Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Should We Even Bother?

Several weeks ago I made a post related to the Pay It Forward project Nikki and I are doing about Coca Cola's many human rights and environmental abuses in several under-developed countries, especially India and Colombia. One comment on the post brought up the fact that there are many other companies with whom F&M is affiliated that commit many of these same attrocities. With so many of these powerful multi-national corporations out there, is it even worth trying to stop them?

I immediately responded to the post saying of course it's worth the effort to stop these abuses. Just because there are so many companies doing the same wrong thing, that doesn't make it right, and it certainly shouldn't mean that we look the other way. But so many people still buy the products, right? I mean these are some of the largest manufacturers out there. What can we really do to stop them? Will ONE project at ONE school targeting just ONE of these companies truly make a difference? Should we stop trying, or should we realize that maybe everything has to start with "one"..........

2 comments:

Kiki L. said...

After hearing your presentation yesterday and see all that you guys have been doing, I really think that you are making a difference. It is not just one school- it is F&M, Swathmore, U Chicago and countless other universities. It seems as though Kicking Coke off campus is creating a domino effect. If it is successful here, and even one other school hears about it and does the same thing it is helping. While obviously it is not going to bring about the demise of Coca-Cola, it will send a message to the company. People have to start small (and I even don't think this is small) in order to see great results. Furthermore, it will influence individuals who can tell their friends and make a difference in choosing other products. I really was impressed by your project and encourage you guys to keep trying!

ElizabethJane said...

I really feel that you guys are pushing for a good cause. Even though F&M is utilizing other companies and services that are not ethically right I do feel that you need to start somewhere.. and kicking Coca-Cola, one of the largest and most well known corporations in the country, off of F&M's campus is a great start. Not only does it contribute to helping the small village in India by boycotting the products but it raises a great amount of awareness. I know now for myself that I am not going to buy coca-cola products at the grocery store and i'm going to encourage my friends not to (even the diet coke addicts!!). I commend you guys because its a great cause and it really seems like you girls are making great progress with this.

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