Blog 15- Haitian Workers

The documentary, Mickey Mouse Goes to Haiti, was a good portrayal of the conditions workers in other countries face to provide America with goods (National Labor Committee, 1996).  The documentary speaks to the incredibly low wages given to Haitians.  The workers were under paid, harassed, and kept from voicing concerns. The Disney Company, of course, would not speak to the National Labor Committee.  The workers were fearful to even speak to the camera, in fear of losing their jobs. Their wages were so low; they had to live off of credit for their children to go to school.  They were unable to provide food for their families.  Families shared a one bedroom home for 8 people.  However, the documentary only showed one family's living conditions. That could be a poor representation of the conditions of all Haitians working for Disney, but I imagine the rest are not doing much better.  It is difficult to think of workers not being paid properly for their work as we have unions to prevent that injustice, but we need to take a stand for workers in other countries providing us with goods. Americans' already have a bad name around the world and not paying our workers properly is only adding to our bad reputation. It is very disappointing seeing that from a company we know and love like Disney.  I wonder if the conditions have improved for these workers since this video was made. 

National Labor Committee. (1996). Mickey Mouse Goes to Haiti. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_OXhtgHBxk&feature=player_embedded

Blog 14- Reducing Risk for Assault

As a woman, every time I step out of my door at night to walk to my car, I think am I safe?  It is a constant fear many women face. There are steps women can do to reduce their risk for assault.  One thing women can do is be aware of their surroundings.  When walking to your car or to your door know who or what is around.  We should always call security to walk us to our cars if leaving a location after dark. When parking, women should chose a well lit area, close to the entrance for safety. People may say women should not dress provocatively, but that is saying it is the women's fault they are being attacked. Women should be able to dress however they choose, but be aware of their environment for safety.  Women should always leave a location after dark in groups of two or more. When at a bar, women should never put their drink down and take their eyes off of it; someone may put something in it.  Education, as with every blog I have posted, is key.  Knowing things to look for in environment  (making sure a van is not parked next to your car) and taking self defense courses to increase confidence are ways women can educate themselves.