So you with the green T-shirt. Did you ever look to see where that shirt is made? Probably not because we normally just think of T-shirts as functional or cool. Who cares where they come from, right?
Well I’m sure there’s a lot of people who wish some of those jobs were still here in the good ol USA. There are some shops still in operation but I imagine they are just getting by financially. At one time there were areas in the North and South Carolina with textile mills.
The problem became when some retailers figured out that products could be made overseas cheaper due to the wages in those countries. Then they ‘encouraged’ manufactures to move their production overseas so they could see the products for less. OK encouraged is really not the right term. They twisted the arms of those companies because the retailer wanted lower prices. If the manufacturer wanted to sell their products in stores then they were going to outsource their manufacturing.
The thing some people miss about this change is that jobs started going away. Our unemployment started to climb due to this trend. Factory after factory started closing down. It seemed like there was nothing anyone could do.
If people are on unemployment then they aren’t able to take care of their families or spend money for a quality product. It’s a vicious circle and over the past 16 years I think we can all see how things have changed in this country. I say 16 because that’s the span of the last 3 presidents. We ended one presidential reign (Clinton) with a surplus. The next president (Bush) ran the country into the ground. Then our current president (Obama) has managed to build the economy back up.
Now you could blame everything on the elected officials but I don’t go for that game. We are just as much to blame for some of the problems with our country today. Our everyday decisions drive the economy of this country. So if we buy the cheapest shirt, pants, table, sofa, refrigerator or car then we’re only encouraging companies to make cheaper products. The outcome of that is that companies have to move their manufacturing overseas to keep cost down.
Do you think you think if people bought more products that are made in the US that the economy would be the same today? I would venture to get that it would NOT be in its current state. It would be healthy and thriving. More people would be employed and number of people in poverty would be an infinitely smaller.
So next time you pick up a shirt or a pair of pants check out the label and see where they’re made. Think how buying products that are made here in the USA is helping a fellow American who are trying to feed their family, afford a home or pay for healthcare. It may take a little work but the results will be tremendous.
I’ve started doing this so I’m not just preaching. I’ve been buying clothing that’s sewn here in the US and some of the Christmas gifts I bought this year were Made in the USA. Granted it’s not easy to find American made products but if you can just buy one new item a week that’s going to improve the economy and help your fellow Americans.
If you’re wondering I’ll be writing more about the products that I’ve found. Sometimes it’s surprising how easy it is to find the products. Other times it’s more of a challenge. The other thing to keep in mind is that if you’re buying say clothing it’s very likely be more expensive. They are going to cost more like a luxury brand and honestly that’s what they are in comparison. They’re made by Americans who are trying to produce a quality product.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Leave your feedback in the comments.
