues surrounding how clothes are made don’t only apply to F21 and other lower-priced retailers. They run the gamut from designer goods to the swapmeet and everywhere in between…and the workers probably don’t see a shift in their wages no matter where the clothes are being sold. It sucks. Sucks a lot.
@ Carina: I totally agree on that note, too.
Thank you so much for this! I haven’t seen the show yet (still at the job), but I will definitely catch it. I’ve really been thinking about my buying relationship with these stores as of late–meaning Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters and other stores. Even with more upscale designers/stores, you expect that they produce their clothing in a more ethical fashion, but you see a label that says “Made in China” on it and you know that you aren’t getting what you are paying for and you are not helping those who are producing your items.
Sheena´s last blog ..Bookends
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by InnyVinny: NEW POST: fast fashion is the DEVIL! http://www.innyvinny.com/2010/02/08/there-is-no-free-lunch/ look @ me trying to be serious and ish……
@Sheena: I KNOW!! It’s so disheartening to know that something that costs hundreds of dollars isn’t made where the wages can cover what we would consider basic living expenses.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Clutch Magazine, Clutch Magazine, Ev`Yan, Alicia, Licier, etc., Cheris Courtney and others. Cheris Courtney said: RT @InnyVinny: NEW POST: fast fashion is the DEVIL! http://www.innyvinny.com/2010/02/08/there-is-no-free-lunch/ look @ me trying to be serious and ish… [...]
These series were really amazing and gave a really good eyesight into a side of fashion we don’t see or tend to think about. One of the girls from blood, sweat and tshirts had a spin off late last year where she investigated child labour in more depth. It had two parts, I’m not sure if they are online anywhere but they are also def worth watching.
Wow. I’m speechless. I don’t know what to say, really, but I’ve got some research ahead of me. Thank you SO MUCH for writing about this.
Ev`Yan | apricot tea.´s last blog ..“we’re not scaremongering; this is really happening.”
I have not had a chance to watch the videos but, sweatshops come up in conversation between me and my best friend from time to time.
Luxury goods are made in sweatshop conditions too so it’s not only price point. When goods were made in the US there were sweat shops. From what I hear there are still sweat shops in Brooklyn. The most famous sweat shop fire I know of is the Triangle Shirt Waist(or something like that).
If we all put the source of our goods at the forefront of our purchasing we would buy less and dispose of less. I include myself in this too.
Brandy´s last blog ..Sittin’ Up In My Room
@Brandy I’m trying to do the same thing myself (putting the source at the forefront, that is).
I’m sure the luxury goods sector also takes part in these practices, but I’m using the show (which is focused more on the lower priced retailers) as a starting point. We should all be talking about this a little more often and I’m happy to hear that you and your friend are having the discussion. =D
Loving this. I want to watch the series…gotta love that drama! Thanks for sharing
♡,
Jessica
this is such an eye opener, i mean we all know to an extent what happens, but to see it with your own eyes right in front of you… you can not look the other way, which i think alot of us tend to do, we know whats going on but if your never see it, it is easier to ignore or i guess not think about.
i was left with an extreme empty depressed feeling after watching this. these people are human beings, we are not better than them in any way and yet we are so “lucky”.
i could not imagine this life, yet so many all over the world are living like this with no hope for change.
we really need to come together as one & somehow change or at least improve this situation.
they are humans… this is what blows my mind the most… is it is other humans causing this way of life for them.
Thank you so much for this post– it’s informative and eye-opening. Most people really don’t pay enough attention to where everything they consume (clothes, food, etc.) comes from and how it affects everything else in the world. Even watching Real Women Have Curves, in which America Ferrera is a daughter in a family of seamstresses in America that are also paid below minimum wage for quality work, makes me realize that even the people who create clothing in the US have got it tough, as well. It’s all terrible and awareness is definitely the first step towards people actually doing something about it: ideally boycotting, and making our voices heard.
Also reminds me of a part of “I Heart Huckabees”: (got it from a script so it’s a bit jenky, but italicized is the particular character speaking)
- Look at this. Do you know where
these come from?
- Yeah, my closet.
- Indonesia.
- The store.
- Baby, this is the truth, okay?
Little girls like you,
they have to work in dark factories…
where they go blind for $1.60 a month
just to make Mommy her pretty shoes.
- Can you imagine that, Caitlin?
- I don’t want the children to work in factories!
- Don’t listen, honey.
Daddy is crazy.
- Daddy’s not crazy, baby.
The world is crazy.
- It’s important to ask questions.
- [Caitlin] Don’t let them go blind.!
sui´s last blog ..This is me.
It also reminds me of the story of stuff, if you’ve seen that. It’s at storyofstuff.com , I believe. Incredibly eye-opening
sui´s last blog ..This is me.
I think this is such a complicated and delicate issue. And it’s not just clothing that’s being made this way but every household product we use. Capitalism rules in our world, I don’t think it’s not as simple as boycotting a brand. There is a whole eco system, from the cotton pickers to the tailors who depend on the money they receive (as little as it is.) I’m just really humbled by these hard working people. But I’m not sure what the solution is.
I’ve been saying this is the year that I would stop buying clothes like I do to save on things that matter. I’ve bought a lot of stuff from stores like Forever 21 and etc. Just reading this post and seeing a little bit of the clips have given me a reason to really think about what I’m buying. I hate the fact that there are other people suffering and only getting paid 2 freaking dollars or less to make something that I might only wear once in a few months.
Things like this and the issues the other commenters brought up (that people in America are often paid less than minimum wage, that luxury goods are being made at lower and lower cost so they involve sweatshop labor too) make me think that sometimes the easiest way to do it is just buy secondhand or make it yourself. That’s my solution anyways – easier on your budget too!
Michelle´s last blog ..Marvelous Monday!
Dude, are u serious? I’m watching this right now! I just happened to turn on my computer during the commercial break. WOW! As for the asshole guy, I also have the issue of seeing things in Black & White. But I do have enough common sense to know that people in third world countries don’t choose to be poor. The cotton picking episode looks…interesting. A mean I never thought of people still physically picking cotton.
I’ve always wanted to know how to sew, so maybe this will really give me the motivation to step my game up.
@Teresa: I couldn’t agree more. Brands of clothing and other types of goods produced using sweatshop labor are definitely symptoms of a larger problem of imperialism, capitalism, and exploitation. I’m not sure if there is a solution short of an overhaul of the system. Seriously.
@Ree: feel that. I think the important thing is to me more mindful all around with whatever we purchase.
@ Michelle: I couldn’t agree more. DIY and thrift FTW!!!
*I
I need to see this movie!
It gets really sad in parts, but when the 6 have their revelations throughout the show, that gives me hope that awareness will be raised.
I’m glad he had an “AHA!” moment…he was really on a self-appointed pedestal. Ugh.
And the cotton picking episode is going to be interesting…I can feel it.
Yeah, this is a hard issue. This post went up on 39th and Bwy recently about why to hate Forever 21:
http://www.39thandbroadway.com/hate-21/
…but there are a lot of reasons to hate a lot of places, as was mentioned. It’s made me lean on vintage and even American Apparel – the lesser of 2 evils when it comes to new, in my current opinion.
jesse.anne.o´s last blog ..Carrot Pate
I agree fast fashion is problem but I also watched a movie last year called China Blue (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDkzMDM3NDg=.html) about all the sweatshops in China and not only are fast fashion companies to blame but also Medium priced items and even high fashion, yes your Nike, Converse, French Connection items too. It’s a huge problem and I am a labor rights advocate and wrote about this issue on thanksgiving, here is an international labor group if any of you would like more info and help the rights of exploited children and international rights http://www.laborrights.org/ also remember that sweatshops are not only located abroad they are also here in the U.S. in NYC and LA to name a few cities. How many immigrants are being paid about less than minimum wage a day and must endure humiliation and physical abuse simply because they are illegal in this country, does their legal status mean they are less than human? I also liked your last link, so many children need to get educated about food, and our government has let our children and families get addicted to sugar and salty chemicals along with hormone blasted meats and poultry. Ughh… let me not start talking about food here Im also passionate about that issue, Watch this film if your interested in this topic – Food.Inc, it’ll change your whole perspective about what you eat. Thanks so much for sharing the info darling!
Much love always,
Glendy <3
Glendy´s last blog ..Outfit Diary: Trippin’ on Unicorn and Kitties
This is a real eye opener. I always knew that some of the clothes I buy are made in sweatshops, but I never really thought all that much about the people who actually work in them and the conditions they have to live in. They have to endure so much, and here we are complaining about little things when we have it good compared to them. I just hope that more people watch this and will want to make a change and stop shopping at those stores.
I’ve avoided purchasing from any fast-fashion retailer for several months now, but it’s not easy to nix it permanently. Plus with pricier items also being made overseas, it’s hard to know what ISN’T made in a sweatshop. I can’t remember the last time I saw a clothing tag that said “Made in USA”. The whole situation is very depressing. But I don’t think anyone knows how to reverse it. It ought to be made illegal to pay people such low wages.
I don’t really know how to respond to this because I feel like I already knew the gist of it but don’t think about it very often. I don’t usually shop at huge chain factory stores other than h&m and the gap regularly (i’m mostly a thrifter), but it is a problem and it is awful. I feel a sense of helplessness while watching documentaries like this although I’m glad they exist to raise awareness.
I also saw ‘What’s on my plate’ before as well as ‘Super Skinny Me’–a female british journalist’s take on Super Size Me but focusing on the hollywood size 0 and striving to get there herself to prove the hazards.
The British really have much better documentary/reality programing in many cases.
xx
charles´s last blog ..All American Ass
Okay–this I have a problem with. In an attempt to bring awareness to the public we create a show with kids who get to experience what its like to work in a sweatshop but afterward go home with only that experience…and vile memories, mean while poor little johnny and annie have to continue to work every day in poor conditions with little pay. It’s kind of like the charities where people have to do something before giving the money to an organization-and the event becomes more about who wore what and the gossip of the night then the money and awareness/effort itself. This show inadvertently [i hope] the sweatshop laborers for the benefit of a reality tv show that shows “brats” doing as the romans. i really dont think id watch this show for the soul purpose that the network is profiting from the show itself and its not like they are doing anything directly to help these people
Great point; they all do get to go back to their lives, but I think raising awareness about it is doing something. It isn’t much in the way of helping the situations of the people laboring in sweatshops and the like, but my hope is that people will take the knowledge that this is happening, that it’s completely wrong, and spread it around.
Changing the garment industry is going to take a global shift in perspective and in local economies and how they are structured. I don’t think much of anything in an of itself is going to accomplish that. =(
[...] Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored. [...]
The strange language is Finnish.
The show was recently aired on Finnish television.
Re: Tifini’s comment: The BBC is is a public service broadcaster in Britain and doesn’t really do the kind of reality shows that commercial channels do. The aim of this program was not to entertain but to educate, both the participants and the viewers.
elle s’ennuie´s last blog ..The birds were singing for spring
[...] Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored. [...]
[...] Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored. [...]
Thank you Die Konigin Der Herzen (& Alicia for a F*CKING Brilliant Post).
Yes in this MASSIVE US of A you would think we would have more product Manufactured here. Kudos to American Apparel who does make their clothing here.
Americans do not demand items made here. They should!
Love the post
I’m so glad that someone is reporting on this. Yes, I’ve always been “nebulously aware” of it, but have always wanted to know more, the truth. Glad there is somewhere I can get the info. I’ve definitely cut wayyyy back on my fast fashion purchases in the past few months.
Thanks for sharing.
[...] Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored. [...]
[...] Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored. [...]
[...] Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored. [...]