I've begun researching the topic of unfair labor and sweatshops. So far, I've found this research very interesting. I've found many companies which I didn't expect to be offenders of poor conditions and sweatshop use within their company actually are. The most interesting part of my research so far is the two opposite view points on the topic. While I was only aware and only supported the idea that these sweatshops are bad, my research has informed me that this line of work, regardless of how dangerous it is, provides income to the people living in these countries. They are willing to take the risk, because if conditions were to be improved, jobs would be cut and the poverty levels would increase. The situation that these people are left in is dangerous and difficult, and that is what needs to change.
I decided that my final topic idea is going to be the labor conditions of large companies. Although research may be challenging to do, I think it will be possible and interesting. What really interests me about this topic, is the fact that although we may not know it, we as consumers support this issue with every purchase we make. There is a huge window for change, and I'm making it my responsibility to raise awareness of the issue in order for society to step up and make it. I'm excited to start this project!
Although I like my initial topic idea, I decided to think of a second idea as well. Thinking more about important global issues, I realized that in our society today both obesity and eating disorders, two completely opposite issues, have a great effect on our youth. I began wondering how this problem came about, and believe there is a connection between the media, a large aspect of our culture, and these eating disorders. If I were to use this topic, I would further investigate the effects of media on the health and specifically weight of todays youth.
I've begun thinking about my topic for my capstone. I decided that I want to research a topic which interests me the most. After lots of thought, I came to the conclusion that nothing interests me quite like the fashion industry. But the question is, is there a global issue lying within the fashion industry which I could further investigate? Of course. I've heard so much about the labor processes used by large companies which we all see under a golden light simply for their wonderful products which we voluntarily spend our hard earned money on. How do these companies produce such products? Are their processes harming the earth, or worse, the people of this planet? I would like to research how large companies in the fashion industry both treat their laborers, and their effect on the earth and its natural resources.
My name is Claire Olsen and I am a senior at Rutland High School. I am taking part in my schools Global Studies program during the fall semester of 2014. As part of this program, I will be creating a capstone project that deals with a selected current global issue. This blog will be my personal way to keep readers up to date with the status of my capstone including research, ideas, progress, and my own personal reflections on the process. Enjoy!
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