Demand a fair trade cell phone
Tantalum,from tablets to touchscreens its inside them all.This precious mineral is mined,used and is the reason why technology is sleek, slender and shiny.The story of how it is obtained it a murky one.It involves mining as nonthreatening as that word seems it is the cause of countless deaths and injuries. Bandi argues in his speech that we don't need to stop using phone but procure the materials in a way that is morally sound and does not violate human rights of citizens.This is understood when he states the following "Why should we allow such a wonderful brilliant and necessary product to be the cause of unnecessary suffering for human beings?" The usage of these minerals should never come to a halt for they are beneficial by connecting the world together.However Bandi asserts his belief that "If we demand fair trade food and fair trade clothes,it is time to demand fair trade phones."
Truth
The cold hard truth we must accept is that so far every electronic device we use has some percent of tantalum in its foundation and this was procured by forcing African workers in hazardous working conditions to make the phones we use today.
Thoughts
I was shocked to find out the horrible conditions in which the Africans toiled under for hours together with unfair pay.What was really disgusting is that they breathe in such toxic fumes by going deep beneath the earth.I believe that this is highly deplorable and it further makes me realize that the device I'm using to post this blog had been the product of a African miners blood and sweat.This is an in-just practice which probably payed him in pennies.
Questions
- What can we do to procure this material without harming the African people?
- We still have to go in mines to get the metal,how do we do this in a safe financially sound manner?
- If this is the result of years of Imperialism,are the imperialist countries responsible for taking care, fair pay,and safety precautions of the African people.(As they use tantalum Africa exports)
Since you uploaded only a picture here, my suggestion to you is to focus more on what the picture's argument is. The background about what the metal is is very helpful, but not quite what this assignment is targeting.
ReplyDeleteYou might talk about how the girl seems to be offering you a choice, with upturned palms.
You might talk about how blood is dripping from the phone, but no such effect on the metal--why is that? Shouldn't there also be blood dripping from the metal? Why is it powdered? Why does it have the "snowing" effect, and what's with the two black bubbles from the other sides?
Speculate on why they chose a woman instead of a man to offer the choice.
Speculate on how this particular image might send a different message than an image on the same topic.
Speculate on HOW the image was made is deeply ironic--and also, perhaps amateurish? (Not to say that mining deaths are negligible, but how much weight would we ascribe a photo that is well-created versus one that is not? How does professionalism play into our acceptance/non-acceptance of the photo?)
Background information is helpful. But the image should be the focus of your argument here, not just a helpful visual.