He was a quarter at a yard sale. I thought he was cute–soft suede-like material and a retro look about him. He fit perfectly in the girls’ room that has a bit of a vintage feel to it. So, there he sits upon a stack of antique books on Ashlyn’s dresser, presiding over a Lego mini figure, a wind-up toy, and other plastic things that have been sitting collecting dust. While we’ve cleaned out a half dozen times since this guy came home, he’s consistently made the cut. Just something about him that we all took a liking to.
The same photographer, Michael Wolf, who took the 100×100 pictures I shared 9 months ago produced another project called The Real Toy Story. When I clicked on the link, the first picture I saw was this one.
There he was. The dog sitting upon her dresser that we’ve never even named. There he was in the hands of young women who have performed one step in his construction, perhaps attaching thousands upon thousands of fluffy yellow hats.
And, there were more pictures, all from 5 toy factories in China where 75% of the world’s toys are made.
Where migrant workers travel far from home to pursue a better life for themselves. Some are very young, quitting school to make money. Some have children they leave behind with grandparents. Each one, working hard, oftentimes 6 or 7 days a week from 8 in the morning until 10 at night, for about $240 a month including overtime hours.
Kelly,
I was asked to talk to a middle school class last week about China and we discussed migrant workers. It is hard to put into words how I feel but, I hate it when people act like they dislike items made in China and don’t want to purchase items “made in China”….I feel horrible for the peope working there in these factories but, not buying the items isn’t the answer….then what would happen to these people? (atleast I don’t think it’s the answer!) UGH! :(
Those pictures take my breath away and leave me speechless imagining a life such as theirs. Leaves me heavy-hearted.
Wow.
Thanks for sharing Kelly. I’m working on a paper on inequality in China due to globalisation. Will have to watch that documentary.
To tell the truth, their life was much worse when they lived in the poor rural villages. The girls napping on the floor is normal in China. If the world doesn’t buy what they make, they go back to having nothing……
my comment was posted by me pam…..i was in on my husband’s sign in….he might feel differently….thanks, pam from swallows nest
http://www.swallowsnestzz.org
wow.
My thoughts were along the lines of Clay / Pam’s. $240 / month in China can go a long way. Also, it’s fairly common for Chinese students to sleep in dorms with at least 8 other students and only water during the day, and if they are students they are in school doing homework and such for similar long hours.
I’m not sure we should feel bad for people who are content with their lives and are living similar to other people in their culture.
However, if the perspective you wanted us to grasp was how much more time, money, luxury we have here in America, well, then yes, I think your point was made well!
It’s funny, but going green has really made me understand that a small amount of money can have a big impact on quality of life if you’re not wasteful with that money. In America we spend so much money on trash.