After reading Reluctant Entrepreneurs and the Parable of the Black Sheep, I can clearly see the key link between fair trade and entrepreneurship. As Reluctant Entrepreneurs began with a story of women scooping dry sand off the road every time a car went buy to sell to other people to clean their dishes, the idea became clearer to me. The line really rung a bell with me as the true definition of entrepreneurship, “If you have very little, use your ingenuity to create something out of nothing.” They talk about the poor having the most opportunities because their ideas are fresher and less likely to have been tried already. As for being low in the pyramid, they have the best innovations for making their lives easier. These insights are not only true, but apply to many aspects of life.
However, after reading this piece, one can see that entrepreneurs do not always have the capital or drive to expand their entrepreneurial ideas. It is a very true, but surprising fact in this reading. Many do not make even a small profit but do these things to survive. This is a different way of viewing the entrepreneurs of the poor. I do still believe that many of the poor are entrepreneurs and have a large determination to make money in order to survive. It is not solving the problem of poverty, but the entrepreneurs are thinking of solutions for their own poverty. This, to me, is the definition of an entrepreneur.
The thing I found the most interesting in the Parable of the Black Sheep is the reference to schools forcing the status quo on students when they should be challenging the status quo. Challenging the status quo was also a theme in Reluctant Entrepreneurs. Throughout the narrative, he challenged and questioned all ideas of school, work, and money. In the end, after he quit two weeks before his bonus, he stated “If you think you can hold me for money, you are wrong. If you think you own me because you are paying me, you are wrong.” This was the most impactive expression of language. He is defying the stats quo and holding his own which is the most inspiring action a person can do.
It is powerful to see someone ignore the status quo, do what they enjoy, and barely have enough money to survive. He was not influenced by outside forces like his family or schooling to do something he did not want to. His business invests in people- helping them find that energy to prove something as he did. This is the most interesting and powerful message someone can pass on to someone else. I enjoyed these readings because they incorporated the value of entrepreneurship with fair trade. Both use entrepreneurial spirits to create something of value either for oneself or people as a whole while recognizing the self in the equation.
After reading a piece of The Blue Sweater, I realized I am most interested in readings that entail fair trade and entrepreneurship. When deciding to take on the project, entrepreneurs, described by an old man, “aren’t necessarily the smartest people in the world, but they are the ones who have the guts and heart to do whatever it takes to made dreams comes real.” It made the author realize it was her dream and what she wanted to do become a reality. It also sparks my entrepreneurial interest to life.
In this chapter, I found it interesting that the biggest early challenge the team faced was finding the entrepreneurs and ideas in which to invest. They were looking for ventures with visionary leaders who were using business approaches to solve big social problems. However, they realized the more they looked, the less likely they were going to get the perfect entrepreneur. They had to take a risk to see where it could possibly go. Dr. V was the answer with a big vision and a move-in date that was overpowered by an act of terror.
With this surprising turn of events, they invested in Pakistan and began working their entrepreneurial ventures for the better there and make markets for the poor. With the many challenges they were facing, the idea was hard enough supporting the poor, but now would yield even lower returns over time. With all the trials and troubles in this journey, it was interesting to see that Acumen persevered and was not giving up its mission.
It is encouraging to see the success story of Satyan, who wanted to fix many of the problems in the community by providing a better income for them. He knew the educational and hygienic problems as a main focus, with health insurance being important as well. He had a goal worth focusing and fighting for by changing people’s lives in India fundamentally. Drishtee, in 2008, had expanded more than Starbucks, creating jobs and serving 7.5 million while changing individual lives for the better. It was interesting to see the entrepreneurial journey of Acumen and the successful results of the whole journey that is only the beginning.
After reading “Colonial Past and Fair Trade Futures,” I was exposed to a downside of fair trade. I can clearly see how Darjeeling tea-plantation owners are co-opting fair trade and using it to solve postcolonial demand problems. Fair Trade was seen as a way to avoid costs and marketing woes. Neoliberals uphold the free market, a market that is free of obstacles to trade such as national government policies and a market that privileges the power of private interests over publicly held institutions. However, fair trade aims to direct capital into the hands of empowered small farmers. It is disheartening to see that a fair trade ideology is not being used effectively.
The article was surprising most of the time, but I could see overall that all people must ideologically buy into the system of fair trade for effectiveness. However, the workers are not entrenched in fair trade that is leading to problems. They are reverting to the old system that is not helping. Some even say, “The British time was better.” The colonial times, to them, expressed a stable tea supply.
It is shocking to see that fair trade has benefited the owners and not the workers. The hierarchy structure creates a dividing line and makes it hard for both to work in a joint manner. I did not know this problem could be created through fair trade, but for this tea-plantation, it is a major problem, which continues to surprise me.
Fair trade emphasizes nongovernmental regulation and individual empowerment, but challenges the disenfranchisement that such policies cause. A possible improvement includes the expansion of FLO and other organizations that will help the understanding of local legal codes and histories. It is interesting to see the challenges fair trade has provided in this piece because it makes me think of different issues that are caused as a result.
After reading Game-playing: rethinking power and empowerment, my definition of power was changed. I used to think of power as having authority over another person, but there were many numerous ways of defining power in this chapter such as hidden power and invisible power. It also helped redefine “empowerment” as a capacity to produce change. It seems less of a control factor, and more of a positive twist on power. An interesting point is made when the chapter describes “constraints- values, norms, rule, and so on- are universal and in place for a long time, they tend to go unnoticed, leading to the durability of tradition.” This is something overlooked in my own life, and brings a perspective to actually thinking about the accepted norms in life.
‘Power with’ connotes a cooperative relationship in which individuals work together to multiply individual talents and knowledge. This provides the counter-argument to power in which people believe one with power is meant to dominate. The chapter provides insights into the norms and challenges of power and entrepreneurs. It is the insight into what sustains power over a period of time, which is collective action. When thinking of power, one usually associate one side having power but collective talents and knowledge allow power to have a positive connotation.
This article also presented a different way of viewing entrepreneurs for me. Most think of an entrepreneur as an innovator of products for the purpose of profit. However, Schumpeter’s changes this definition by defining an entrepreneur as “innovating not for profit-maximization reasons but rather for the specific purpose of transforming the normative basis of market structures.” This strays away from that norm or value and recognizing where changes need to be made unlike the durability of tradition. This is the evolution of the ‘game-player’ that is described as a creative and visionary individual.
The connection this has to fair trade shows the defiance and game-changing capacity of entrepreneurs that want to change the usual norms. It is about applying ‘power with’ and ‘power beyond’ with other people and not one person. Entrepreneurs who tend to innovate for the sake of changing old habits cannot create it through existing constraints. Entrepreneurs in fair trade changed the way business is conducted, not for a profit, but for human life and value. This chapter makes it easier to see the connection of fair trade and entrepreneurial vision.
After reading “Harnessing Entrepreneurial Energy” I realized there are more opportunities for people in need of fair trade support. Firstly, Shiwahiade doubled her income after they purchased water-efficient processing equipment that in turn lead to her kids going to school and not having to work on the farm. It is amazing to see the standard of living improve so drastically, but many do not have access to this capital, technology, managerial talent, and markets. Root Capital helps make these resources available to people in need.
In this work, I really learned about the becoming and processes of Root Capitol. Root Capital was ignited from a trip to Mexico after Foote gave up his Wall Street job. He noticed a rally of farmers that had passion about being kicked out of their land and wanting their rights and land back. The vanilla co-op had the dedication and purpose, but no capital or credit to back it up. Foote realized that global demand is booming for products that are good for people and good for the planet. Root Capital is the middleman to making this happen.
The best part about Root Capital is that they are not all about just getting the capital to these farmers. They focus on the development of financial training and bookkeeping so that the business can grow and run efficiently. They have successfully strengthened the financial management capacity of nearly 100 producer associations. This puts into perspective just how effective and helpful their company truly is to many farms in the world.
I learned that Root Capital is also a very innovative company. It is expanding its research and development efforts. They also invest in businesses in countries that have recently experienced conflict or disaster. The children singing described in this piece really showed what their efforts were producing. It is fulfilling and real to see these images and get a sense of how the company is really improving the lives of others. A company like Root Capital is hard to come by, but by thinking outside the box, Foote was able to make a success story by helping others.
After reading “A Brilliant Idea” from the Fair Trade Revolution, I can see Fair Trade developing and growing by staggering numbers. However, the amount of people that need Fair Trade is also staggering. In this introduction, it states, “fair trade may currently be benefiting more than 7 million people in the developing world.” This is an excessive amount of people. The next shocking statistic is that 2.6 billion people, about 40 percent of humanity, are living on less than 2 dollars a day. These numbers are shocking and real, which is scary to think of the disparity between the other 60 percent of the population.
I learned that the FAIRTRADE mark has not only help consumers make a better choice, but also helps retailers focus on a credible and recognizable detail. The farmer also always receives enough money to cover costs and stay in business. It also helps keep children under 15 out of employment. The standards and implications of this allow a consumer to be sure they are buying certified fair trade in every way.
Nestle even began to push its way into an ethical movement, whereas before they were known for the opposite. This shows that some businesses have been drawn to fair trade reluctantly, which is not always the best way. In a way, fair trade is creating its own specific tensions. These businesses want more and on-shelf delivery, while fair trade finds it difficult to keep with a fast pace because of the nature of the products. Sometimes they cannot keep up with the level of demand. It is a challenge to create a lot of products with keeping with quality. I did not realize this was a large issue in Fair Trade but it can hinder the progress.
I also learned that America’s commitment to the capitalist market economy has driven the pursuit of personal material wealth at the expense of other issues such as global economic and social problems. This is a major reason why fair trade has not been as successful as it could be. However, even with these obstacles, fair trade is progressing. It is America that needs to participate more to help its growth. I personally did not know much about Fair Trade before, but now being exposed and aware of the different issues, I can help raise awareness in my own area of life.
After reading Fair Trade a Human Journey, I learned that there is more injustice in the world than I was aware of. This explains families in poverty, women selling themselves, and children working hard for little to no pay. This put into perspective just how much Fair Trade can help those in need. The Charity Foundation allowed mothers to put food on the table and send their children to school which enough for the single mothers in Bangladesh. There are many single mothers that have to support themselves and their children. They are now able to because of the Mennoite Center Committee. This allowed me to see just how much fair trade can impact another person’s life for the better.
Another surprising discovery are the women in Mymensingh’s red light district that sell themselves for money. The women have lived through a great deal of pain even at their young ages. One woman worked as a maid and was raped, but could not afford to take them to court. To know people are stripped of their human rights is heartbreaking and tragic. The girl explains “her father had to go from door to door to beg for a little rice […] I started working in the streets.” Then she explains that she agrees with one man and more jump on her and some do not even pay her and beat her. To hear a personal story of rape is very compelling. It makes you want to help in any way one can.
The pictures in the book tell a story as well. The picture show real people and pain. The pictures show little children in poverty, adults working hard for little pay, and sadness in their eyes. The pictures are just as compelling as the stories. In many of the pictures, the people are hard at work and we know for little money. The human rights are stripped of these people. The faces allow a personal experience to show through. When emotions and people are involved, it makes more of an impact.
I learned there are more Fair Trade opportunities for people. Even though it may not have as many sales as other businesses, these sales are making a difference in people’s lives. They are giving them more opportunity and life. The book states that “the current success of fair trade is proof that trade can life people out of poverty when conditions are fair.” There would be less poverty if people bought these products and were more aware of them. To change the system would be to improve the way of life. It amazes how much our spending can affect others in a positive way. This book has made me more aware of the people and issues behind the products we use.
After watching Blood Coltan, the most surprising fact is that 4 million people died in the Congo. There are many killings, massacres, and kidnappings that happen here. The people that live there cannot even speak about the militia because they are not allowed. The soldiers rip off the workers and make them pay to pass out of the mines. It is shocking to me that the people that work in the mines have no idea what coltan is even used for. Adolescents are slaved for work. For many, the mine is the only way to earn a living, for very young children as well. Another saddening truth is that the miners receive about ten dollars for several days work. The work is hard and difficult and for minimal pay.
The most difficult part of the documentary to watch was when the women described their experiences as sex slaves. It was upsetting to hear about the woman that was raped and then pregnant with a child. Rape is a method of mass destruction. Some forty or more men rape the women. This rape happens in the Congo because of the mining men’s needs. Women, children, men, and babies are raped. It is heartbreaking to hear and disturbing to think about. They also described the different ways people die including the beating of children’s heads, cutting their throats, or the “lucky way,” being shot in the head. This documentary is eye-opening to all the problems happening in the Congo and most people’s ignorance to the situation.
Another appalling fact to me is how involved the UN is in the Congo. Even though they are there, they are powerless compared to the militia. They have tried to set an embargo on militia, which was a failure. Traxys was on the list the UN composes as a company helping the financing of the civil wars in the Congo. This mineral trade is helping pay for the wars. It does not surprise me that no one would comment to the documentary because of the vulnerability of the situation. Nokia and Motorola do not supply evidence that they are not accepting coltan from the Congo, which leads me to believe they are using the coltan from the Congo. This documentary taught me about the issues going on in the Congo and the consequences of our consumerism.
I am a student in Professor Combellick's Fair Trade class at Fordham University. I also watched "The Dark Side of Chocolate" documentary and have a few reactions.
"The Dark Side of Chocolate" documentary allowed me to see the child labor problems present in the chocolate industry on the cocoa plantations. I learned that the Ivory Coast is the world’s largest chocolate producer and there is trafficking from Mali into the Ivory Coast. What surprised me is that at the chocolate convention, so many owners and professionals had “no idea” about child trafficking. I viewed their responses as dishonest and covering up their knowledge of the subject.
The documentary portrayed the poverty and poor conditions in the country of Mali. The roads were dirt. The children in the village looked sad. It was heartbreaking to see that many of the traffickers kidnap the children without their parents knowing. Another heartbreaking story was of Mariam Marico, a twelve-year-old that was bribed to go to the Ivory Coast because she would make money. She said her parents would be angry if she did not come home with money. This was a tragic story that truly shows the child’s view of what she is doing. Another child was crying waiting at the border. The emotion depicted in this film was heartbreaking and eye opening.
Another shocking revelation was that a trafficker himself admitted to child trafficking and said people that denied their professions were liars. The traffickers make so much money and many of the children do not get paid for their labor. Many plantation owners deny the child labor when the children are working on the plantation doing heavy work. Children also claim that the owners beat them if they do not work and chase them if they try to run astray.
The most shocking issue is that chocolate manufactures ignore the child labor issues. They should acknowledge and take action, but most deny seeing and commenting on their film, "The Dark Side of Chocolate." The companies claim they “do not have direct control.” It is shocking and disappointing to see such powerful companies stand back and clearly avoid the situation. With the money and power these companies have, it is surprising to see avoidance. This film changed my view of the chocolate industry. It has opened my eyes to all the problems that children face in trafficking. I am confused as to why the companies would avoid this issue when it is so prevalent in the industry. It upsets me to know they put their profits over what is right and just.
Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:32 am
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