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Post by Refused Party Program on Nov 5, 2004 4:25:16 GMT -5
www.fairtrade.org.uk/In my opinion, buying "Fair Trade" products is in no way a revolutionary act. But, then, as anarchists we all support improvements in conditions that we could say were reformist at best. I reject the state, but I support better state benefits, for example. What I disagree with, however, is making people feel guilty for not buying Fair Trade: if you can afford it and want to, fine. But many people don't have the luxury; they'd rather make the savings. It isn't they that are to blame for the condition of Majority World farm labourers, though; it is global capitalism. And let's not forget, Fair Trade may be a better deal but it's still capitalism and some may just see it as a business venture into a niche market. I buy some FT products (the orange juice kicks arse) but my support is limited to informing people of the choice.
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Post by Sacco & Vanzetti on Nov 5, 2004 13:49:12 GMT -5
Fair Trade is an oxymoron.
However, I think you're about right with your analysis. I buy Fair Trade whenever I can and bear the burden of that making me among those who can afford it (which, I mostly can I suppose). But I try not to feel good about it, just less bad.
You did miss one thing though: The sickeningly self-righteous companies who use fair trade to market their products.
Like The fucking Body fucking Shop.
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Refused Party Program
Guest
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Post by Refused Party Program on Nov 5, 2004 13:55:08 GMT -5
Yeah, I just think of it as charity.
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theyellowspot
Junior Member
still ignored, the fuse burned on...
Posts: 88
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Post by theyellowspot on Nov 5, 2004 17:43:55 GMT -5
when i buy tea or coffee, i buy fair trade, but certainly don't think it's revolutionary. Does anyone? i just feel like it's a step less bad than buying organic. i should be growing my own.
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Post by Fenria on Nov 5, 2004 18:27:51 GMT -5
I feel that you can only blame the people so much. At the end of the day, it's not you or I who have set up the current world trade policies, it's our governments. We should all try to do what we can, buy only what we need, support good things when we can afford to do so, but real change has to come from the top.
Until demonic, parasitic organizations like the WTO, GATT, and the IMF are dismantled, trade on this planet will continue to be a one sided affair. That is why the bulk of our energies should be geared toward educating those who will listen about the evils of these organizations.
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theyellowspot
Junior Member
still ignored, the fuse burned on...
Posts: 88
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Post by theyellowspot on Nov 8, 2004 15:56:48 GMT -5
but real change has to come from the top. that's an interesting thing for an anarchist to say. i was always under the impression that real change should destroy the top. |
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Post by Fenria on Nov 10, 2004 17:36:23 GMT -5
that's an interesting thing for an anarchist to say. i was always under the impression that real change should destroy the top. LoL, it should, but I was speaking pragmatically about the society we live in today, which unfortunately doesn't appear to be moving in the direction of anarchy even if it's very existence depended on it, and it may very well. |
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Post by FreeLandofAIM on Nov 11, 2004 5:12:59 GMT -5
If you hang on to the belief change will come from the top, well if those at the top love their power, as they so often do, you're gonna wait a loooooooong time.
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Post by claptonpond on Nov 11, 2004 5:23:39 GMT -5
If you hang on to the belief change will come from the top, well if those at the top love their power, as they so often do, you're gonna wait a loooooooong time. Very true, but unfortunately it doesn't look like anything's coming from below any time soon either.  [Awaits accusations of Stalinism.] |
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Post by FreeLandofAIM on Nov 11, 2004 5:31:03 GMT -5
lol@awaiting accusations of Stalinism.......oh good grief.
Well, there are movements on the streets in cities, towns and villages and in the rural areas.
The grass roots is where it all starts, and a revolution, a movement can spring forth.
Things may not appear to be happening at ground level, as we find ourselves seemingly smothered in corporatism and celebrity, but these two factors hide what is happening.
As someone said, the revolution will not be televised.
Don't give up hope, don't give in. Mobilise.
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