the rest of us just stumble along in His footseps....
I have been thinking for the last couple of years about principles of fair trade and in many cases, the lack thereof. I am no expert on global economics, but one needn’t be to understand that world trade markets and so called ‘free trade’ is structured in such a way that the purchaser/buyer/consumer end of the chain is the one holding the power. Often this forces the producer/manufacturer/seller to cut corners because to ‘take what he can get’ is not enough. The dynamics of this power imbalance is a significant factor in making trade unfair. I’ve been known to be on my soapbox about these very things at any given opportunity, and rightly so if you ask me.
A little while ago we stepped of a banca (small boat) onto a beautiful island in the Philippines. It was an extremely tourist reliant community. Immediately we were surrounded by vendors all trying to sell their wares to the new tourists. We were literally surrounded. Being accustomed to vendors now after a few days on another island, we were quick to make it clear that we did not need any more jewellery, sunglasses or DVDs. In the midst of all the chaos and shouts of ‘I give you fair price!’, one vendor in particular caught my eye. He was easily the eldest of them and he held out a handful of necklaces for me to see. He said he’d had no business all day and I believed him. There must’ve been at least 6 other vendors selling the same jewellery. I felt bad for him, but the fact remained - I didn’t need any more jewellery, so my refusal stood.
The offers however, kept getting better, and yes, he had my interest now. Five necklaces for 100 pesos? That’s a good price. But what would I do with five necklaces? Souvenirs for friends back home? Ebay them and make my own profit? Five necklaces? That’s a bit over the top. Sorry mate, no deal.
“These two for 40 pesos?” He was getting desperate now, and a little annoyed. Why was this foreigner woman being so difficult? Two necklaces I could handle. It would set me back about $1. It wasn’t going to break the bank. A deal was made. I told myself he’d like that. I’d done him a favour. Gave him some business for the day. After all, he wouldn’t have offered me that price if it wasn’t worth it for him. Fair trade right? He practically threw the necklaces at me and walked away in disgust, with a look on his face I will never forget.
