We like to think that the days of child labor are over. We like to think that the 14 hour work day is finished. We like to think that sweat shops are empty, and that no one shall ever work there again. We like to think these are true, but we couldn't be more wrong.
Sweat shops across the world are actually becoming MORE popular than what they were in the US 70 years ago. They are springing up in places like Brazil, China, and India. These are countries that are known for being highly populated and having a large lower class and a small upper class. These are all descriptors of the US around 70 years ago. Then, just as the working conditions got as bad as they possibly could get, protests broke out, and labor laws, minimum wage, and unions were established. Eventually, the sweat shops disappeared from US soil. However, now they have apparently sprung up in other countries. You can thank gigantic companies (like Nike, Gap, and Apple) for that.
Yes, we like to think that those harsh times are over. We like to think that the world works a 9-5 job. However, we can only make progress if we wake up from this fantasy we are in. We must take greater steps to help other countries in need rather than simply putting our work there. We actually must take our sweatshops out of foreign countries in order to help them. We have to use charity to help these people, not 14 hour days in a cramped room.
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