What is a good response to this statement? As we know, several global retailers target densely populated regions such as China or India as they represent emerging markets and great potential for maximum profits. As many have stated in this discussion, these retailers tend to exploit workers in these regions by utilizing the nation's lax labor laws, health and safety standards, as well as their lack of rights within the region. However, some do not discuss the cultural appropriation or pandering that these companies exercise in an effort to maximize their profits. There are instances of companies utilizing cultural elements such as symbols, traditional designs, or culturally significant images on mass produced items without understanding the meaning or showing respect to that significant meaning. Retailers sometimes utilize these culturally significant images or symbols to maximize their profits without acknowledging where it comes from or giving back to the community they took it from. Rarely do these communities receive any kickback or representation when their designs are used for the purpose of selling to the masses. An example of this practice can be when a corporation wants to appeal to a particular market and attempt to incorporate elements of their culture, yet they misrepresent by getting the design wrong or inaccurately depicting their symbols. To avoid this, retailers must accomplish extensive research on the region they are marketing to as well as the cultures and practices within the region. Also, reaching out to the local communities to seek permission and or a collaboration to ensure proper representation on their mass produced items prior to the manufacturing process. As the average consumer becomes increasingly aware of malpractices and social injustices, it becomes imperative that companies and brands become as transparent and mindful as possible. Perception is reality, and perception could kill even the best of intentions.
What is a good response to this statement?
As we know, several global retailers target densely populated regions such as China or India as they represent emerging markets and great potential for maximum profits. As many have stated in this discussion, these retailers tend to exploit workers in these regions by utilizing the nation's lax labor laws, health and safety standards, as well as their lack of rights within the region.
However, some do not discuss the cultural appropriation or pandering that these companies exercise in an effort to maximize their profits. There are instances of companies utilizing cultural elements such as symbols, traditional designs, or culturally significant images on mass produced items without understanding the meaning or showing respect to that significant meaning. Retailers sometimes utilize these culturally significant images or symbols to maximize their profits without acknowledging where it comes from or giving back to the community they took it from. Rarely do these communities receive any kickback or representation when their designs are used for the purpose of selling to the masses.
An example of this practice can be when a corporation wants to appeal to a particular market and attempt to incorporate elements of their culture, yet they misrepresent by getting the design wrong or inaccurately depicting their symbols. To avoid this, retailers must accomplish extensive research on the region they are marketing to as well as the cultures and practices within the region. Also, reaching out to the local communities to seek permission and or a collaboration to ensure proper representation on their mass produced items prior to the manufacturing process.
As the average consumer becomes increasingly aware of malpractices and social injustices, it becomes imperative that companies and brands become as transparent and mindful as possible. Perception is reality, and perception could kill even the best of intentions.
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