Shopaholic Reform: Today's Temptations & Victories

Wednesday, March 3

Today's Temptations & Victories

Every day brings with it new temptations in the form of a new wave of "stuff" that I want but do not need. Today was no exception.

Oakley sunglasses on sale. Sunglasses are the last thing I need though, I couldn't even being to justify buying them. I have three pairs of nice sunglasses (Ray-Bans, Smith aviators and Natives) along with 2 or 3 pairs of cheap knock offs. Alas, I passed this deal by and rightly so.

Today was not all temptation though. I played a key role and deterring the Dootz from purchasing a bag, albeit a very nice looking bag. For Dootz is trying to cut back too and needed some moral support to resist this Rafe purse.

I agree, it's a good looking bag and it was on sale for $249 from its original $550. Quite a bargain. BUT upon further investigation (i.e. clicking through alternative views) it was discovered that said bag was made in China by the "finest materials from Europe and Asia." This leads me to believe that it was probably made by some 8-year old for about 3 cents. Hey I could be wrong, but why take that chance?

1 comment:

theDootz said...: I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for deterring me from this purchase. I can continue my day with a clear conscience and less credit card debt. You are a true friend.; March 3, 2010 at 9:45 AM

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Something to Chew On...

The downside to Globalization

1. “The general complaint about globalization is that it has made the rich richer while making the non-rich poorer. It is wonderful for managers and investors, but hell on workers and nature.”¹

2. Multinational corporations are accused of social injustice, unfair working conditions (including slave labor wages and poor living and working conditions), as well as a lack of concern for the environment, mismanagement of natural resources, and ecological damage.

3. Multinational corporations which were previously restricted to commercial activities are increasingly influencing political decisions. Many think there is a threat of corporations ruling the world because they are gaining power due to globalization.

4. Opponents say globalization makes it easier for rich companies to act with less accountability. They also claim that countries’ individual cultures are becoming overpowered by Americanization.

5. Anti-globalists also claim that globalization is not working for the majority of the world. During the most recent period of rapid growth in global trade and investment, 1960 to 1998, inequality worsened both internationally and within countries. The UN Development Program reports that the richest 20 percent of the world's population consume 86 percent of the world's resources, while the poorest 80 percent consume just 14 percent.

6. Some experts think that globalization is also leading to the incursion of communicable diseases. Deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS are being spread by travelers to the remotest corners of the globe.

7. Globalization has led to exploitation of labor. Prisoners and child workers are used to work in inhumane conditions. Safety standards are ignored to produce cheap goods. There is also an increase in human trafficking.

8. Social welfare schemes or “safety nets” are under great pressure in developed countries because of deficits and other economic ramifications of globalization.

As manufacturing continues to decline, so does our ability to innovate. In the long term, this means fewer well-paid jobs, lower productivity, declining wages, declining living standards and low economic growth. Globalization is a big part of this decline and will affect all jobs and all sectors of the economy. From the point of view of multinational corporations and Wall Street investors, globalization is probably viewed as a wonderful phenomenon with many opportunities. But from the point of view of American manufacturers, manufacturing workers, the middle class, professional service workers and overall economic growth, I think the disadvantages far out weigh the advantages.

-Mike Collins, The Pros and Cons of Globalization (2010)