2021.10.21

     Today, we watched the documentary, "Corporation". For part 2 of the documentary, we learned about the danger of chemicals. Chemicals are largely related to daily life, especially in this 20th century. It is basically everywhere, in the sweetening material, spice, clothes, gasoline, oil, plastic, detergent, cosmetic product, etc. What do we, consumers need to know about the chemicals, and how do corporations relate to them?

     Firstly, Monsanto is a company that sells ominous chemicals called rBGH as a commodity. Although overproduction of beef was a serious problem in the US, livestock raisers bought this chemical to produce even more meat. rGBH is known to cause pain and stress in cows and make them get sick. Therefore, once it’s injected into their body, it would be very difficult to get out of the vicious cycle. Corporations try various measures such as developing addictive products in order to make a benefit. It is indispensable for consumers to consider properly if the product is necessary and provide benefit in the long run.

     Secondly, Agent Orange was used in Vietnam, 1987. The chemical basically kills every living thing. Not only wildlife and plants, but human beings had also suffered from the tremendous damage. As Agent Orange went into the water that local people use, 50000 people died of cancer and 300,000 got heavily affected. Its damage is continuing after 50 years. However, they got no compensation while 50,000 Americans who stayed in Vietnam for 1-3 years got 28,000,000 dollars. Through International Relations class, I noticed that there is a high tendency that developing countries without power to get damaged by powerful countries, and never get compensated. Judges tend to be biased, and throw the case out of court or do unfair adjudication.

     Lastly, we researched brands that we are wearing. The collapse that occurred in Bangladesh in 2013 had triggered people to notice desperate problems in the fast fashion industry such as excess inventory, mass disposal, and cheap labor. Consumers started to focus more on environmental friendliness and transparency than cost. I am researching the brand as much as possible before buying the product. ZARA and H&M, the brand I was wearing today are trying out numerous CSR attempts recently. However, they both have fast fashion traits such as on-trend styles and regular new arrivals. The basis of the brand, business model itself is harmful to the environment.