The past few weeks, my children (Alex 6 & Madelline 8) have been particulary observant about how many of the things they own are "made in China". I have found it to be quite commical because it's not coming from anything I have said or have taught them. I don't really know where this fascination has come from.
At dinner Friday night, Alex looks at me and says, "I just cant take it anymore" as he is looking at his crayon and shaking his head. I asked, "what's that honey? what cant you take anymore?" He replies with frustration as he holds his crayon up to my face, "My crayon is made in China!" I tried not to laugh because he was visibly distraught and rightfully so! He says, "Why is everything made in China?" How do you answer that question age appropriately to a 6 year old without getting into economics, politics, foreign trade, outsourcing and how all those things come together? I really didn't know what to say and I found myself saying something that I wish I could have taken back immediately, "Welcome to America dear.".
My children's observation just added to my frustration already about how much we rely on other countries. As savvy as we are, as rich (but in debt) as we are, and with so much land and resources available...why are so many of our products made in China? And other countries for that matter. I know why. I really do. But why? Why do we have to go there? Why do we continue to rely on other countries so much for the things we need?
The latest blog you put on your page about your son being so concerned about why everything he has was made in china, I thought that was hilarious because I have a nephew that thinks the very same way. And with that I can see why your question is a very valid question, I don’t really have an answer but I have a theory that maybe can help. Even though we (we being America) are in so much debut that is why we are out sourcing so we can save some bucks and so we can pay off the debut we racked up.
ReplyDeleteAs for how you get your inspiration I find it amazing, first being your children. They are full of questions and answers we would have never thought of. Kind of like the taco shell commercials, when the father is putting nails in the table so that the taco shell can stand straight up. And the little girl suggests “why do they just make a flat bottom” and they had a fiesta after that to show how smart she was for coming up with that idea. Also I have a nephew like I said in the first paragraph that is full of weird but logical questions that I would have never thought of asking. And had no answer to really spit out at the time of the question made me feel kind of dumb actually.
One way I would say you could improve your blog is maybe putting some imagery on the blog page, and really other than that I would say you’re doing a great job at blogging. And it’s always fun to read someone else’s perspective on what they think.
Hey Cody -
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post and the feedback. I am trying to get some video on here and every time I think I have it figured out, it doesn't show up. Definitely needing the graphics!!! LOL...Kids. The things they say. My daughter who is 8 now and a spitting image of person and character of Charlotte from Sex and the City, asked me when she was 5, "Mommy, what's a lobbyist?". WHAT? Are you kidding me? I said, "call grandma", knowing my overly political mother would be more than happy to educate her to no end on anything about politics! They are so innocent and yet...they see what most of us grown ups don't. I will say that now, I am overly aware of how many of my possessions were "made in china"!