We all know that major brands and corporations have outsourced labor in third-world countries for years, but the idea of the same entities using prison labor to power their profits has remained an undiscussed topic.
While your favorite shirt from H&M is made in Bangladesh’s sweatshops, Chinese prisoners produce the packaging that ships it to your doorstep.
This is a global issue that plagues corporations. After all, their avarice continues to grow — despite global concerns like a pandemic.
But the United States has fallen prey to using prison labor more than any other country. As of 2008, 24.7% of the world’s total prison population is held in the USA. This can only mean that more and more prisoners are being used in laborious duties.
Now, we can morally concur that prison labor is unethical and unnecessary. Especially since most of this labor may be totally uncompensated. But we must acknowledge that under the 13th amendment, it technically is permitted — “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
As with other amendments, *cough the second amendment cough* people will always exploit the protections that the U.S Government has provided. In Pennsylvania, former judge Mark Ciavarella was sentenced to 28 years in prison for taking, “$1 million in bribes from developers of juvenile detention centers.” The case was named “kids-for-cash.” Ciavarella was basically selling kids to the prison system in exchange for cash. The avarice continues to grow, not only for corporations, but for the justice system as well.
“WHEN PRISON LABOR BECAME PROFITABLE FOR CORPORATIONS IT CREATED A DEMAND FOR PRISONERS, AND THE DEMAND WILL BE MET.”
What can we as Americans do to combat this injustice? Firstly, sign any and all petitions that strive to abolish prison labor in the USA.
Secondly, support businesses that do not use prison labor! Here are some alternatives to companies that use prison labor:
Instead of eating at McDonald’s (uses prison labor to sew uniforms), eat at In-N-Out (which has a foundation for child abuse and human trafficking prevention).
Don’t shop at Whole Foods (sources fish through a third party that uses prison labor), instead, try Trader Joes (committed to progressing sustainability).
Starbucks already has overpriced coffee, but it also uses prison labor to package coffee sold in its stores! There’s another reason to cancel Starbucks. Instead, hit up Dunkin’ Donuts, where 100% of espresso beans are Fair Trade certified, and ethically sourced.
To educate yourself even more, watch the Netflix film, “13TH,” which highlights the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S prison boom.
Check out these websites for more information!
Sign these petitions!
Originally published at https://ansuhh.wixsite.com on June 9th, 2020.
