Maquilapolis ~Inobe

By ~Inobe

After watching Maquilapolis a couple of things resonated with me, first hearing all of the companies by name that had factories their was an eye-opener. Being consumers of any of their products unknowingly made us contributors to these injustices. I feel we all have a responsibility to research companies we support, and to better understand how they produce their products. This could greatly prevent situations like this. Especially after seeing this heart breaking video. Effecting companies bottom line would help shape their business models overnight.

It's crystal clear that capitalistic systems are only about creating wealth no matter the damage caused. It’s never about what’s good or healthy for people, the community, or environment. Second, it was powerful to see moms, women, young and old coming together to fight for their labor rights and community. The classic David verses Goliath story. Thirdly, they never gave up the fight. They got results because they persevered.

Positive strategies that worked:

    Filing a lawsuit for their severance wages from Sanyo.

o   Even after they won this lawsuit other factories appeared and did the same thing over, and over again. This time removing their name so the workers wouldn’t know who to file against when suing. Simply shameful and pure greed.

·      Protesting outside government offices about the hazard waste left behind by factories. Which caused major injuries, sickness, and death for those living in the area.

·      Formed a group to fight the issues and share the burden of the work. Writing letters, contacting media outlets, making this film to educate consumers. 

·      They educated women in their community about their rights.

·      Never backing down. After 10 years they made history with the bi-national clean up agreement being signed.