Christopher S. Penn's Awaken Your Superhero - Latest Comments in Want to influence China? Forget Olympic Torch Protests!

Re: Want to influence China? Forget Olympic Torch Protests!

Rachael Hampton — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:49:24 -0000

I agree with you, plus I am a buddiste as well.

Re: Want to influence China? Forget Olympic Torch Protests!

Karl Bimshas — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:58:00 -0000

Chris, I was reading your thoughts on China and reflecting on it this morning. Certainly anything we do on the street level is better that not doing anything. I tend to agree with some comments that the economic pull and the willingness the American consumer has can take a long time to affect change. People are well intentioned but have trouble passing up a bargain. As with most dilemmas, there’s not one easy answer, yet your post got me thinking.

The enemy of change is not economic, but informational. Finding a way for the oppressed people of China to tell their side of the story and share information on a broader scale seems to be a more compelling task. Really, it’s a marketing job; educating those in the world who are still unaware to become aware, posing questions that make people consider alternatives and explore their preferences i.e. a China that is free of flagrant human rights violations versus the status quo.

The core issue is helping open up a still closed society. Nothing does that better with greater accessibility than the constant stream of new media and spreading the word through those channels. Not only does it give an outlet for people to share their stories, fears and desire for change, it’s a persuasive way to bring others into the fold of conversational marketing.

So although your economic suggestion helps us feel better and raises personal consciousness and discipline; I would add if you are blogging, podcasting, and actively engaged in other social media, consider helping spread the word and provide an outlet for the voices that are still only whispers in the international village.

Re: Want to influence China? Forget Olympic Torch Protests!

Charles French — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:45:29 -0000

I couldn't agree more. I try to avoid products made in China when and where I can. When I buy clothes I read the label if it says made in China I don't care how nice it looks, what a great deal it is or anything other than that it's made in a country run by an oppressive regime; and I put it down.

I've also noticed recently that lots of things like packs of sock or underwear have a sticker on them saying "Made in Korea" rather than just being in the small print on the back these products are clearly stating not made in China.

Re: Want to influence China? Forget Olympic Torch Protests!

Steve Loopipe — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:13:11 -0000

This is a noble idea, but it's nearly impossible to achieve, once you start digging deeper. Most products that don't say "Made in China" are only assembled outside of China, but what about the component parts? If you buy widget A instead of widget B because widget A was made in the US and widget B was made in China, but widget A is made entirely of parts that were made in China, are you really helping anything?

Here's a good article on one person who tried: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id...

I'm not entirely sure what the answer is, but I think this is one case where it's going to be very difficult for even a large percentage of consumers to effectively make a difference. That's not to say that it's not worth trying, but just realize that what you're suggesting is much more difficult than it seems on the surface.

Re: Want to influence China? Forget Olympic Torch Protests!

georgeradio — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:57:10 -0000

I agree with you, directing the protests to the Torch is an exercise in futility.
We already agreed to award China the Olympics, that was the decision to be argued on.
As for your solution, many of us are already doing that. Still, many times the MADE IN CHINA label is without the reach of the poor consumer, stuck on the little inner components of the nice/cool/little gadget you just bought. That's the nature of the monster -)

Re: Want to influence China? Forget Olympic Torch Protests!

Carlos — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:29:29 -0000

Hi Chris,
It's Carlos from BinaryStarCAST.
You are usually RIGHT ON with your blogs, but this one is RIGHT ON PLUS TWO.
However, I believe that it will take more than just the street level consumer to get their attention. US government policy towards trading and borrowing from China has to change as well. Right now we are chummy with China as a nation, so they can continue to run rampant and nothing will change. No amount of lead in toys or poison in toothpaste will change that.

Re: Want to influence China? Forget Olympic Torch Protests!

~bc — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:26:12 -0000

Amen.