Archive for the ‘social responsibility’ Category
Mike Gravel for president
Posted on: December 20, 2007
What’s that I hear? Is it real? A politician speaking the truth? Rubbish you say? Well pigs have flown and hell froze over cause Gravel has spoken (or not spoken, if you’ve seen the rock video):
Just when I was thinking I was headed toward an actual decision and would focus on technology and society for my future, I get double reminders about why immigration needs my attention.
Latina Viva posted a touching story about an illegal immigrant who saved the life of a young American boy and was immediately deported. The other night I found a great channel on youtube, an interactive documentary on the Prince Williams County, VA immigration debate.
Heartbreaking! And no I’m not just a bleeding heart liberal. I do know from experience what it feels like to feel unwanted, unwelcome, no matter how hard you try. “It’s a tough world”, people say. “Toughen up and don’t take everything so personal.” I’m tough when I need to be. But why should I be tough all the time? Why should anyone?
“Toughen up” is what people did in WWII as the Jews were dragged away. That’s what people do as Palestinians and Iraqis die everyday. That’s why Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur can happen despite all “our progress”.
“Toughen up” indeed. Seems a little less tough and a little more empathy is in order. Tough hasn’t worked in No Child Left Behind, Iraq, the War on Terror, the War on Drugs, the prison system…should I go on? I’m no peace-and-love-hippy kinda girl, but certainly empathy, understanding and respect will bring us further than tough.
Body Shop founder dies
Posted on: September 11, 2007
I was disappointed with the Body Shop queen for selling her ethical business to L’Oreal who continues to test cosmetics on animals and was recently fined for racial discrimination. But Anita Roddick was a champion for environmental and human rights issues and her sudden death is a shock. I hope her work will live on. She is an example, not only for women but also for men, about the power of compassion in business.
I personally experienced the trickle down effect of the Body Shop philosophy in Mexico in 2005. In Mazunte, on the west coast of Mexico, the locals are using plants and herbs from the area to create cosmetics and beauty products. Trained by the Body Shop, who also partially provided start-up capital, the Natural Cosmetics Factory is a fair trade and eco-business success story. This endeavor replaces local incomes once derived from the turtle industry. The turtle slaughterhouse, now closed by environmental policy, was the only employer.
I still worry about the L’Oreal ownership, but I hope that respect for Anita’s philosophy and practices continues on in her memory.
latin american princesa {LAP} 