By Jillian Long Santa Monica
We, the English classes at Santa Monica High School, have recently been discussing modern slavery; yes, the slavery that is still occurring in various countries, including the U.S., today. Although slavery is being used world-wide, and for different reasons, there is one particular industry that needs our help, and raising awareness can make that possible.
The average American consumes 10 to 12 pounds of chocolate a year, and spends $13 billion dollars; thus knowingly contributing to the slavery that occurs in the cocoa fields to make that chocolate. The fact that slaves and children are working under such horrible conditions becomes even more disturbing when Americans realize we coincide chocolate with the opposite: Happiness. Although the Harkin-Engel Protocol was placed to end slavery and forced child labor, many chocolate manufacturers have yet to enforce, or attempt, to do so.
Other companies, such as Starbucks, have changed their ways to make sure that every cup of coffee they distribute is made slave-free. Thus, leaving every customer satisfied and without a guilty conscience. It began with a simple voice, and is now an organization. This can be done with chocolate as well. Just “spreading the word” of the slavery due to chocolate consummation is not enough. Something needs to be done to ensure that chocolate can, too, be known as a slave-free good.
Teenagers, the manufacturers leading consumers, underestimate their ability to change the world. However, if enough teenagers become knowledgeable of the awful conditions, we can make a difference. And the community, and we’ve got an entire organization at hand; dedicated to stop the terrible conditions, stop the emotional and physical abuse, and most importantly, freeing the slaves. With your help, we can begin the change that needs to be made.
Although the cost of chocolate may be cheap, the cost of a life in slavery is not.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 20, 2006. Read the original PDF.