This week I was really drawn to the post made about extraction by international companies (usually from wealthy, “western” countries) extracting resources in less wealthy countries such as in South America, where our class is focused. I have read articles on this topic before and what I am always struck by is not only the lack of respect for nature and the people (in the surrounding areas of the point of extraction) by entering into an untouched area (if it is the first time extraction is taking place there) and taking a resource that they have no title to and sending it off to the world market, but also the fact that it is done so poorly and with such little attention to detail and care that then the people and the environment are left sick. They may get monetary compensation but that is nothing if someone doesn’t have their health, and they may end up spending all of that money on medical bills anyways.
It’s really a clear example of how colonialism continues today and with very little concern for others. Another clear example of this is that our waste is not dumped in our own backyard but exported elsewhere where it can cause health problems to the people in the surrounding areas, water contamination and wildlife die off. The fact that this continues to happen even though many of us and political leaders are aware of it, just shows the lack of concern, especially for poor countries.
Hi Christina,
I respect your position in that often times, it has been the case that investment in third-world countries form Westerners has resulted in abuse. Having said this, I disagree with your point in that colonialism is still happening in Latin America. As someone born in Central America, I can tell you that people in third-world countries seek foreign investment in the county. People hope to work in American companies or other Western ventures, as contrary to the past, they provide better wages and working conditions than locals as they are more prone to following government and UN regulations. I think that society has made big corporations the enemy, yet that is not always the case, especially in 2020. A corporation growing and becoming richer doesn’t necessary result in exploitation of workers. Both can grow at the same time.
Hi Christina, I really liked reading your reflections! I agree with your throughts surrounding the extraction of resources from places like Latin America, and the first thing that popped into my mind was the deforestation in the Amazon. This has had absolutely devastating effects on not only the environment but also the Indigenous communities that call the Amazon their home.