Shame on you Hasbro!

[x0x_Applejack_x0x]

http://channels.isp.netscape.com/ne...f/story/0002/20070821/0627616584.htm&sc=rontz

If you get a chance to read this article, you'll be ashamed to know that our very own Hasbro has taken a part in this nasty business with China. They've scammed inspectors, and created brutal sweatshop-like working conditions for their Chinese factories. Instead of making a comment and owning up to their wrong-doing, they "can't be reached".

It doesn't change my opinion on pony collecting, but it really grinds my gears.
I just hope our ponies weren't born in this sweatshop environment. It kinda gives you a different look on the new line. Some cutesy happy pink pony meant to bring joy to children created by miserable underpaid workers in a horrid working condition.

 

[Lightstorm]

Oh this is just the beginning. China suplies a lot of amarican merchandise, and we no longer can cater to our lower class workers needs because all our junk is made over seas. And if we try to pull out what do we have to fall back on? America is very dependent of Chinese merchandise. We could never appose them because we'd all suffer greatly when they cut us off. Once upon a time America was an industrial country, now we are all trying to get on the white color band wagon and our industry has ca ca'd the bed. So China is going to take liberties to exploit us as much as possible. OI,

So yeah, way to go Hasbro how indecent is that? OI.

 

[Baby Twilight]

Man...

I sort of figured, being that they're a cheap toy mass-produced in China, but I wanted to be ignorant about it. -_- Now I feel even worse.

It's no surprise, Hasbro sucks. What peeves me more is that collectors won't do a thing about it. I doubt most will even care... at all. >_>

 

[Lilithdrff]

All the big companies do it, how do you think they're managing to make the big bucks? Chinese labor is cheap (and obviously bad, but they don't really care as long as the money is being racked in). I'm not surprised at all.

 

[Ms Twilight]

I'm also another one that's not surprised, sadly. The reason these companies go to China for manufacturing is because of the dirt cheap labor. All of the dangers are coming full circle now, though. Pets dying, people getting sick.... now these companies have to deal with lawsuits.

 

[sweetiebabyfizzy]

All the big companies do it, how do you think they're managing to make the big bucks? Chinese labor is cheap (and obviously bad, but they don't really care as long as the money is being racked in). I'm not surprised at all.

Totally agree. When I see things that say "made in china" or where ever I always get that sinking feeling in my stomach....

 

[fantasticfirefly]

Take a look at some of the higher quality German toys. if MLP was made there, they wouldn't cost $6 a pop, more like $20+

It's sad that they exploit workers like that. I don't buy new G3's. but the G1's were the same story. dirt cheap labor.....

 

[Starflower]

Some people insist on boycotting companies that use sweatshop labor. Unfortunately that doesn't fix the problem. Although the conditions in these sweatshops are simply appalling and our hearts ache for the workers, their lives are even worse if big American companies move their businesses elsewhere. Instead of making 5 cents an hour, they become unemployed and make zero cents an hour. It sticks us concerned consumers between a rock and a hard place. I wish I had a solution. I wish boycotting big companies would fix things (although I'd be screwed in the case of Hasbro. Can't NOT buy ponies, can I??)

 

[metrocard2]

That really sickens me. :icon_frown: I really wish factory workers' conditions would improve in China and elsewhere. It's so shameful to see US companies (and I guess consumers like us) turn a blind eye to this kind of depravity. I'm obviously a total hypocrite because I'm addicted to these ponies, and inevitably supporting these cruel practices.

 

[Tikibirds]

it dosent surprise me..most items we buy are mass produced in "cheaper" places with little or no regard to workers safety.

 

[Firebyrd]

It's sad, but I think it's been pretty obvious that it's been happening. Ponies cost the same as they did 20 years ago, around $5, despite lots of inflation since then. It isn't just quality control they've been skimping on.

 

[garej]

It's sad, but I think it's been pretty obvious that it's been happening. Ponies cost the same as they did 20 years ago, around $5, despite lots of inflation since then. It isn't just quality control they've been skimping on.

I totally agree. Unfortunately because places like the USA have work laws, there is no way that most toy companies will be able to make in countries other than China without making prices at least 3 times the cost they are now. That means that people wouldnt buy them because it would be too costly.

Unfortunately unless your child is less than 3 years old and has you have a decent income there is no way that you could totally boycott china made goods. Once your child is 3, he will want the latest advertised toy, which will be made in China. The only way around that would be to totally home school him and not let him (or her) watch TV, which could have a detrimental effect on him. It is possible to be ethically minded, and bring up your children in that way (not just talking about toys here, but down to the food you eat), but there will be a point where peer pressure and possible bullying of your kiddie because they dont have the latest thing, will conflict with your own personal views.

These days, because most things are made in China, people only care about one thing: the price. Shoes, clothes, you name it. Most people dont give a flying fakie about some poor over worked person in a factory when they can clothe their 2 year old son for $5.