5: Labour

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This social experiment aims to create greater awareness about our culture of consumerism in this capitalistic world that is built on inequalities and exploitation. Sometimes we forget, or take things for granted – where the goods that we demand and buy come from, who worked on it, and how the working conditions and environment are in other parts of the (unfortunate third) world. Corporate companies possess the power and resources to deny and mask their involvement in labour exploitation thus leading many consumers to blindly (or naively) engage in this unfair economic and political system that benefits the wealthy and the elite. Some ignorant or heartless souls would argue that it is their right to benefit from the bargain or that the poor are to blamed for not educating themselves so as to assume a better position in the workforce. Such responses are alarming and disappointing. How could we progress towards the betterment of all when we are trapped in the system that exists due to power, privilege, greed, and violence? The experiment is not about boycotting brands or companies. Instead, it seeks to send a message about awareness and hope that combined support and voice from the people would push companies to ensure a safe environment and fair wages for the abused and exploited.