Joel Johnson’s article brings to light disparities between America’s working conditions to that of Foxconn. He points out conditions of long working hours, working in isolation, and doing repetitive tasks for low pay. The emphasis on the suicide statistic urges us to feel guilt and care about the situation so we can bring about change.
But why should I feel guilty? This article was far from an ethos based document. Joel Johnson loses credibility after admitting to manipulate Foxconn. What is to say he isn’t doing the same in his appeals to our emotion. He passionately points to the statistics but as we discussed in class the statistics are actually better than in relation with the rest of China. They have the opportunity to earn a constant wage which they would not have had had it not been for Foxconn and the suicide rate is much lower.
In comparison with America’s standard of living and working conditions Foxconn is lagging far behind, but if we compare Foxconn with the rest of China they are much better off. It is true that our consumer dollar contributed to these suicides but at the same time it is our dollar that helps a million more families earn a living. By feeling guilt and not buying these products we would be harming more than helping those who work in these “inhumane” conditions. I agree with Joel Johnson’s message to improve working conditions and raise awareness but I disagree with his method. Rather we should try to raise awareness on our ends without guilt tripping consumers. We should advocate workers in Foxconn and elsewhere to appeal for better working conditions. Change will only happen from within.