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THE THEORIES

No matter how much we sympathize, Americans have no idea about a Third World child's life. In our society, money is not only sought; it is worshipped. Our nation is built on capitalism. We run our daily lives on money. Impoverished nations have to earn that money from us.

Nations who practice child labor are economic pedophiles. They are willing to enslave their youth to put U.S. dollars, China's yen and Europe's euros into their deep pockets. The exploitations are made possible by their First World handlers. These nations' governments don't have the decency of "selling out" to benefit their peoples. Their governments are anal and corrupt. They are unwilling to share the profits from being extorted.

THE PRACTICE

In Africa, child labor is becoming a rite of passage. Congolese children, as young as five, are lowered into gaseous mines to dig for coltan and uranium. Coltan has importance in cell phone technology. Uranium is a radioactive metal. These poor kids have no protective suits to wear. They have no specialized equipment. Most are earning meager pay for their orphaned lives. Their parents are among the 5 million dead from Congo's five-year war. Western nations don't care. They're only concerned about getting reception on their IPhones.

Another nightmare is existing in West Africa. The insurgency is over. But, the militias are still in control. RUF (Revolutionary Front) rebels split in armed gangs of bandits and slave holders. They muscle the populace to mine raw-cut gems in Liberia's Eastern province. The Monrovian government is well aware. Unfortunately, they don't have the means to be heroes. Their own soldiers are on the brink of deserting. They are considering a life of crime to a life of humanity. When serving your nation is earning $12 (in U.S. dollars) a month, the thousands made by diamond smuggling are very tempting.

Sierra Leone is doing no better. Child soldiers are fighting on the front lines. They are committing rape, mutilation and murder on "suspected" rebel sympathizers. Children are writing more tragic histories. The region is full of examples of human cruelty.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Nations that exploit children should be held accountable. Their governments in power should be forced to step down either through United Nations sanctions or aggressive diplomacy. Western government are allowing asylum for Third World children and their families. However, ALL GOVERNMENTS should be doing this; not just the United States and Germany.

A final solution has to involve economic boycott. America should buy cell phone components from governments NOT practicing child labor. When you're not the market, the oppressor won't make his money.

THE CONCLUSION

As of 2008, we of the Free World are standing by. We are standing by as the Third World cries. The impoverished are crying to our deaf ears and turned backs. There are not enough Oprah Winfreys, Bonos and Bill and Mrs. Gates to give a damn. There are not enough commercials move Westerners "to save a child's life".

Sources: "Blood Diamonds": an A&E special (July 2007)

Congo: A humanitarian disaster: Live on MSN

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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