I was listening to NPR a few months ago in the car. They were discussing Hu Jintao's impending visit to France and how President Sarkozy was planning a big fanfare for him. The irony was that Sarkozy has been rather vocal in the past about his feelings on China's poor human rights record. In fact, he threatened to boycott the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in China in 2008. Now though (or back in November, when the story aired), Sarkozy back-stepped a bit, acknowledging China's role and importance in the G20, and planning to welcome Jintao and avoid controversy.
Now, I don't necessarily think that is a bad idea. When you're meeting with world leaders for the purpose of international financial stability, it probably works better to collaborate and compromise than to stomp your foot and say "I won't work with you for the greater good because you're a bully!"
But it got me thinking metaphorically from a consumer's point of view: As a humanitarian, I disagree with China's human rights policies. As a consumer, I often find that I don't have a lot of other options. Do I just suck it up because they are a superpower? Because so much of what is sold today is from China?
I found myself visualizing an actual crossroads in front of me and contemplating which path to take.
We've done the China boycott in the past. But just because something is made in the Philippines or Guatemala doesn't mean it's made ethically though. Do I boycott anything that is inexpensively made? I can't afford to buy expensive things - and neither can a lot of people in the US today. Do I succumb to cheap because cheap rules?
No. I quit. Yes, that's it. I quit being a consumer.
I let it percolate for a few weeks, then I proposed it to Mr. Greenhab, who quickly agreed.
We quit. Join us, won't you?
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