January 23, 2009 Written by Tracy Hepler
ydt Event: Screening of Made in L.A. Read details below.
When shopping for clothes, one usually does not see the person who made the outfit. We pay more attention to the color, fit, price and prestige. More and more it is becoming main stream knowledge that many of the whos behind our outfits are underpaid, over work laborers who are often treated unfairly and inhumanely.
We’ve discussed the importance of supporting companies who use Fair Trade practices alot on ydt. Often times that means talking about workers in far off places like India, China and other countries where laborers don’t have the same bill of rights that workers in America do. America is not immune to worker abuse, despite what we normally see. In our own back yard (The Garment District of L.A.) there have been serious reports of labor abuse and even sweatshops have popped up. Most of the time these laborers are illegal immigrants and have no legal rights to fight against their employers’ unethical treatment. Regardless of your opinions about immigration, one thing we should agree on is that no one should be treated inhumanely.
The documentary film “Made in L.A.” follows three illegal immigrant women who are workers in a garment sweatshop for mega chain Forever 21. In “observation style” this film shows the individual growth of these three women as the find their voices and fight for basic labor protections. The film also received an Emmy for Outstanding Continuing Coverage for a News Story Long Form in 2008. If you haven’t had an 
opportunity to watch the film you are in luck.
ydt will be partnering with Fair Trade organization 10,000 Villages in Pasadena on Feburary 11th at 7 p.m. to co-host a screening of the film. There will be some light snacks and drinks and we’ll be hosting a Q & A after the screening for those who are interested.
Just as we are becoming more mindful of what we eat, the cosmetics we use, etc. We need to also be aware of the impact of all the products were use, where they come from and the whos behind them.
ydt Event: Mark your calendar for a first in a monthly tradition of ydt sponsored events.
What: Screening of documentary film “Made in L.A.” Where: 10,000 Villages, 496 S. Lake Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101. Date/Time: Wednesday February 11, 7 p.m. RSVP: Please RSVP to Tracy@yourdailythread.com–If you decide to come last minute and can’t RSVP you are welcome to come, we ideally want to have a head count. Thanks!
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