Cheap...But at a Major Cost

This image is from http://who-god-is.com/. I love it and it's true. Not stealing...just appreciating.

So I am pulling a bit of a copy-cat with this post from my beloved and wise older sister, but I think she hit the nail so on the head that I am going to reiterate her words with my own little spin.

There is a certain store that probably every female has heard of...we either shop there ourselves or are bombarded by their obnoxious pink and yellow bags while walking through the mall. Most males have probably heard of it as well because they know to pack a book or head to the always popular electronics store if their wife/girlfriend has a desire to shop at it. This store is beyond attractive to teens and twenty-somethings. Why? Because clothes and jewelry are super cheap and there are styles that cater to just about every person in the female gender. You know what is especially great? This store has a Bible Verse on the bottom of their bags. Ohhhh mannn...all the more reason to support it...right?

Have you solved the riddle yet? And can you tell that the tone of this post is not so positive? The store is Forever 21 and their cheap, fashionable clothes are in your closest at a major cost. Yikes.

I am not even going to try to make myself sound all high and mighty and above this because I am guilty. I am a broke college student who likes to look cute and my closest is jam-packed full of F21 clothing. Since being turned on to the issue of human trafficking, I have been enlightened that several of the stores I shop at run some shady business, and I know that it is time to stop supporting them...peace out Wal-Mart Skinny Jeans and H&M.

Forever 21 is guilty of running sweat shops. Here in the United States and abroad. Girls, I know F21 is such an appealing place for those of us with tiny budgets, but is it okay to know the truth and still support them?

I am pretty darn disappointed that John 3:16 is on the bottom of every bag. Christ does not condone his children being treated like animals, so I do not think it is right for this company to use this verse on their bags while taking part in dehumanizing business. If the owners truly are evangelical Christians, they should rethink some things...Is making cheap clothing and making money like gangbusters more important than the rights of human beings...Don't think so.

My heart breaks that Believers of all people are caught up in this horrible disease of trafficking.

It's up to you to figure out what you personally are going to do about this, and I believe being informed is the first step. Now that you know, what are you going to do? It may look different for each person, but it is not okay to know and do nothing. Think yard sales, consignment boutiques, etc...Think prayer that these business owners will feel convicted enough to make a change.

Check out these links for some pretty gut-wrenching info and the documentary "Made in LA"

Trailer for "Made in LA"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr1ABz65hXI&feature=player_embedded

http://la.indymedia.org/news/2004/05/111521.php