#fieldworkassignment

Equal Exchange Chocolates: Organic Panama Extra Dark Chocolate

Used to make this bar include: organic chocolate liquor from Panama, organic cocoa butter from Dominican Republic, organic raw cane sugar from Paraguay, and organic ground vanilla beans from Madagascar. Farmers in all four of these places are involved in worker cooperatives. This entails a democratic structure of a for-profit company which focuses on things such as the equitable distribution of resources. The co-op is owned by all the employees in equal portions.

In this article by Robert Atkinson, the question at to why bid businesses have gone from American symbols of pride to that of “universal scorn”. Meanwhile, small business remain pure in view. Since being center stage, big businesses had committed “corporate scandals” such as manipulating derivative markets.

The article itself illustrates with its scandal example that big businesses hold a certain power not simply because it owns means of production. There are other factors which small business do not benefit from that cause these large corporations to have a large amount of control and power which connect to Max Weber’s social theory.

Bypassing Natural Selection

The hearing aid - a perfect example of how humans’ cultural adaptions have trumped natural selection.

As far back as the 13th century, those who needed help hearing used hollowed out animal horns. By 18th century, the aids, otherwise known as “ear trumpets”, were developed. They did not amplify sound, but did collect sound and funnel it through a tube to the ear. They did not work that well, but by 19th century, the telephone was created. For hearing aids, this meant new steps. In 1870, Thomas Edison invented a carbon transmitter which amplifies sound on the telephone. This later inspire carbon hearing aids. Eventually leading to vacuum tube aids, and then transistors in the 20th century, hearing aids have evolved to their current state as a life changing technological advancement.

Gender and Language

1, Who speaks more often?

I evaluated a Spanish 101 class that contained 11 women and 5 men. In comparison, the women spoke more than the men. The women spoke 36 times and the men spoke 7 times.

2. How long do they speak on average?

Male students said an average of 12 words and spoke for about 8 secs. Female students said an average of 20 words and spoke for about 15 secs.

3. What tendencies do you notice in the way women and men present themselves when speaking?

In a language class, it depends a lot on interacting, going back and forth, as well as making mistakes. The women were more likely to raise their hands and volunteer to read or answer questions in Spanish. Although all student are beginners, the women were more comfortable with being wrong which lead to more attempts made. The men were more laid back, quiet, and less participatory. On occasion they would have confident moments. All the students answered with a similar timidness and hesitation, often prefacing their answers with “I don’t know if this is right but...”. This has a lot to do with the fact that they are being taught a subject that is foreign to everyone.

4. What is the instructor’s role in encouraging or discouraging communication, either through words or through body language?

The instructor provides a very energetic environment and encourages all the students to participate. The instructor often uses the volunteer system. After that, he will call on those who make eye contact with him or on students who tend to participate or have participated earlier. On occasion he will try to choose those who have not participated at all.

5. How often does the instructor call on women? Men?

The instructor calls on women more. This is  mostly because, women are the won who voluntarily raise their hands or the ones who try to participate.

6. Does the instructor’s own gender seem to influence the way he or she interacts with members of the class?

I chose a small shopping plaza near off of Watkins Park Dr. in Upper Marlboro. I always past this place and occasional grab something there so I though it was a decent location to actually sit and take the time to observe. There I found multiple eating spots as well as shops that carry things for convenience. The plaza contains a decent variety of stores from CVS to an electronic and light bulb store. It also includes a gym, post office and ATM.

I never realized the  variety simply between the food spots as well as the stores in general. The three main spot are Chipotle (Mexican), Wendy’s (Standard American Fast Food), and KFC (All things Chicken). In addition to that, there is also a 7-eleven that specializes in drinks and provides other convenient snacks alongside CVS. When considering all the places in the plaza, it enables a person to complete many activities in one small area. You can drop off mail, pick up some things on your shopping list, workout and grab a bite to eat. There is also an ATM for if you forgot any money or need quick cash. The ATM definitely aids in encouraging customers to spend money. The overall convenience of being able to complete so many errands is what is most attractive about this plaza.

I would have expected to find a Starbucks. I find Starbucks almost everywhere. I even see multiple ones in close proximity with one another. Especially because of the size of the stores, a Starbucks would perfectly fit within the small space. In addition, the location of the shopping plaza is at a  busy intersection, close to a park, a mega church, gas station, and neighborhoods. Therefore, a Starbucks would also serve great in such a busy location with people constantly going in and out, and on the go.

Michele Jennae

Culture of Consumerism: Item - Need/Want - Cost - Desire/Function

Electronics - $700

1. Phone (N/W) - $100, communication and keeping up with todayy’s society

2. 3 Chargers (N) - $20, keep electronics functioning

3. Laptop (N) - $400, for school work, and day to day task

4. Headphones (W) - $175, enjoy entertainment personally

5. Earbuds (W) - $ 5, same purpose as headphones for on the go/convenience

School Supplies/Materials - $646

1. Book bag (N) - $25, carry all my supplies/materials for learning

2. 2 Textbooks (N) - $140, necessary in order to learn and pass classes

3. Spanish Code (N) - $85, fulfill required assignments using online code

4. Rosetta Stone (W) - $250. I love languages so although this enhances learning, it is still a want

5. AP Human Geography & Comparative Politics Study Books (N) - $ 30, replaces the need to buy a textbook for my intro to politics class

6. 5-Subject Notebook (N) - $ 9, use for note taking for this semester’s classes

7. Planner (N) - $11, the best way for me to keep track of all my assignments and life events

8. 4 Books (W) - $75, for enjoyment and more learning, I love reading

9. Pens, Pencils, Scissors (N) - $15, I own a lot of colorful pens in order to color code my notes, this is the best way for me to comprehend material

10. Lamp (N) - $6, for seeing at night when that’s the only time i can study

Clothing & Accessories - $1067

1. 30 Tops (N/W) - $212, definitely do not need this many tops but it allows me to change my style and I do need clothes

2. 9 Bottoms - (N/W) - $108, all rotated and worn plus I have business versus casual

3. 7 Jackets/Coats (N/W) - $90, for variant weather especially since where I live has spontaneous weather

4. Underclothes/Socks (N/W) - $177, need a good amount of these even simply for health reasons, however a good portion of these were expensive and had decent counterparts that were cheaper

5. 2 Belts (N) - $14, a lot of companies don’t know how to make jeans for variant body types (curvy) so even if I find my size the waist is going to be too big

6. 4 Scarves (W) - $30, just for style and one or two for warmth

7. 2 Watches (W) - $7, mostly style since I can use my phone to tell time although these come in handy too

8. Jewelry (W) - $85, accessorizing is nice, I actually have very few pieces of jewelry but it’s just such an expensive item

9. 7 Shoes (N/W) - $285, I’m proud of myself for the amount of shoes and price because these can run high, but I can function without 7 different pairs

10. 5 Bags/Wallets (N/W) - $59, different sizes and styles for different occasions and functions

Self-Care Products - $403

1. Eye Products (N) - $163, well I don’t have 20/20 vision so I need to see in order to do things like drive, learn in class, or cross a street safely

2. Hair Products (N/W) - $66, my curls deserve full moisture and nourishment especially from natural products sans damaging ingredients

3. Face Products (N) - $32, my skin care routing is straight forward and works, I have to get certain products because I have combination skin and it also changes during the seasons

4. Hygiene Products (N) - $107, important to keep every part of me healthy and clean

5. Shower Cap (W) - $3, can live without especially because I don’t really straighten my hair but it’s a small added luxury

6. Shower Shoes (N) - $5, definitely need because I use a communal bathroom and I don’t want athlete’s foot or any other health issues

7. Loofah (W) - $5, I could use my hands but this exfoliates

8. Towels (N/W) - $22, I need to be dry but I could just own 1

Extra - $171

1. Snacks (N/W) - $19, replaces a meal since I only eat 2 a day

2. 2 Cups/Bottles (N/W) - $12, to drink water from... or tea

3. Bedding (N/W) - $45, could just sleep on the mattress or have one blanket, but I like decorating and adding my style in everything

4. Luggage (N) - $60, this is absolutely necessary to carry my belonging to and form home and school

5. Storage (W) - $35, makes things easier to find as they are organized and put away nicely

                                        Self-Reflection

Total - $2987

THE PATH OF THE PINK BACKPACK

History of Target and Wild Fable

The pink corduroy backpack is a target and wild fable creation.

Target, originally Goodfellow Dry Goods, was founded in 1902 by George Dayton. In May 1962, the new discount store had its grand opening with the transformed name of Target.

Wild Fable is a fairly new clothing line by Target. Created by 23 year-old designer, Cassidy Glynn, the line made its debut August 3rd, 2018.

Backpack’s Manufacturing Location

This was fabricated in Cambodia - A Southeast-Asian country neighboring Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand. As of June 8th, 2018, Target reports to have 24 different factories located in Cambodia alone. Target is also one of the top brands sourcing from Cambodia.

Item’s Impact on My Life

The backpack was imported from Cambodia and eventually found itself located in a local Target store close to my home. Easily accessible, I was able to find and purchase the item within a few minutes. The backpack is essential to me fir carrying supplies for my studies and small items that I may need, such as: lip balm, phone, earbuds, and a wallet.

I use this item almost everyday and it makes a huge difference in my life. Carrying my items to class would be incredibly difficult without this backpack. Not only does it serve a purpose during my studies, but I also use it for a quick night over a friend’s house or taking a day trip. In addition, it is cute and stylish which makes me feel good when I am wearing it.

Item’s Impact on the Lives of Those Directly Manufacturing

In 2016, 31 percent of Cambodia’s economy derived from manufacturing. One of the most essential sectors to Cambodia’s economic growth is that of garments which supplies about 635,000 jobs. Making up the majority of merchandise exports, the garment sector reeled in the equivalent of 8.02 billion U.S dollars in 2017. For the Royal Government of Cambodia, that is the exact growth it is looking for as per its goals of reaching middle-income economy by 2030 and high-income economy by 2050.

Employees in these factories are heavily overworked and are threatened into doing so. Fixed-term contracts are temporary and have the option of not being renewed, which is the main method used to scare workers. Excessive-overtime is non existent in only 5% of factories. The most impacted are females as they make up 90 percent of the workforce in this industry.

But what location exactly are they being most affected? According to Clean Clothes Campaign, “The garment industry is concentrated in and around the capital city, Phnom Penh” - 13 of the 24 target factories are fixed in Phnom Penh. However, the factories in Cambodia are largely controlled by foreign investors including China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. It is evident that Target is not ignoring the conditions taking place. Target has made reports of uncovered issues found in factories across the world, with 25% of audited Chinese factories maintaining excessive work hours.

Overall, the manufacturing of this item had a positive impact on those directing the system of industries, but ultimately negatively affects those directly making it. Female (and male) workers are being overworked and are not receiving enough nutrition to withstand conditions which often results in fainting. In Cambodia, they usually travel from rural areas in order to make an income and provide for their families. With low wages and poor conditions, this proves to be a major strain on the lives of Cambodian factory workers.