Howies: Help us create the über bag!

polybikeuser Er, how many of the people railing against cheap made in China clothing have bought (relatively) cheap made in Taiwan frames and components? I'm all for ethical and responsible purchasing, but does that necessarily mean that everything made in China is the product of sweatshop labour and is inherently bad? If of course you know the details of Howies/Timberlands manufacturers and know them to be sweatshop operations, then of course I stand corrected.

No, given the state of labour rights in China, it's for the brand owners to demonstrate that the factories in which their goods are manufactured are good factories. And that proof does not include 'I go there every month and it's very nice and all the workers seemed very happy'.

Also, no-one ever forced Howies to put all that rubbish about the 'rocking horse test' on their marketing materials. Or all that corporate responsibility blah.

I would wish that Howies were willing to engage a little with the issue, rather than striking an 'ethical' posture.