Factory Fire in Bangladesh

The recent factory fire in Bangladesh has provoked a lot of questions. Who is responsible for the horror? The corporation for not installing proper safety measures? The government for not enforcing proper examinations of safety? Consumers for still supporting these companies and allowing them to continue? There is an argument that the factory, however horrific, provided the workers with wages, and in a country with few opportunities a small wage is better than no wage. This may be true to some extent, but should we be content with this fact? I believe that all people should be treated fairly no matter what the circumstances, and these workers are no exceptions. Although it seems unthinkable in America's capitalist society, maybe the corporations should shave off a bit of their extraordinary profits and share some with the workers. I think we are all a bit to blame in this tragedy. The corporations should not be allowing these awful working conditions. The government should be making sure that proper safety checks are being enforced, not just a quick once-over that may have included bribery. In addition, consumers have a right and responsibility to choose to support or not support these companies based on their treatment of workers. This information should be readily available to consumers so that they can be educated and make a decision with an informed conscience (in a similar way that we are compelled to make an informed decision when participating in politics in our own communities).