Looking in the Mirror @alyssal123-blog - Tumblr Blog

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In this day and age, almost all children are easily impressionable and influenced by advertising techniques. From birth to death, we are all consumers and our decisions are directed by the many advertisements that are posted on a bulletin board, played on a television, or even heard on the radio. Since children are the easiest to target, companies spent almost $15 billion each year trying to impress kids with many colours and entertainment in their advertisements. At an early age, many kids recognize popular brands such as Mcdonalds and Coca Cola only to add to the experience as a consumer. Every advertisement that a child sees promotes a product, but also sends a message across that shows that you can only be happy with these luxuries. An excessive amount of goods only contributes to the feelings of dissatisfaction and promotes over consumption. Children base their identity and their ideals off of the media that is directed towards them. Not only does this affect who they are and who they want to be, but also has a large impact on their future.

Sources:

http://www.dokumentarci.com.hr/djeca-potrosaci-komercijalizacija-djetinjstva/

http://www.filmannex.com/posts/blog_show_post/about-children/65656

http://thekulturefiles.com/kf/?m=201204

#freechoicepost

Stuffed into the 309-page Conservative budget implementation act, Bill C-4, that was tabled last month, are a slew of drastic changes to the federal labour relations system, which will affect the health and safety provisions, human rights protections, and collective bargaining rights of federal workers. As its number suggests, Bill C-4 is truly explosive.

The Canadian Labour Congress released a study that showed the benefits of the union advantage. On average, unionized workers in Canada earns almost $5 more per hour than non-union workers. The union advantage is worth $785.8 million each week. This money is spent in communities to support the countries economy, and not only benefits union members, but everyone.

Representing over 3 million union workers across Canada, the Canadian Labour Congress met with 100 representatives from unions across the country to strategize a way to pressure the government to reverse the proposed labour law change. If the bill is passed, a number of labour laws like the Canada Labour Code and Public Service Labour Relations Act would be drastically changed. In addition to this, Bill C-4 would allow the government to determine the services that are essential and if over 80% of workers in a bargaining unit are considered essential, it is illegal for those workers to strike. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this bill such as solving the problem of scarcity. Although this may be a convenient way to solve the problem of scarcity in labour, it is unfair for the workers as it eliminates their right to refuse unsafe work. Bill C-4 does not allow essential public service workers to strike, therefore, more of these services are available to consumers. For an example, striking Air Canada workers returned to work after over 60 flights were cancelled or delayed due to the lack of labour. The federal government slowly discontinued workers rights to join labour unions. Government interference was the main cause of the walkout at Air Canada.

The role of labour unions is to represent the needs of the workers and to address those issues, but Bill C-4 is doing the complete opposite. While limiting the rights and freedom of the workers, the government is also threatening the health and safety protections in the Canada Labour Code that cover workers from federal jurisdiction. This bill also makes it possible for the government to strip away workers negotiated rights.

Sources:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/unions-plan-public-fight-over-federal-labour-reforms-1.2433850

http://www.canadianlabour.ca/about-clc/union-advantage-2013

http://rabble.ca/news/2013/11/why-labour-unions-are-concerned-about-new-budget-bill-and-you-should-be-too

http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/air-canada-wildcat-strike-over-union-says-1.785938

http://psacbc.com/bargaining/email/scrap-proposed-changes-federal-labour-legislation-bill-c-4

#Specificpost

freehahahafree

The American way…

alyssal123-blog

Although this is based off of the stereotypical America, it almost seems fitting. As consumers, the goods and services that we buy reflect our values and who we are. If you also go by this tactic, then I would highly recommend you to rethink what you are doing. We have to consider how each product we buy has a long lasting affect on the earth and many other countries.

Honestly, we are all suckers for sales. We are blinded by the price tag that says "half price" and immediately think that it is a better deal. Unable to determine the value of an item ourselves, we turn to the price, and jump to purchase it.

http://www.rachoococo.com

“Are these things really better than the things I already have? Or am I just trained to be dissatisfied with what I have now?” ― Chuck Palahniuk, Lullaby

This simple, but powerful quote, not only describes how as consumers we are constantly buying luxurious material goods, but after a short period time, we are not satisfied with that item anymore. Naturally, we are too consumed in purchasing items and whatever item we see fitting or useful, we automatically give in. As explained in the quote, the small things in life that we should be enjoying are often overlooked and overpowered by the items that we want. But the experiences that occur in our everyday lives shape our consumer identity, which contributes to each items that we purchase. We are defined by the term consumer, meaning that no amount of materialistic goods will ever satisfy the need and wants for more things. Nothing will ever be enough for us.

If we were to live in developing countries that suffer from oppression and poverty, this very quote that describes us as consumers, would not be as fitting. Unfortunately, these countries are unable to purchase goods due to their economic stance and they may also be the source that produces these goods for us. Sweatshops that provide low wages and poor conditions are main sources of where we are receiving goods from. Although most of us can relate to this quote, others are still barely meeting the main necessities of life being food, shelter, and other physiological needs.

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/consumerism

#Freechoicepost

“The value of an item in the mind of a consumer is simply the difference between the anticipated price and the price on the tag” -Roy H. Williams

Outside of the economic continuum with planned economy, mixed economy, and the market economy, an alternative way to organize and exchange goods is bartering. The term bartering describes a system of direct exchange or trade of an item or service. Without a currency, each person would have to determine what it was worth based off of their own values. During the Renaissance, bartering also took place until a currency was brought in. There are advantages of both bartering and currency, but in the case bartering you can determine your own values and both parties trading are likely going to leave satisfied.

Swapsity is an event where many people bring items and barter with each other. At the start of this activity, I began with a deck of cards that did not hold much value to me. Many of the trades that I made were worth more than what I had began with. A few things that I noticed, was that many of the items differed depending on the person. Because everyones consumer identity is different, we do not value the same things. Therefore, an item that someone may find important, may hold the same importance to another person fitting into the quote of “One man’s trash is another’s treasure”. When we barter, it does not have a price labeled on it. Instead, it is up to the person to decide if they need or want that item and is of equal or more value than their own item. During this activity, I was surprised what people had discarded as unvaluable and things that they did not need.

The quote above “The value of an item in the mind of a consumer is simply the difference between the anticipated price and the price on the tag” describes how in every economy, we have a currency that determines the value. Our logic as consumers bases value off of the price of the item and determines what we value the most. More expensive items are more likely going to be higher up in importance than a cheap, inexpensive product. Because we live in a country with a mixed economy, we are used to basing items off of price and if they are “a good deal” or not. Every type of economy is different in many different ways, and they all have a large impact on the prices of items and our values.

#Specificpost

Photo:

http://www.diacaf.com/economic/black-friday-2014-ce-reduceri-iti-pregatesc-magazinele-online_862300.html

Black Friday, an exclusive U.S event, is slowly creeping up behind Canada. Because of America’s market economy, they have already jumped at the chance while Canada is still embracing the day dedicated to shopping. As Christmas draws near, multiple companies take advantage of this time of year. With customers lining up at the fronts of shops, the increased competition causes stores to include many discounts and sales to reel the customers in. Although this event will surely boost the business of many companies, we have to consider the consequences. With all of the sales, consumers are desensitised and we cannot resist the products that we may not even need or want. Instead of contributing to Black Friday, we should be considering Buy Nothing Day, founded by Ted Dave in 1992. When breaking free from capitalism and our everyday habits, we need to consider what we truly want and need. This year, Buy Nothing Day in Canada takes place on November 30 and is an international day that discourages over consumption.

#freechoicepost

Canada vs. U.S: Quality of Life Showdown Tumblr Post 5

Which economic system best answers the economic question of scarcity in order to provide a better quality of life for its citizens: Canada or the USA? Before the debate, I sided with Canada. Along with social services that everyone has a right to, a more stable economy, and better rights and freedoms, I thought that Canada’s mixed economy provided more opportunities and a better quality of life than in the US.

In our recorded debate, we only had time for one of our pillars, which was health care. Although Canadians are highly taxed, everyone is provided with that service without a direct cost. Public Health Care and Senior Pensions are both examples of government provided social services that just about everyone in Canada is provided with. Whether any citizen is rich or poor, everyone has a fair chance at seeking medical help and can be provided with the same services as anyone else. By sharing the cost of healthcare by using taxes, everyone is provided with it and are indirectly contributing. In the Canada’s mixed economy, the government chooses to fund public healthcare with taxes. In the US, there is some coverage on people that do not have enough money, but it seems that there are still people that cannot seek medical attention. On Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, health is a necessity and second to the bottom. Safety and health support the other needs that are required to be happy. Seniors ages 65 and older that have lived in Canada for 10 years or more qualify for monthly pensions. Although these pensions are paid for through taxes, it provides a sense of security for elders that can no longer maintain a job.

Because of Canada’s stable economy, we are spared from many economic crises. In 2008, a bailout in the US surpassed many other countries by billions of dollars called the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. Before the 1980’s, US banks were heavily regulated like Canada’s banks are today, but they eventually changed when the regulations relaxed. Because of the relaxed regulations in the US, banks could loan money to anyone without seeing any papers informing them of that person’s income. This meant that they were potentially loaning money out to high risk borrowers, which are people that might to pay money back in time. If people were unable to pay back their loans, which is called defaulting, the banks could take their houses. But because more people were defaulting and the interest was raising, the demand for houses was decreasing. Eventually these homes that were now owned by the bank were not worth as much as the person owed causing them to be at a financial loss. When they are at a financial loss for too long, the banks must declare bankruptcy. At this time, most of the banks in the US were declaring bankruptcy causing the government to infuse money into major banks and bail them out. Although many banks have recovered today, this affected the US economy and also caused a global recession in which the US still has not fully recovered from. Canadian banks, during this time, were still stable because of our banking policies and lending practices. This crisis was also when the movie The Pursuit of Happyness took place. In Chris Gardner’s case, he did not take out any loans and was evicted from his apartment.

The last pillar in my debate is Canada’s freedom. In 1971, Canada was the first nation in the world to enforce multiculturalism as an official policy. Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects multiculturalism and the freedom of ethnic people. In Canada, multiculturalism is incorporated in the school curriculum and teaches about civil rights and preventing discrimination against gender, race, religion, or disabilities. Immigrants and people that speak different languages are educated in their native language. Francophones, or French Canadians, played a large role in the diversity of Canada. The French language was legally recognized and the country committed to help all ethnic groups maintain their identity. Unlike Canada giving special rights to Native people and French, America discriminated African Americans. Even though about 1/3 of America’s population speaks Spanish, it is still not made an official language. As a collective, Canada is considered a cultural mosaic, while America is considered a melting pot. The American melting pot means that all of the ingredients in the pot representing people with different backgrounds mix together until they lose their original identities and are unified under the American way. The cultural mosaic represents how immigrants and many others preserve their cultures and interact peacefully within one nation.

Canada’s mixed economy, between the planned and market economy, provides the citizens with a balance of both individualism and dependence. The values of Canadians are reflected within the government, who represents, but does not control the country. In the US and in other market economies, the government is not involved enough. While it does promote competition between companies, the government does not solve the problem of scarcity. Although both a market and mixed economy both have their flaws, I still think that Canada’s economy better solves the problem of scarcity and provides a better lifestyle for the citizens.

#Specificpost

GINS Economics and Consumerism Tumblr Post 4

The Global Issues Novel that I am reading is called Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong. Taking place during 1980, Hang, the protagonist, realizes the political injustice and traditions of Vietnam that her ancestors had to experience. Growing up without a father, the question that constantly arose was finally answered. Hang’s father, aunt, and grandmother were all considered exploiters in the eyes of her uncle, on her mother’s side. While humiliated and punished, Hang’s father fled to another city while her aunt sought vengeance. The corruption within the society continued to replay in the family’s mind and played an ongoing role in their motivation.

During the 1980’s, the Vietnamese Communist Party was transitioning and experimenting and became the sole source of leadership. In the mid 1980’s shifted from a highly centralized planned economy to a socialist oriented economy. Their new economy used directive and indirective planning. During the late 1880’s, before the book takes place, Vietnam was controlled by France, but later became an independent country. When the Vietnam war ended in 1975, the Soviet Union became the main benefactor and supporter during the 1980’s. In the process of becoming a communist society, Vietnam eliminated social classes while punishing and humiliating exploiters. By taking away their land, they made them experience the hardships of life.

A rapid increase of the population in the 1980’s led to a decrease in food. Because of this, it pressured the government to create more agricultural jobs. With half of the workforce as agriculture, and the lack of jobs, the amount of food was decreasing along with the scarcity of foreign exchange. Overcoming the food scarcity was difficult for the government, and was also costly for the consumers. The Institute of Nutrition estimated that roughly 25% of children during this time suffered from malnutrition. The average calorie intake per day was about 1,850 when the average was 2,300. During this same time period, there was a lack of labour. About 20% were unemployed and left jobless. The economics of Vietnam relied on resolving this population and labour issue. During 1987, Vietnam showed gender imbalance with females outweighing males. The high demand for males in the armed forces would likely continue. Other demands for male for employment included agriculture, fishing, mining, machine building, construction, and transportation. Female workers concentrated on agriculture, light industry, and in some cases forestry. The government’s discharge of extra state employees in pursuit of curbing expenditures would only increase unemployment. Boosting production in light industries was assumed that it would eventually increase employment eves, but only if expansion was supported. While removing restraints on the labor intensive economy was expected to expand the informal economy into an official economy. Because of the devastating effects of the war, it prevented proper exploitation and a loss of resources. In the late 1980’s, Vietnam’s production of crude oil and natural gasses were in preliminary stages. With the contribution of the Soviet Union, Vietnam began exploiting again and found 1 billion tons of offshore oil. By 1987, crude oil was exported to Japan for the first time.

Many of the economic changes affected the choices that the characters in the book made. During the time from of the book, many people were short on money meaning that the products that they purchased were limited. Hang grew up with little money and in an unwealthy village and her mother could hardly afford to pay for Hang’s school supplies as a street vendor. Even Hang’s wealthy aunt had to experience many hardships while working hard in agriculture. With the support of Aunt Tam, Hang received many gifts. Growing up in an unwealthy area, Hang almost felt ashamed when her aunt provided her items like silk and luxurious earrings. Education in Vietnam was aimed towards males instead of females. Fortunately for Hang, she was educated and was able to go to university. The influence of the people around her affected the different choices that she made and led to her own consumer identity.

Photo:

http://tvivf.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/paradise-of-the-blind-by-duong-thu-huong-publ-by-perrenial-2002/

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2012/nov/09/vietnam-banking-problems-turbulence-economy

#GINS #Specificpost

The Pursuit of Happyness

Photo:

http://www.joblo.com/movie-screensavers/pursuit-of-happyness/

http://vimeo.com/50320877

The Pursuit of Happyness is an tear jerking film that inspires everyone with the powerful message that is sent across. Taking place in San Francisco during 1981, many people are left homeless and trying to fend for themselves. During 1981, America experienced a recession where the economy dropped, and the unemployment rate was high. The unemployment rate by 1982 was 10.8% and lead to over 2.9 million job losses. Because of the recession, many people were unable to pay for many things and had to reduce how much they were purchasing. As a bone density scanner salesman, Chris Gardner could hardly afford to pay rent, taxes, groceries, and many other fees. When his wife Linda leaves him to work in New York, he is in a bind to support himself as well as his 5 year old son, Christopher. While still trying to make a living, Chris jumps at the chance when he realizes that he may be able to work at as a stockbroker. But, the company only accepts 20 interns and only 1 will actually be hired.

In this movie, the theme that I thought was most prominent was to never lose hope, because happiness is granted to those who keep persevering. At the end of the movie, Chris Gardner says “This part of my life, this little part is called happiness.” I thought that this line really stuck out compared to the rest because besides all of the tough and dark events that were occurring in his life, Chris was still able to seek happiness. Hope was always present, even when Chris thought that there was nothing that could be done. This was represented by the scene where he was fixing the light on his bone density scanner. Hope is usually represented with light because each day, we look forward to a new day where the sun rises again. After Chris found his last bone density scanner, it was the last glimpse of hope for him. At that time, he was running out of money after being unable to pay his fees. But, the light on the scanner was not working. While working on it all night, the light fills up the room and that was a sign that his hope was restored.

In the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, physiological needs is at the bottom, and like other hierarchies, it supports the classes above. Without basic necessities like water, food, and shelter, you cannot work your way up to the upper levels. In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner could hardly even support his son and himself, but he was still trying to achieve happiness. Towards the end when Chris receives a job offer as a stockbroker, he mentions that only a portion of his life was filled with happiness. Because he now had a job that could provide him with money, he was able to climb his way up the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This movie sends off a message that without the bottom of the Hierarchy of needs, you cannot achieve true happiness.

The characters in this movie really stood out to me with their desirable mannerisms and their struggle through enduring many hardships. It is clear that Chris Gardner, the protagonist, placed a lot of importance on his family especially his son. When his wife, Linda was leaving him, Chris made sure that his son was staying under his care. The characteristics of Chris that shone through was his courage and kindness. Trying to put a smile on his son’s face was all it took for Chris to be content. I think that the protagonist tried to conserve his money as much as he could do support his family in times of need. Christopher, his 5 year old son, did not receive much, but was happy with what he had. With only a single basketball as a birthday present, Christopher did not complain and did not ask for anything more.

The movie writer of The Pursuit of Happyness intentionally spelt happiness wrong in both the title, and on the daycare wall which is shown in the photo. This is one of the main components in the movie that stood out to me. Instead of an “i,” it is spelt with a “y.” I think that this choice was made due to a few reasons. The first is that happiness can come in many different forms and can be found almost anywhere. Happiness for someone might be different depending on the person. Since it is spelt wrong, I think that it means that happiness may be everywhere even if we do not realize it. The letter “y” is only a vowel sometimes, so happiness is found when you least expect it. Another reason is that “y” brings up the question of why. A few questions that were brought up in the movie were “Why do we need happiness,” and “Why is it so important?” Another question that I reached was “Can we buy happiness, or does it come naturally to us?” These questions are still unanswered for many, but that is how we will seek happiness.

Comparing our lives to many other homeless people that are struggling to survive, we are very fortunate. This relatable movie leaves me questioning; “What is true happiness?” Overall, this heartwarming film was a pleasure to watch and inspired me with characteristics like perseverance and courage.

“It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter what. How did he know that?.” -Chris Gardner

#specificPost #mypursuitofhappiness

Boycott

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plf9bzri6Rw

Photo: http://www.raisethebarhershey.org/brandjamwinners/

Who can resist the sweet taste of chocolate that just about everyone loves? I was shocked to see what I had done by purchasing a simple chocolate bar that had Hershey plastered on the label. Although this popular chocolate company suggests through their commercials that their famous kisses spread love, share happiness, and send smiles, it also appears that they have child labor stained on their hands.

The main ingredient in chocolate is cocoa. West Africa is the largest region that produces and supplies cocoa beans with Ivory Coast, a country in West Africa, producing the most cocoa globally. Ivory coast also abuses the most labor rights in the cocoa industry. Cocoa is usually exported by three main trading companies, which are Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland, and Barry Callebaut. Last year, a worker died at a factory in New Jersey that was producing Hershey’s chocolate. The worker was given minimal safety training and on a temporary contract. In 2006, a salmonella outbreak caused Hershey to recall 25 different products in Canada.

In 2001, consumers were outraged when they were informed that slavery, child labor, trafficking, and other major abuses were occurring on many cocoa farms in West Africa where many major companies receive their cocoa. Cocoa farmers receive very little profit from selling cocoa beans and often resort to child labor to keep the price of chocolate low and competitive. For about a dollar per bar, we encourage these children to be sent to dangerous working environments and depriving them of proper education that they should be receiving. Because of the Raise the Bar Campaign and many people boycotting this particular brand, we were able to create change. In 2012, Hershey announced that they would provide 100% certified cocoa by 2020. Even though this problem is resolving in the company Hershey, many other chocolate companies are still facing this issue.

Although we can easily access a regular chocolate bar at our local store, child laborers have to undergo dangerous work to provide that product for us. By purchasing a Fair Trade chocolate bar, we are creating a healthier lifestyle for these children. As a consumer, I do think that this extra step might be more work for us, but as a way to discourage these actions it is worth it. Completely eliminating these types of products is near impossible, but at least making an effort is better than nothing. We are shaped what we buy, so we must follow our own values to help ourselves and other people.

When purchasing chocolate again, I will try my best to avoid this product because of the harmful impact that it has on other people’s lives. Besides the statements that they have made, their products do not match my morals and ethics. In my opinion, taking away children from their families at ages as young as 7, completely abuses their power. By telling them false promises about their pay and success, this company only sickens and causes outrage in the consumers. As a consumer and as a person with various values, I feel that I can spend my money on items that will be more beneficial to supporting an important cause instead of defying my own morals.

Sources:

http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/11/16/hershey-child-labor-suit/, Nov. 9, 2013

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/dark-side-chocolate/, Nov. 9, 2013

http://www.foodispower.org/slavery-in-the-chocolate-industry/, Nov. 9, 2013

http://www.globalexchange.org/blogs/fairtrade/2013/05/07/hersheys-and-fair-trade-is-it-a-victory/, Nov. 9, 2013

http://www.laborrights.org/stop-child-forced-labor/cocoa-campaign/why-target-hershey-for-labor-rights-abuses, Nov. 10, 2013

#Boycott #SpecificPost

When we buy, we don't think...

I think that most of us are similar to the fish in the image. We are always trying to get the best deal and start mindlessly shopping. As consumers, we are naturally not smart shoppers and end up purchasing products that we will never use.

Source: http://www.tmcm.com/tmcm/i-dont-care-if-it-was-on-sale/

Week of Groceries

For every meal, there are 5 plates placed down on the table, which represents each person in my family. Every week, we spend approximately $300 worth of groceries at Superstore because of the close proximity. Our groceries mainly are provided by this store, and I have never considered why we have until now. My family claims that their groceries are fresh and inexpensive in comparison to others. When we buy different things, are we buying what we need, or what we want? Whenever my family goes shopping, we are always trying to get the “best deal” or “our money’s worth” by purchasing things on sale that we might not even use. Our needs and wants as a family are discarded in this process of shopping and are not considered until after we purchase our groceries. When comparing my own groceries to the amount of food that other countries have, I cannot help but feel greedy. Because I live in Canada, I can easily access a variety of foods and I do not have to worry about starvation. Comparing our lives to others in developing countries proves how fortunate we are to be able to supply ourselves with an abundance of food and water. Our quality of life is based off of our needs, and it is clear that we are very lucky to be able to provide food for ourselves to meet the basic necessities. Our consumer identities are reflected in what we buy and what we are considering when we purchase something. In this photo, the packaged and unpackaged foods are about equal, and there is a healthy balance between the different food groups. When I compare the groceries in my household to other Canadians groceries, I see the resemblance whether it is because of our values or the place we live. While I am not fully aware about what actually occurs when choosing food that I consume, I believe that it is important for us to understand that the choices that we make now will have a complete influence on our lives in the future.

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