DISCUSSION FORUM

Just read an article in the Utne Reader about modern slavery. There are more slaves now than at any time in history.

Not the perfect discussion forum for this topic, but I felt the irony of the above factoid made it a good fit.

When you are using the word , 'slave' , to describe an individual in todays un-equal societies that have emerged to 'feed' the West's wealthy , throw-away - purchase - a - new - one mentality , I think that it is important that it not be confused with , chattel slavery .

Perhaps , in certain instances it may be argued convincingly , in support of your statement , but then we' re moving into the realm of semiotic enterpretation , which in my humble opinion , is counter - productive in addressing the conversation(s) that will ensue in the spirit of , " Traces of the Trade " .

www.discussrace.com

Greetings,

I think that the USA immigration policies that encourage people to come into this country to work illegally - is effectively slavery. We have even figured out a way to duck our responsibility (as the slave holder) to feed and clothe and house them!

Also, rather than go through the trouble and expense of bringing them to us to work in this country, we "employ" them where they live, and bring only the things they produce. Look at the scam in Guam where they could even use the "Made in the USA" label; while the workers were oppressed, abused, and trapped in the sweatshop factories.

What is today's "trade triangle"? What is the engine that makes stupid amounts of profit, that lets us justify it? Could it be (in part) the trap of credit and debt, that keeps a majority scrambling to keep our heads above water, while those at the top get richer and richer? Walmart is certainly working this system pretty well...

Sincerely, Neil