I was amazed with the simplicity and at the same time brilliance of the main purpose of the movie. David Redmon decided to show to people who buy, wear and exchange beads during Mardi Gras Madness parade in New Orleans how and by whom the beads were made, while also to show workers who spend all their days making the product what happens to beads after they leave the factory. As it could have been predicted, both parties were highly surprised with what they’ve found out. American participants of the parade could not believe that simple necklaces that don’t poses any value to their buyers and are often thrown away at the end are made by young Chinese women working under conditions that are hard to call acceptable. From the other side, the factory girls could not understand how people can pay such money for “ugly” pieces of plastic, or even more, disclose their naked breasts in exchange for beads.
The movie demonstrates well the concept of globalization. I understand that it is not something that can or should be stopped. At the same time, it is wrong and unfair that people’s salary and working conditions are dictated by greed of a corporatist. I don’t see how it can be justified.
Same as people interviewed during the parade, I cannot imagine myself working under the conditions shown in the film. Particularly, I would agree with words of one of the ladies in New Orleans, “I live a life that completely different from that”. She also said, “It’s hard to see how someone can be okay with that standard of living”. The problem is that they are not okay. The factory workers just have no choice or other options. They won’t be able to earn money in their rural home villages; in addition, they often need to support not only themselves but also their families. “It’s not fair at all”, said the interviewed woman; though, she couldn’t offer any solutions. I feel the same way. All I can say is that I’m grateful I’m not in such situation and don’t have to face a choice where both options seem ‘not fair at all’.
More than 95% of employees at Roger Wong’s beads factory are women, and many of them are younger than 18. The owner mentioned that he was planning to increase the number of male workers in order to carry and shift heavy bags and boxes; still, he didn’t want to make it over 10%. Why such an unequal correlation? Maybe the reason for that is that women are more vulnerable and bearing. They cannot confront or fight against the tough unfair working conditions they were put into. Employees are fined even for talking during work or going to toilet too often, whatever that should be. Not to mention that the job itself is difficult and not safe. We could notice burned fingers of one of the girls in the video. I believe men would not endure such conditions, and Mr. Wong knew it. As he himself admitted, he believed “it is more easier for us to control lady’s workers than male workers”. Such an attitude to my mind does not expose him as an honest honorable employer at all.
I like the movie, I like that on the example of Tai Kuen factory and the carnival in New Orleans’ it reveals what is happening in the world. I am sure if you look for it, you will find many more examples of similar situations. At the same time, I would love the movie even more if it went further and recommended anything on how to change the given order or improve the conditions of the Chinese workers.
Works Cited:
Mardi Gras: Made in China. Dir. David Redmon, 2006.
