A few people have brought it to my attention that convincing consumers to change their ways is one of the least effective ways to encourage corporate responsibility. So, what is the best way to get multinational corporations to respect the rights and environment of people in developing countries?
Another issue that I would be interested in tackling is the negative interference of 'developed' countries' governments in 'less developed' countries. If you thought that the phenomenon of creating spheres of influence ended with the Cold War, think again. We may not call them spheres of influence now; generally we fail to acknowledge them at all really. But all over the world the governments of the U.S., France, Britain, Canada, etc. are supporting this or that militia or government party in 'less developed' countries an attempt to sway the events in their favour. From on the ground it seems as though often the general population in these countries is forgotten.
I try and ask Rwandans what they think I should do with my life to improve the current condition of humanity and environment. Overall, everyone emphasizes increased opportunity for education as a solution to underdevelopment.
A note on my overuse of quotation marks.. I think that it is really stupid how we've dichotomized countries into developed, developing, and less developed. As if to say that in Canada we are fully developed and have no other work to do to improve our country. That suggests that excessive consumption of fossil fuels, abuse of aboriginal rights, and child poverty are all considered signs of development. Thus, I use the terms developed, less developed, etc. with reservation, and only because it is the generally accepted language that allows me to get my point across.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
More photos
Me, Stella, Beth, and Liz (my housemates) at Hotel Bethanie in Kibuye.
WFP office in Butare - just down the hill from my house.
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