I was listening to NPR the other day and there was a show that featured a panel on Michelle Obama's fashion and style. Fashion experts and historians were talking about the many critics of the Michelle's choice of election night attire (the cardigan was apparently a disaster!) and the fact that she steers away from the pantsuits that Hillary Clinton made famous. Every once in a while these talking heads claimed that they weren't just chatting about fluff -- that talking about what Michelle wears has consequences, determines the direction of the nation in some ways.
I wasn't so sure. I admit that I enjoy dressing up every now and then but I can't imagine how such focus on Michelle's color coordination should have such a large presence on the media and on the internet. Let me tell you what does matter though. Clothing in the US is actually becoming much cheaper than it used to be. I'm not an economics expert but I do know enough to recognize that someone is getting the short end of the stick. This "someone" happens to be all the people in poor countries where the materials are grown and the clothes are sewn.
So what shall we do? Buy less. Buy American. Buy clothes that are fair trade or support good causes. These clothes are often much more expensive -- so buy less, buy second hand. And watch this video about consumerism. It's great.
-Karyn Wingard-Manuel
One of the coolest ethical clothing sites is www.nosweatapparel.com. Their shirts are all union or co-op made, so you know that there is no unfair labor there. They even have shirts made by a union in Palestine! The shirts are about $20 plus shipping...not too bad for the quality and the cause.
-Stephen
Posted by: Stephen Donahoe | November 17, 2008 at 09:09 PM