Respect For Cultural Identity Through Fair Trade

Fair trade is a social and economic movement that seeks to empower and promote sustainability in communities throughout the world

. The principles of fair trade are laid out quite clearly by the various organizations which grant certification to producers. One of the most important of these principles is that of respecting cultural identity of the producers.

The world is currently under the sway of a rapid movement away from respect for cultural identity. The norm for business is simply to make the most money possible with little or no regard for maintaining laborers traditions and cultural norms. Traditional means of producing commodities such as agricultural produce, clothing and handicrafts are not seen as particularly valuable to most corporate entities. On the contrary, tradition is seen as more a vestige of an inefficient antiquity. In short, traditional means of production are commonly seen as standing in the way of a more efficient, more profitable future.

There are many ways in which such logic is short-sighted. The biggest error here is failing to consider the long-term potential and overall importance of traditional means of production. Using the example of fair trade clothing production one can think of the way pit looms do not require electricity and allow weavers to stay in their villages. This allows the traditional village social and economic model to thrive. One can notice, for instance, that each loom is actually tended by a number of people who operate cooperatively to produce the textile product. There are people responsible for spinning the yarn, preparing the spindles, repairing the loom, delivering supplies, dying, block printing. There are people in various other roles such as gardeners who produce vegetables and herbs for village consumption, transportation workers, educators, health care providers and all sorts of professions at the periphery of such local industry.

When traditional weaving techniques allow such traditional interdependency life is much more stable and sustainable in the villages. Traditional relationships among family and community members are strengthened and encouraged. Such thriving communities show improved health, education, and family life. As a result, traditional beliefs are no longer threatened with extinction; instead tradition is seen as a powerful necessity which offers solutions to social, environmental and ecological needs.

The importance of preserving cultural identity falls on all of our shoulders. Whether we are consumers who purchase items or wholesale buyers we have a choice as to whether or not to support production that helps preserve cultural identity. Wholesale fair trade purchases can help many people preserve their livelihoods; and these purchases result from the demand created by many individual consumers.

Turning again to the example of fair trade clothing production it is easy to see the way tradition is valued. Instead of supporting factory production models fair trade production takes place in villages. The model of production must not include child labor and must allow producers a certain inner leisure. The workday is not set up under the typical factory model, where workers are under enormous pressure to produce a certain amount in a certain time. Instead production is set up to allow for child rearing, long breaks, family time and traditional village celebrations are honored.

Since one of the nine principles of fair trade is preserving cultural identity those who choose to buy products such as fair trade clothing, produce, handicrafts or other products can rest assured that they are supporting the preservation of cultural identity. To learn more about the principles of fair trade visit the website of a fair trade organization such as the Fair Trade Federation. Put quite simply, your choice to purchase fair trade products can make a whole lot of good happen in our world.

by: Joan S. Rasch

POST COMMENT

Planet Inspired: Sentinels Made in Italy To Protect The Earth Perhaps You Have Any Kind Of Concept How You Can Select The Specific Little Bathing Suits? Maybe You Have Virtually Any Thought The Way To Find The Distinct Tiny Bikinis? What You Need To Know About Artificial Turf The Exceptionally Beautiful Kashmir Lenjeria Pentru Femei- Condimentul Care-ti Face O Viata Intima Senzuala Choose The Right Envelope For You! Get Divine Interference With Sapphire Rings Make-up Air Power Tube Fan The Romantic Kerala How Much Can You Save With The Right Ppc Management? Uplifting Weight Reduction Hcg Success Stories Brand-new Every Plan Was To Pick The Special Compact Swimsuits?