Nerve Endings Firing Away

MV has given up on diamonds and not because she cannot afford it but because she heard tales of the mine worker’s hands being chopped off in order to prevent burglary. It may have been a slight exaggeration to perceived poor working conditions of diamond mine workers and DeBeers, the largest producers of diamonds in the world tries hard to portray a rosy picture. Although the “hands-off” scenario might be too far-fetched, I do admit that the workers plight is nothing to be proud of.

As a matter of fact, apartheid in a muted form still exists in South African mines. Most of the low-level workers are black and work long hours. Since diamond mining is a high-security job, they are denied basic rights under the pretext of safeguarding against burglary. Married couples are forced to stay in singles quarters and even dead bodies are subjected to scrutiny. But I am digressing.

Based on these tales, MV has shunned diamonds. Not that she was particularly fond of them either but nevertheless a worthy sacrifice for a girl, considering that it is touted as her best friend (another advertising gimmick though). This is the latest in such voluntary sacrifices after turning vegetarian (animal rights) several years ago and not buying Nike sneakers (sweat shops) in recent times. Thankfully Starbucks practices free trade with coffee plantation owner letting her sip coffee with a guilt-free conscience.

But do we really live in a fair world? I do appreciate abhorrence of disagreeable practices but if we take the effort to dig up dirt on any aspect of life, we tend to find something that pricks our conscience. Do we restrain from such fact-finding missions if we love a practice or an activity dearly, or at what point do we consider close out our minds from suspect practices?

No one can aspire to have a picture-perfect guilt-free conscience but at the same time we also cannot turn our eyes away from obvious facts that would determine our actions.

For the record, I am in full agreement with MV’s stance but in this world riddled with capitalistic injustices, no trade can be deemed fair. Trade always works on the assumption that each party considers their share of benefits to be larger. But obvious injustices like Nike sweat shops or Kimberly diamond mine working conditions should be severely criticized but I am not sure if tactics of avoidance always works. But it can be justified as a personal protest for lack of better alternatives.