In Response to Allegations of Human Rights Violations by Apple Computer, Inc.
After reading a recent article, The iPods Incredible Journey, I felt obligated to voice my anxiety at the increasingly oppressive nature of industrial globalization. This story strikes a particularly loud chord as Apple recently teamed up with Nike, another company who has been accused of running foreign sweatshops. To be fair, it could be revealed that Apple knew nothing about the situation in their Chinese factories, and it's even possible that this article embellished the truth. Nonetheless, this discovery deepens my concern over the negative impact which our nation is having upon the world and the hypocrisy of our leaders and ourselves.
There is a clear disconnect between the words of our politicians and the actions of many of our corporate leaders. With an attitude similar to that of Manifest Destiny during the earlier part of our country's development, I often hear politicians speak of America's "responsibility" to spread democracy to the rest of the world. (Whether this is actually a "responsibility" or not, or whether this really is our goal, will remain for another discussion.) We exalt human rights before the world, claiming it’s a fundamental part of the American way of life and pressing other countries to pursue the same goals. I do believe that, for a portion of our history, we have indeed improved the lives of citizens of other nations and made positive improvements. American was seen as a light in the world. That light is getting mighty dim.
Because of the immense power of corporate America, our companies now represent the values and integrity of the United States and its people to the world. This is very unfortunate. It has become clear that many of our corporate leaders are not concerned with human rights at all. Now, there are certainly exceptions to this statement: some American companies, such as Starbucks (from what I’ve heard), are making a positive difference in the lives of those working for them in other countries. But more than not, the examples put before the world are becoming shameful and dangerous. And the responsibility lies upon the shoulders of those corporate leaders pillaging the poor of other nations. Their only goal is to increase profits and see their stock price grow, thus pleasing investors, increasing personal revenue from stock options, and keeping their banks and McMansions full.
To achieve this, corporations have gone further than just moving manufacturing to other countries. They commit human rights violations as defined by US citizens. This sends a message to the world, “We honor our human rights above all else, including yours.” The US appears to exploit the impoverished peoples of other nations to grow the material wealth of its elite. This has horrendous ramifications not only on a moral and ethical level, but also in world politics and diplomacy. It’s no wonder that outraged extremists around the world view America as a great evil. Unfortunately, we react to these accusations with weapons and leave more destruction in our path. This exacerbates the root problem. The world’s negative perception of America will continue to grow until we change the way in which we treat citizens in other countries.
It is clear, however, that our corporate leaders will not take this responsibility upon themselves. It is therefore necessary for us to enforce it upon them. Foreign operations of US corporations must be regulated according to US labor standards. If they fall below these standards, they shall be fined heavily. From an ethical standpoint, this will show the world that we do cherish human rights of all peoples. From a capitalist view, this will help to offset the billions of dollars the US spends to protect us from militants who are raging out against this country they view as evil. It is time for the US government to expect its wealthiest citizens to abide by the laws which every other American must.
There is a clear disconnect between the words of our politicians and the actions of many of our corporate leaders. With an attitude similar to that of Manifest Destiny during the earlier part of our country's development, I often hear politicians speak of America's "responsibility" to spread democracy to the rest of the world. (Whether this is actually a "responsibility" or not, or whether this really is our goal, will remain for another discussion.) We exalt human rights before the world, claiming it’s a fundamental part of the American way of life and pressing other countries to pursue the same goals. I do believe that, for a portion of our history, we have indeed improved the lives of citizens of other nations and made positive improvements. American was seen as a light in the world. That light is getting mighty dim.
Because of the immense power of corporate America, our companies now represent the values and integrity of the United States and its people to the world. This is very unfortunate. It has become clear that many of our corporate leaders are not concerned with human rights at all. Now, there are certainly exceptions to this statement: some American companies, such as Starbucks (from what I’ve heard), are making a positive difference in the lives of those working for them in other countries. But more than not, the examples put before the world are becoming shameful and dangerous. And the responsibility lies upon the shoulders of those corporate leaders pillaging the poor of other nations. Their only goal is to increase profits and see their stock price grow, thus pleasing investors, increasing personal revenue from stock options, and keeping their banks and McMansions full.
To achieve this, corporations have gone further than just moving manufacturing to other countries. They commit human rights violations as defined by US citizens. This sends a message to the world, “We honor our human rights above all else, including yours.” The US appears to exploit the impoverished peoples of other nations to grow the material wealth of its elite. This has horrendous ramifications not only on a moral and ethical level, but also in world politics and diplomacy. It’s no wonder that outraged extremists around the world view America as a great evil. Unfortunately, we react to these accusations with weapons and leave more destruction in our path. This exacerbates the root problem. The world’s negative perception of America will continue to grow until we change the way in which we treat citizens in other countries.
It is clear, however, that our corporate leaders will not take this responsibility upon themselves. It is therefore necessary for us to enforce it upon them. Foreign operations of US corporations must be regulated according to US labor standards. If they fall below these standards, they shall be fined heavily. From an ethical standpoint, this will show the world that we do cherish human rights of all peoples. From a capitalist view, this will help to offset the billions of dollars the US spends to protect us from militants who are raging out against this country they view as evil. It is time for the US government to expect its wealthiest citizens to abide by the laws which every other American must.
posted by J.R. Allen | 8:34 AM
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