You must know that the news of the Bangladeshi factory collapse has broken my heart. I’ve been thinking on it for the past couple of days and wondering how a people group has ever become so dispensable for the sake of cheap clothes.
As most of you know I spent a week in Bangladesh in January with Food for the Hungry. I logged my journey for you to follow along. Here are all of the posts in case you missed them.
Adventure is an Uncomfortable Thing
Almost 400 people died in a horriffic factory collapse four days ago. It’s thought that while about 2500 people got out, there could be nearly 1000 still trapped inside. I’ll let you google it all to get more news. Sufficed to say…it’s heartbreaking.
And having seen Bangladesh, I can say…the conditions for working are horrendous. People work for pennies. I rode in rickshaws for like 15 cents, bought fancy shoes for just $7, and gorgeous fabrics for just like $3/yd. And here…check the tags of your clothes…if they’re not made in China, chances are high that what’s on your back, came from the breaking of backs in Bangladesh.
People matter. Bangladeshi people matter. And while we all want to save a dollar on what we buy here in the States, I have to say, that I for one can’t not care what’s happening on the other end of the threads that I’m wearing anymore or the goods that I’m consuming. If we don’t care…and if we demand cheap goods, then at some point we Americans must be willing to recognize that our desire for more …for cheap…is coming at the expense of human lives elsewhere.
And I’m just not ok with that.
Maybe you think you can’t make a difference…and I’m not sure how I’m going to either….but I will. And I will do it because people matter to Jesus…and people matter to me. It has to start at least with awareness and consciousness when I make purchases. For one…maybe start with sponsoring a child in Bangladesh. Give someone a chance to live better than slaving for next to nothing in a factory that will collapse on them.
I don’t know what else to tell you to do…but please, don’t just do nothing.
Thank you…for doing…something.
Beautiful! Your heart and words of awareness have truly made an impact.
This is just one of one thousand bajillion reasons I adore you! Your heart is etched all over this post and every word is equal parts truth and grace. Thank you, Logan, for caring so deeply, for sharing so openly, and for challenging us to do something!
xo,
TL
I, too have been in tears over this tragedy. I’ve had many of your same thoughts. We cannot pride ourselves for conquering slavery back in the 1800’s when it’s still going on all around us. It’s so awful to me that we Americans can turn a blind eye to the injustices of this world as long as they don’t affect Americans. 400 people die in this tragedy, and mainstream news doesn’t even cover it, but if an American is harmed, it matters. People matter to Jesus, regardless of their nationality or skin color. It just breaks my heart.
Our family is on a budget (a very tight one), and it’s tough sometimes. And sometimes I discover things that are created in these conditions that I didn’t realize, but we try. Because I can’t, in good conscience, continue to support such horrible things with my dollars. I’m just one person, and we spend a very small amount of money, so no, the world won’t be changed by our choices. But we will be, for good or bad.
Thanks for caring, it takes one person to start a movement. Thanks for sharing about Bangladesh, I hadn’t heard, and it makes me want to go check all of my clothes right now.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you for spreading awareness and highlighting this tragedy on your blog, Logan. Since becoming more aware of working conditions and modern day slavery, I’ve started shopping differently. I have so enjoyed hunting for goods that help people, not harm them, and it’s been fun to find companies that are changing lives in a good way. Not every single thing in my home is made by people being paid fair wages in a safe environment. Sadly, that’s almost impossible in our world today. But. Like you said, we can all do something. And if we all do something…we can accomplish everything. Grieving with you for the Bangladeshi people. Thanks for offering your voice to them.
I just came across your blog today and read about your journey to Bangladesh…so amazing. I actually lived there for 4 months a few years ago. I was with YWAM (youth with a mission) and traveled around the entire country. I’ve been able to travel a lot, mostly SE Asia and parts of Europe, but this was by far THE hardest place for me to adjust to..spiritually, physically, emotionally, I was a mess. But those precious people captured my heart in a totally unexpected way. Anyways, just thought it was cool that I came across this…not many people have even heard of Bangladesh.