Responsibilities

I recently viewed the film Blood in the Mobile and I must say it was quite eye opening. Through this documentary I learned that the minerals used to make electronics comes from war torn areas. What happens is that big electronic businesses are buying minerals from places like the Congo where the conditions are horrible. On top of this, the money used to buy electronics is being used by soldier groups in the Congo to buy weapons. Therefore, by purchasing a phone, laptop, or iPod you are supporting bloodshed. This is not acceptable and these big companies must start taking responsibility for their actions. The miners of the Congo are poor ordinary people who work long hours in tight spaces. The mines could collapse at any moment and they play a harsh role on the miner's health. Also, these mines are controlled by soldier groups so at any moment gun shots or explosives could be accidently targeted at these people. Not only is this dangerous for the miners, but it plays a harsh toll on the environment. In order to dig out these mines, people have to clear cut land. This means burning down forests and destroying ecosystems. It has a devastating effect on the wildlife and the worst part is that their is no one there to protect it. It all comes down to the fact that developed countries want their electronics, the people of the Congo need to make money, and the land is paying a heavy price because of it. The only way we can stop this is if consumers demand a change. We must show that we cannot tolerate this corruptness anymore. It is time for these big businesses to take responsibility for their actions and be honest with their customers. Even by making small steps like these we can help make a huge difference in our world that will hopefully lead to a brighter future.