I Would Pay More …
…for an iPad and iPhone that were made in a factories that valued the dignity of its workers and with materials that supported peace rather than war.
In a few hours the iPad 3 is set to be debuted. Now, I have to tell you, I’m a huuuuuge fan of just about all things Apple. But I need to be honest, the things they make are, by and large, not necessities for me. I love my Mac, but could get by – and have – with something cheaper. I adore my iPhone, but could live with something less cool. I can’t wait for the unveiling of the new iPad, but definitely don’t count on it for most of the work I do. These are tool, yes, but also toys. I am fortunate that I can buy them, and so I want to tell Apple that I would pay more if they pushed for better wages and living conditions in their factories in China and used minerals from conflict-free mines in Africa.
How about you?
If you’re interested in prodding one of our leading innovators in technology also to be a leader in human rights and justice, take a look at the following sites. Become better informed, sign a petition, take some action. And when you’re done, share these links with friends (and feel free to share other related links in the comments).
Apple can make a difference. And so can we. Thanks.
Change.org petition for Apple to protect workers in China making iPhones
Finally, here’s the link to This American Life’s January 6th show that explored the relationship between Apple, the workers at its overseas factories, and us, the folks that buy Apple’s stuff.
Note: This American Life recently printed a retraction of their story when they discovered it contained multiple errors. While I was initially inclined simply to pull this link, I thought you might be interested in hearing how the mistakes made, what they did about it, and where the issues raised stand. You can find their retraction here.
Thanks for the post–and the new blog! I admit I’ve followed the Apple workers’ dignity conversation somewhat from the sidelines, and perhaps due to the fact that I love my Apple products. That said, I see three issues here that I’ve been thinking about.
1. Apple, because of it’s size, gets the press, but do we really think that Chinese factories making SONY TVs or Dell laptops present a drastic difference in conditions?
2. Steve Jobs and other CEOs have stated it’s simply impossible to produce quality products on such a timeline and scale as is possible in China elsewhere, such as in the US. Until consumers lower their standards of quality, we are to blame as well.
3. I’m sick of petition drives–for Rush Limbaugh, for Susan Komen, for Apple, for whatever the next issue over which rich white people decide to incite righteous indignation. Signing on a line is too easy; selling one’s Apple products and giving the money to the poor sounds too painful. But is it right?
Finally, Apple has joined some orgs in recent weeks that are supposed to monitor workers rights. I don’t want to that get missed in the debate.
Thanks again. I don’t want to be too cynical, but that’s what I’ve been thinking lately 🙂
Thanks for the insightful comments, Adam. Good points, all – here’s a brief response:
1) Someone’s got to lead. If we wait until everyone is ready to move, it won’t happen. But if a leader made a bold step forward – particularly if were rewarded by consumers – that would put a lot of pressure on others. “A journey of a thousand miles…” and all that jazz.
2) We do share some of the responsibility as consumers – whether concerns about quality, or cost, or more. We’ve gotten more comfortable talking about “blood diamonds” – there’s an element of “blood gadgets here, too.” Which is why I think we need to raise the issue and at least talk honestly about paying more so that there can be better working conditions.
3) I get petition-fatigue. And to some degree am with you. But I also want somewhere to start and was impressed by the way the pressure was built around the recent internet censorship bills (SOPA & PIPA). So, I want to do something and think that we underestimate the influence of consumers.
Finally, Apple has made helpful moves, although not a word was said about any of this at its most recent Board meeting, which was disconcerting. Still, I’m encouraged and want to keep up friendly pressure.
Regarding “I would pay more”, I was moved to publicly reflect my feelings about this as I was gratified as well as saddened by this article. I agree that the Apple products are purposeful and fun to use. I don’t have one, could afford one, but find my support of other companies help the economy in some small way. I do have a problem though with the fact that despite one’s awareness, they are lead to continue to purchase the product, justifying those purchases by sharing the ‘news’ of the injustice and oppression it creates. Two things come to mind; 1) you mentioned the products are unnecessary, you can live without, but you don’t – matter of fact, you have paid them the money they ask for their product, thereby continuing to pay the meager wage of the employees – and have virtually sent a message that this is ok – and you would pay even more! Are they supposed to be motivated corporately with that incentive?!
And 2) with that said, leads me to a real action for the injustice, especially since you appear to have the resources. My suggestion is that one take an extended trip to parallel the life of one of those oppressed workers and see what the purchase of that iPad did for them. Are they working 12-16 hour days? Are all the members of the family having to work; in sickness & in compromised health to keep food on the table (children included)? What is the quality of their daily sustinence? Are they working so many hours that they can’t go find another job that would allow them to be with their family or help around the house/farm? Sharing this injustice for other’s awareness is good indeed, but continuing to purchase and thereby acknowledging the acceptability of that in the face of injustice, voids any impact on the corporate giant. They have your money and that of those who are encouraged to do the same. I will not deny that I was moved to contact the co. But I felt that effort was mearly a spect on the mirror that will be washed away; they have no need to change.
Dear D, I love your articles and thank God for your discerning & passion in the Word. Please take the trip – get into the field & out of the boundaries of our comforts.
Thanks so much for your comments, Glenna. You raise some great points. To be honest, I don’t think there’s a major electronics company in existence that doesn’t have many of their components made in China and therefore both contributes to the problem and has the possibility for making things change. I chose Apple because I genuinely appreciate their work and they are large enough that they are in a position to set an example. But if any of us have a TV, a toaster, a cell phone of any kind, we are all complicit. Is it likely that I – or you – will give all these things up? Perhaps we should, but I don’t think it’s likely. I do think, though, by applying pressure to the companies with whom we have some relationship can help. It’s not much, but it’s something. Thanks, again, for posting.
What’s now known as the Fair Trade movement can trace roots back to at least John Woolman, Quaker abolitionist in the 1700s who stopped using products made w slave labor and preached the same to others. It took awhile, but he got it rolling…
the fact that there is no simple handle should be a challenge to keep praying about it — there’s nothing in scripture that says we are exempt because it’s difficult…
blessings tim
As I was reading your post I immediately thought of the NPR episode I heard regarding Apple and the way the computers are made in China. I’m glad you provided a link to it. It was a powerful piece and as stated in the introduction to the transcript, listening to it is far better than reading it so I too would recommend taking the time to do so.
Kathryn: If you are referring the episode of THIS AMERICAN LIFE and the Daisey interview, you need to know that Ira Glass recently printed a retraction to that episode revealing that the incidences that Daisey referred to were not true. They were not first hand accounts. Go to their website to see details. Granted, Apple needs to take responsibility for their factory conditions, but the consumer needs to take responsibility every time they purchase an Apple product.