After listening to Mike Dasieys radio show I was very astonished at the conditions in which these workers are building the Apple products. The long days in horrible conditions with thousands among thousands of workers in silence is just unthinkable. I am astounded and up hauled at Apple's choice to employ these people in these conditions, especially the young children. I cannot imagine working those long days at the age of only 13 or being exposed to such hazards and not having anyone care. I was happy that so many workers stopped to talk to Mike in order to get their stories out there to the public. I think that it is important that people know who is making their products and the conditions that they are forced to work in. It really surprised me when his translator asked if he thought that the workers were mentally ill. This speaks volumes about the situations they must have encountered....I just cannot imagine working in these conditions. And the fact the company is fully aware of these conditions and does what they can to avoid them is just wrong. How can they turn their back on the workers? The fact that they must put nets up because of the high amounts of suicide from people jumping from the buildings. I don't even have words for my feelings on this. One thing that really stood out to me was when he spoke about the man who manufactured iPads but yet when he took out his iPad the man was astounded and said how "magical" the iPad was. Then he spoke about how there are no iPads in China, they are all shipped out. I think this is an absurd statistic. It really makes you think about the products that we use daily and the conditions that workers had to go through in order to provide us with these products. Even though I do not own any Apple products I am sure that these working conditions exist in several other companies whose products are made in China. It makes me feel guilty of the conditions someone had to endure just so that I can have my camera or iPod. I think that the exposure of these situations makes the US look greedy, selfish and inconsiderate. However, I do not think that this will change how these big companies are run...
To be honest I was aware that China has young children working in factories and I had an idea that the conditions probable were not that good, since it is a communist country. Though, I wasn’t aware that the employees lived there and that the living quarters were so compact and horrible. I would never have thought that the factories would have so much surveillance cameras either. After I heard about this, I was wondering why the employees lived there, why there are so many cameras and really what is the purpose for them being in the living areas and bathrooms. I was appalled to hear that the factory actually had placed nets around the buildings to prevent employees from committing suicide, I would never have imagined this is if I didn’t hear him say this. Talk about the job from hell. Well, I must also admit I was not aware that all of the electronics are done by hand. I can’t believe that someone actually puts a tiny cell phone together by hand and how can one do this. When I think of a factory, yes I picture an assembly line, but with machines and people working on them, I can imagine noises and people working at a pretty good pace. Though, I really can’t imagine people working and not making much noise at all or having to put things together all by hand. Also, it amazes me that these workers only see part of the product and they never get to see the product actually working or performing the tasks that they created it to do. I honestly thought that all of these high tech and new devices were everywhere and that many different kinds of people had access to them. It just amazes me that these types of technologies are created in China, but the people don’t have access to them. This also makes me question why. On a positive side, I am glad to hear that Apple has stood and decided that they don’t want to have a part in a factory that treats its employees so badly and if it hires children. I hope that what Mr. Daisey said is true and that if Apple finds out the factories that produce their products does this, then they do give them ultimatums and has the factory then pay to send the children to school. I hope that Apple really does have an impact on the factory workers, their working conditions, health and hours. It is just nuts to think that a company with so much power, product and money could stand by and not try to help the workers that produce the products for them, regardless if it is in another country or not. I don’t really know if a lot of people are really aware of how their fancy cell phones and I pods are made, and if they are I hope that a good majority are disgusted about it and hopefully this is why Apple has taking a stand on the issue. Though, it would be nice to hear and see that other technology companies would do the same. I really feel that if multiple technology companies would follow Apple, then I am sure that we would see a change in the factory life in China. It would not be a huge change, but a gradual one and any change is always good. Especially if workers are treated better, located in better conditions, safer conditions, less hours and the chance for breaks and resting/sitting. Bobbie L.
After listening to this, the introduction kind of was a little shocking when the question was asked “Where were u manufactured?” and the answer was “I can’t say.” That made me start thinking. Calling it a cult and when he talks about being “faithful” to apple programs, it kind of gives you chills to think that someone honestly feels that they are being faithful to an object. It does not have feelings, it cannot be hurt but how is this considered a religion honestly? Hearing about the pictures that were posted and hearing that they “took his breath away” made me feel awful. I was aware that products were produced in China but I was not aware that the conditions were so horrible. A women wearing a nice suit and questioning who these people are were a wonder for me as well. I obviously kept listening because I was trying to figure out the whole time who and what was going on. I never thought about how exactly they were made either. Making them by hand is crazy to think. With factories becoming more proficient in production, why wouldn’t you think that it was a machine that built it? It almost makes you feel sick and guilty for using it at times. I own an I Phone and this got me thinking as well. How do all people not have access to these devices? I agree that we think we do “know where our crap comes from.” We all just say China but who really knows what China consist of? I never knew that the working conditions were as bad as they were so who am I to assume that any changes are being made? It takes a lot for someone to go in and interview people to hear their stories and I think that this is necessary in many ways to get the information out there and get people to take a stand to make it stop. It makes you think that people should definitely ask themselves if they would want to work in those conditions. For someone who built an I pad to be amazed by the finished product and use the term magical is almost saddening. I am enjoying this hard work and effort but this person cannot? It makes you think so much more about what you are using. Who made it? How was it made? And am I a bad person for using it? This whole interview and show made me think twice about things but the sad thing is, so many people would probably not be affected because they are so dependent on technology and the uses they have in their daily lives. Why change something if it’s fine for them?
When I go shopping I often check the labels to see where the thing that I am buying is made. And most of the time it says China. There are times when I see the label I try to picture what it must look like over there in that country with all these factories where our “crap” that we must buy looks like. In my mind I picture crowded factories that pelt out huge amounts of smoke, and thousands of workers. I never thought that given the world we live in today would have such places that Mike Daisey describes in his one man show. What I never really gave much thought about is how these electronics that we buy are really made. I just assumed that they were made by another robot of some sort. I was completely shocked that they pieced together by hand, and that some of the parts the workers must handle are thinner than a strand of hair. That is just astounding. Why do these poor people made to sit there for 12 to 14 hours a day, in total silence have to put these products together by hand? Do we demand so many of these Apple products that this sort of treatment of human beings is necessary? And what of the living conditions? Daisey describes there “cubicle” like a coffin that they must slip into at night to sleep, and then are continually monitored by cameras. It just reminds me of the way it was years ago here during the Industrial Revolution, and even brings to mind the small children that were used in the coal minds. How can Apple allow this to happen? It really makes you delve deeper into where our “crap” that we must have really comes from, and who is really handling the product from the very beginning. I can’t believe that it is young children. What is there to be done about it? On any given day when you go to the Carousel Center and you walk by the Apple store it is packed. There are so many people in that small store that the crowd spills out into the walk way of the mall, and you can barely get through it. Should we stop buying these products and let these company like Apple know that we do not condone this kind of thing? Technology is like a drug, and it is very addicting. And, am I just as bad because I love my computer, cell phone, tv’s, and all the other things I buy that are made in China?
I like Apple products. I feel like I should mention this because I am starting to feel as though Apple is not the only villain in this story. I know they do mention that other companies, in fact most technology companies, also have their products made in Shenzhen but it feels like a lot of attention directed at one company and I would like the spotlight to be spread around a bit. I like cheap stuff. I guess what I really mean is inexpensive, not cheap. I like an iPod that I can afford and I got a Kindle for Christmas that I also really like. Oh and my cell phone, I really like my cell phone too. They were all made in China by laborers in sweatshops. I am personally experiencing a strange sense of dissonance regarding the technology I depend on every day and the thought that they were made by people who can’t afford them or who may actually be hurt in the process of making them. I don’t think I can even imagine a factory where 430,000 people work. In the This American Life episode, I particularly liked the fact-checking portion of the episode. I think we often hear someone speak about something they are passionate about and they make a good argument that sways us but we never really know if they are speaking the truth. Mike Daisy’s passionate statements about technology production in China moved me and then I had someone do the fact checking for me. I am trying to see a way forward from here and I’m really not sure what it is. As I said previously, I like my technology, I depend on my technology, and I can’t see myself going without technology. How do I match my desire for technology with my discomfort with how it comes to my hands? I think the spotlight shining on Apple will make a difference for those employees that work on Apple products. Will it make a difference for makers of Kindles, Play stations and Nokia phones? I don’t know. I hope so. There were several people who pointed out that cheap labor and sweatshops are the way poverty stricken countries move forward. Is this true or is this what we tell ourselves to make us feel better? Maybe it’s a bit of both. I watched a Frontline episode in which a reporter went to Shenzhen to see the Foxconn factory. There were thousands of people waiting outside on recruiting day looking for jobs. A job at Foxconn, as terrible as it sounds to us, is better than the other option. I still have this feeling of dissonance. I feel as though I shouldn’t want the technology but the truth is I do.
My very first impression of this public radio show was that it was a huge contrast in the opinions of technology from the PBS documentary. In this radio show I immediately get the impression that technology is the new way of life. I really got interested when the man first asked his iPhone where it was manufactured and it could not answer. Whether that was real or not, it got me hooked. It is sad for me to admit, but I am sure I am not alone that when thinking about production, I think machines are doing it all. When in fact, there are people behind those machines who are working grueling jobs in order to make enough money to survive. In some instances, these jobs are more dangerous than many people could even imagine. The picture that is being painted in my head is that of the early 20th century when industrialization began to flourish in America. These were times of unskilled labor, dangerous conditions, and no unions. Now, over one-hundred years later, we see the exact same working conditions in other areas but we turn a blind-eye. Why do we do this? Well it is simple, cheap production and labor. I do believe that Apple knows what is going on in the factories, it would impossible not too. Those factories and jobs could be placed in America fueling our economy. However, it would cost Apple more to produce and manufacture their products here. There is a reason the factories are in China, because the labor laws are much more overlooked. How bad do your working conditions have to be that you need to join a secret union, one that if you were caught in, would be put in jail for a significant amount of time? There is even the threat of being blacklisted and fired because you have a complaint about your conditions. There is a reason that unions are not supported in China, because then positive changes in the factories would have to be made. It is hard for me to believe that sweatshops are really benefitting smaller towns or “rice patties” as they were called on the radio broadcast. That does not mean that I think factories should be eliminated from these areas, but I think restrictions and laws need to be put into place in order to ensure safety of the workers. It bothers me that most of the things that were documented by Mr. Daisey about harsh working conditions were already known. Well if they are known, why are things not being done to change them? Something as simple as switching up the tedious tasks of a factory worker every month so they do not go through the same strain on their joints for years, which would eventually leave to permanent damage. This is damage that the factory of course would not be responsible for. It really bothers me what some companies will go through in order to make money. The corners that they will cut or the people they will hurt just to get their product to the stores. I think it is a positive step that every year Apple reviews the factories and manufacturers to ensure they are following correct protocol. However, who is watching Apple to make sure they are really doing what they say they are?
After listening to Mike Dasieys radio show I was very astonished at the conditions in which these workers are building the Apple products. The long days in horrible conditions with thousands among thousands of workers in silence is just unthinkable. I am astounded and up hauled at Apple's choice to employ these people in these conditions, especially the young children. I cannot imagine working those long days at the age of only 13 or being exposed to such hazards and not having anyone care.
ReplyDeleteI was happy that so many workers stopped to talk to Mike in order to get their stories out there to the public. I think that it is important that people know who is making their products and the conditions that they are forced to work in. It really surprised me when his translator asked if he thought that the workers were mentally ill. This speaks volumes about the situations they must have encountered....I just cannot imagine working in these conditions. And the fact the company is fully aware of these conditions and does what they can to avoid them is just wrong. How can they turn their back on the workers? The fact that they must put nets up because of the high amounts of suicide from people jumping from the buildings. I don't even have words for my feelings on this.
One thing that really stood out to me was when he spoke about the man who manufactured iPads but yet when he took out his iPad the man was astounded and said how "magical" the iPad was. Then he spoke about how there are no iPads in China, they are all shipped out. I think this is an absurd statistic.
It really makes you think about the products that we use daily and the conditions that workers had to go through in order to provide us with these products. Even though I do not own any Apple products I am sure that these working conditions exist in several other companies whose products are made in China. It makes me feel guilty of the conditions someone had to endure just so that I can have my camera or iPod. I think that the exposure of these situations makes the US look greedy, selfish and inconsiderate. However, I do not think that this will change how these big companies are run...
-Hannah
To be honest I was aware that China has young children working in factories and I had an idea that the conditions probable were not that good, since it is a communist country. Though, I wasn’t aware that the employees lived there and that the living quarters were so compact and horrible. I would never have thought that the factories would have so much surveillance cameras either. After I heard about this, I was wondering why the employees lived there, why there are so many cameras and really what is the purpose for them being in the living areas and bathrooms. I was appalled to hear that the factory actually had placed nets around the buildings to prevent employees from committing suicide, I would never have imagined this is if I didn’t hear him say this. Talk about the job from hell.
ReplyDeleteWell, I must also admit I was not aware that all of the electronics are done by hand. I can’t believe that someone actually puts a tiny cell phone together by hand and how can one do this. When I think of a factory, yes I picture an assembly line, but with machines and people working on them, I can imagine noises and people working at a pretty good pace. Though, I really can’t imagine people working and not making much noise at all or having to put things together all by hand. Also, it amazes me that these workers only see part of the product and they never get to see the product actually working or performing the tasks that they created it to do. I honestly thought that all of these high tech and new devices were everywhere and that many different kinds of people had access to them. It just amazes me that these types of technologies are created in China, but the people don’t have access to them. This also makes me question why.
On a positive side, I am glad to hear that Apple has stood and decided that they don’t want to have a part in a factory that treats its employees so badly and if it hires children. I hope that what Mr. Daisey said is true and that if Apple finds out the factories that produce their products does this, then they do give them ultimatums and has the factory then pay to send the children to school. I hope that Apple really does have an impact on the factory workers, their working conditions, health and hours. It is just nuts to think that a company with so much power, product and money could stand by and not try to help the workers that produce the products for them, regardless if it is in another country or not. I don’t really know if a lot of people are really aware of how their fancy cell phones and I pods are made, and if they are I hope that a good majority are disgusted about it and hopefully this is why Apple has taking a stand on the issue. Though, it would be nice to hear and see that other technology companies would do the same. I really feel that if multiple technology companies would follow Apple, then I am sure that we would see a change in the factory life in China. It would not be a huge change, but a gradual one and any change is always good. Especially if workers are treated better, located in better conditions, safer conditions, less hours and the chance for breaks and resting/sitting.
Bobbie L.
After listening to this, the introduction kind of was a little shocking when the question was asked “Where were u manufactured?” and the answer was “I can’t say.” That made me start thinking. Calling it a cult and when he talks about being “faithful” to apple programs, it kind of gives you chills to think that someone honestly feels that they are being faithful to an object. It does not have feelings, it cannot be hurt but how is this considered a religion honestly?
ReplyDeleteHearing about the pictures that were posted and hearing that they “took his breath away” made me feel awful. I was aware that products were produced in China but I was not aware that the conditions were so horrible. A women wearing a nice suit and questioning who these people are were a wonder for me as well. I obviously kept listening because I was trying to figure out the whole time who and what was going on. I never thought about how exactly they were made either. Making them by hand is crazy to think. With factories becoming more proficient in production, why wouldn’t you think that it was a machine that built it? It almost makes you feel sick and guilty for using it at times. I own an I Phone and this got me thinking as well. How do all people not have access to these devices?
I agree that we think we do “know where our crap comes from.” We all just say China but who really knows what China consist of? I never knew that the working conditions were as bad as they were so who am I to assume that any changes are being made? It takes a lot for someone to go in and interview people to hear their stories and I think that this is necessary in many ways to get the information out there and get people to take a stand to make it stop. It makes you think that people should definitely ask themselves if they would want to work in those conditions. For someone who built an I pad to be amazed by the finished product and use the term magical is almost saddening. I am enjoying this hard work and effort but this person cannot?
It makes you think so much more about what you are using. Who made it? How was it made? And am I a bad person for using it? This whole interview and show made me think twice about things but the sad thing is, so many people would probably not be affected because they are so dependent on technology and the uses they have in their daily lives. Why change something if it’s fine for them?
-Amy
When I go shopping I often check the labels to see where the thing that I am buying is made. And most of the time it says China. There are times when I see the label I try to picture what it must look like over there in that country with all these factories where our “crap” that we must buy looks like. In my mind I picture crowded factories that pelt out huge amounts of smoke, and thousands of workers. I never thought that given the world we live in today would have such places that Mike Daisey describes in his one man show.
ReplyDeleteWhat I never really gave much thought about is how these electronics that we buy are really made. I just assumed that they were made by another robot of some sort. I was completely shocked that they pieced together by hand, and that some of the parts the workers must handle are thinner than a strand of hair. That is just astounding. Why do these poor people made to sit there for 12 to 14 hours a day, in total silence have to put these products together by hand? Do we demand so many of these Apple products that this sort of treatment of human beings is necessary?
And what of the living conditions? Daisey describes there “cubicle” like a coffin that they must slip into at night to sleep, and then are continually monitored by cameras. It just reminds me of the way it was years ago here during the Industrial Revolution, and even brings to mind the small children that were used in the coal minds. How can Apple allow this to happen?
It really makes you delve deeper into where our “crap” that we must have really comes from, and who is really handling the product from the very beginning. I can’t believe that it is young children. What is there to be done about it? On any given day when you go to the Carousel Center and you walk by the Apple store it is packed. There are so many people in that small store that the crowd spills out into the walk way of the mall, and you can barely get through it. Should we stop buying these products and let these company like Apple know that we do not condone this kind of thing? Technology is like a drug, and it is very addicting. And, am I just as bad because I love my computer, cell phone, tv’s, and all the other things I buy that are made in China?
I like Apple products. I feel like I should mention this because I am starting to feel as though Apple is not the only villain in this story. I know they do mention that other companies, in fact most technology companies, also have their products made in Shenzhen but it feels like a lot of attention directed at one company and I would like the spotlight to be spread around a bit.
ReplyDeleteI like cheap stuff. I guess what I really mean is inexpensive, not cheap. I like an iPod that I can afford and I got a Kindle for Christmas that I also really like. Oh and my cell phone, I really like my cell phone too. They were all made in China by laborers in sweatshops. I am personally experiencing a strange sense of dissonance regarding the technology I depend on every day and the thought that they were made by people who can’t afford them or who may actually be hurt in the process of making them. I don’t think I can even imagine a factory where 430,000 people work.
In the This American Life episode, I particularly liked the fact-checking portion of the episode. I think we often hear someone speak about something they are passionate about and they make a good argument that sways us but we never really know if they are speaking the truth. Mike Daisy’s passionate statements about technology production in China moved me and then I had someone do the fact checking for me.
I am trying to see a way forward from here and I’m really not sure what it is. As I said previously, I like my technology, I depend on my technology, and I can’t see myself going without technology. How do I match my desire for technology with my discomfort with how it comes to my hands? I think the spotlight shining on Apple will make a difference for those employees that work on Apple products. Will it make a difference for makers of Kindles, Play stations and Nokia phones? I don’t know. I hope so.
There were several people who pointed out that cheap labor and sweatshops are the way poverty stricken countries move forward. Is this true or is this what we tell ourselves to make us feel better? Maybe it’s a bit of both. I watched a Frontline episode in which a reporter went to Shenzhen to see the Foxconn factory. There were thousands of people waiting outside on recruiting day looking for jobs. A job at Foxconn, as terrible as it sounds to us, is better than the other option.
I still have this feeling of dissonance. I feel as though I shouldn’t want the technology but the truth is I do.
My very first impression of this public radio show was that it was a huge contrast in the opinions of technology from the PBS documentary. In this radio show I immediately get the impression that technology is the new way of life. I really got interested when the man first asked his iPhone where it was manufactured and it could not answer. Whether that was real or not, it got me hooked.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad for me to admit, but I am sure I am not alone that when thinking about production, I think machines are doing it all. When in fact, there are people behind those machines who are working grueling jobs in order to make enough money to survive. In some instances, these jobs are more dangerous than many people could even imagine.
The picture that is being painted in my head is that of the early 20th century when industrialization began to flourish in America. These were times of unskilled labor, dangerous conditions, and no unions. Now, over one-hundred years later, we see the exact same working conditions in other areas but we turn a blind-eye. Why do we do this? Well it is simple, cheap production and labor. I do believe that Apple knows what is going on in the factories, it would impossible not too. Those factories and jobs could be placed in America fueling our economy. However, it would cost Apple more to produce and manufacture their products here. There is a reason the factories are in China, because the labor laws are much more overlooked. How bad do your working conditions have to be that you need to join a secret union, one that if you were caught in, would be put in jail for a significant amount of time? There is even the threat of being blacklisted and fired because you have a complaint about your conditions. There is a reason that unions are not supported in China, because then positive changes in the factories would have to be made.
It is hard for me to believe that sweatshops are really benefitting smaller towns or “rice patties” as they were called on the radio broadcast. That does not mean that I think factories should be eliminated from these areas, but I think restrictions and laws need to be put into place in order to ensure safety of the workers. It bothers me that most of the things that were documented by Mr. Daisey about harsh working conditions were already known. Well if they are known, why are things not being done to change them? Something as simple as switching up the tedious tasks of a factory worker every month so they do not go through the same strain on their joints for years, which would eventually leave to permanent damage. This is damage that the factory of course would not be responsible for.
It really bothers me what some companies will go through in order to make money. The corners that they will cut or the people they will hurt just to get their product to the stores. I think it is a positive step that every year Apple reviews the factories and manufacturers to ensure they are following correct protocol. However, who is watching Apple to make sure they are really doing what they say they are?
'This American Life' Retracts Mike Daisey's Apple Factory Story
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/03/16/148761812/this-american-life-retracts-mike-daiseys-apple-factory-story?sc=fb&cc=fp