Message-ID: <32B71BDF.588B@uniontel.net> Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 14:17:03 -0800 From: David Johnson <mailto:pinefarm@UNIONTEL.NET> Subject: Changing times To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Geoff poses an interesting question about the developed world's
dependence on the under developed world.
Here again, we have moved into an area where there are no
precedents. Historically, developed nations, Britian for example, bought
raw materials from their colonies, India for example, brought them home,
manufactured goods from them which they then exported back to the colony.
This worked well for the colonizer, they got cheap raw materials,
work for their work force and a captive market for their goods. It
didn't work so good for the colony but, what could they do?
Now, for the first time, the poor countries not only have the raw
materials, they also have the machines, technical know-how and low wage
skilled and un-skilled labor.
Now, it seems, the shoe [Nike?]is on the other foot. This may
not be so good for the developed countries but, what can they do?
I know that a lot of the labor in these poor countries appears to
us to be slavery but, it has an appeal for those who have no other
options. I have walked by football field long pole buildings in Costa
Rica with only fans for ventilation which were jammed from one end to the
other with women working at sewing machines.
Every time I went by, there were lines of women waiting to get in
the employment office to get these jobs. I've gone by at quitting time
and seen the women leaving for the day. They seemed to be good natured
and full of energy even at the end of what to me seemed a cruel day.
I don't know what company it was nor the wages they paid but, the
company seemed to be welcome and I would guess it would have caused some
hardship had it shut down.
These workers, at least some of them, probably took jobs away
from American workers. I don't know, the people I met there seemed like
nice people and I feel for them as I do for Americans who lose their
jobs.
There doesn't seem to be any solution or any easy answers.
Dave Johnson