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What are the ethical concerns surrounding the production and sale of movie merchandise?

Palma Pettipher

Hey guys! Let's talk about a topic that's been on my mind for a while now – movie merchandise. While it's really cool to own a piece of our favorite movies, like a t-shirt with a quote from our favorite character, have you ever stopped to think about the ethical concerns surrounding its production and sale? Let's dive in!

Firstly, let's talk about the production process. It's common knowledge that a large percentage of merchandise is produced in developing countries where labor laws may not be as strict. This raises concerns about fair wages for workers, safe working conditions and even child labor! If we continue to mindlessly buy items without checking where they're coming from, we are also contributing to unethical practices.

Secondly, the ecological impact that merchandise production can have is not to be ignored. The use of various materials such as plastics, metals and fabrics can result in a lot of waste and pollution during the production process. This includes not only the materials themselves, but also the transportation of the merchandise. Imagine the carbon footprint left behind from international shipping.

Another concern is the effect that the relentless production and sale of merchandise has on the fans who buy them. We've all heard of “hype culture”, where fans are relentlessly bombarded with new merchandise that they feel obligated to buy to prove their loyalty to their favorite movies. But this creates a sense that owning merchandise is necessary to be a “true” fan, leading some fans to spend money that they just don't have, falling for the endless cycle of consumerism.

Lastly, the price of movie merchandise is the final concern we'll talk about today. Any regular movie fan will tell you that it isn't easy on the wallet to own a complete collection of merchandise from your favorite movie. However, the price of merchandise can be significantly higher for those who live in developing countries where the economy is weaker. This means that those who should have the right to buy affordable merchandise, end up being priced out, which is simply unfair.

In conclusion, while owning movie merchandise can be a lot of fun, it's important to be aware of the ethical concerns surrounding its production and sale. From fair labor practices to ecological impacts, there's a lot to consider. As consumers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing to buy from ethical companies, and being mindful of the impact of our purchases. So, the next time we're tempted to add another item to our collection, let's ask ourselves – is it worth it?