Friday, October 31, 1997
Speaks Out
If you discovered that your favorite designer or name-brand manufacturer employed sweatshop labor, would you continue to buy its merchandise?
CORPORATIONS:
Tanya O'Quinn
UCLA Child Care Services staff
"It's against my beliefs, basically. It's just not appropriate; sweatshops are barbaric."
Sascha Rasmussen
Fourth year
Sociology
"I would stop immediately. I believe in consumer power. The best way to let them know is to stop buying the product. If you wanted to be more active, you could see what's going on in terms of rallying and getting involved in a community-based protest."
Wendy Lemon
First year
Undeclared
"I would stop buying their product because I don't think it's right to exploit workers. I would feel a little regretful that I couldn't wear it anymore, but it's not worth it."
Matt Olin
Fourth year
History
"I don't really buy designer labels anyway, but if I did I would probably look for something that didn't have work conditions like that. A brand name, what's that? You can find a quality product that isn't manufactured under those conditions."
Mai Weston
Second year
Undeclared
"I wouldn't buy the product. I don't think that most people would stop buying the product. I don't think that kids, at least in this age group, are politically conscious enough to make that decision. Especially because people are so image-conscious here in L.A."