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"Misery" is a relative term. A 12 year old working in fields might seem harsh to an American but for an Indian or Bangladeshi kid that is an opportunity because the alternative is dying on the street devoid of any help.

Many top American brands use the services of slum sweatshops in USA directly and indirectly and employ children in harsh conditions but this work is better than working as child prostitutes of beggars. Globalization helped these slum children get better, earn more and live a better life than in past even though as per American standards one might see it as a miserable life.

Trading more and more with poor countries is the best way Americans can help the poor countries. People complain about China's sweatshops and work conditions but in reality Chinese are far better off than 30 years and and the labor value and conditions have improved steadily over last 3 decades.




That has nothing to do with the relativity of misery, it's just a testament to how miserable their other choices are.


Yes, but you would rather have them starve. I did some odd jobs as a teenager after school for cash, why is that a bad thing? Is work something that only adults can do?


> I did some odd jobs as a teenager after school for cash, why is that a bad thing?

I think that this indicates a disconnect between your reality and theirs. Whether or not the work improves their condition, comparing what they live through with "doing odd jobs as a teenager for extra cash" sounds a bit like you're not living in reality.


Of course my reality is different. I just don't see why a teenager working is somehow abhorrent while an adult working is fine.


Very generous, you first.




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