The Family-Centered Life

Michele, this is a very challenging subject for me. I’ve often been annoyed with the “hate WalMart” bandwagon, but I’ve never really looked into it, either. I watched the piece you posted a week or so ago, and it disturbed me enough to begin to discuss our options with my dh.

I’m not ready to make any big changes–we don’t have a department store within an hour of here, and the grocery stores don’t sell underwear! (of course, there’s the internet; but what do I know about where anyone else gets their stuff, after all?)

At the same time, I keep thinking of how the South saw the whole Civil War conflict as an economic survival issue,not a human rights one.

But slavery is slavery…and do I really want Chinese “slaves” making my clothes and other products, just for my convenience and economy?

On the other hand, how far does this go?
Do other stores get a free pass, just because they’re not Evil Walmart? “But WalMart does it!” sounds more like whining and opportunism to me, than a valid excuse for engaging in unethical practices. Again, slavery is slavery.

So do I make my own clothes? I’m no seamstress. And I doubt there’s much of a textile industry left here in America, anyway. So do I weave my own fabric? Honestly, I have no desire to realign my life to pre-1900 days. I don’t have the skills or the tools or the experience.

And, darn it, homeschooling is the only crazy hippy-like thing I do; I’m just not that crunchy!!!

Sorry for the long comment. I thought I was signed up for your site, but I’m having trouble getting in–I’d really love to hear what other people are saying on the various facets of this issue. I’ll have to resign up or something.

In any case, at the very least, you’ve opened my eyes to the possibility that I am inadvertently supporting severe oppression…largely for my own convenience. And that cannot stand.

(sigh)