Aditya Chakrabortty begins by analyzing Foxconn right away. Chakrabortty mentions right away how Foxconn is Apple’s number 1 supplier. Although Foxconn also supplies to Samsung, Sony, and Dell, the emphasis is put on the production of iPhones, iPads, and other Apple gadgets. This direct emphasis on Apple productions shows that Chakrabortty intends the article for Americans and Britons. A large portion of Americans and Britons have at least one apple product if not more, such as iPhones, iPad, and laptops. This article was published in the guardian which is a prominent Briton magazine that also circulates in the United States.
Chakrabortty wanted to illustrate the conditions of the workers in Foxconn that lead to multiple suicides and Tian Yu’s attempted suicide. The cluster of suicides together in 2010 lead to an investigation of Foxconn by reporters. Interviews of the workers revealed the bad conditions in Foxconn’s Longhua facility.
Through this article, Chakrabortty wanted to inform the readers about the horrible conditions that bring many Americans and Britons their Apple products. At the end of the article, Chakrabortty mentions how Apple could not “discuss” matters with him, giving him the run around to other offices. Even though Apple’s CEO Tim Cook said he would strive to make Foxconn improve working conditions. However, no money recorded was provided to improve conditions in Foxconn. In addition, Tian Yu received a “humanitarian payment” to help her go home, like Foxconn was “buying and selling a thing.” Chakrabortty wants to inform his audience about what they are buying and the process of how it is made. Things we have every day come at a large price to others. In a way, Chakrabortty is holding us responsible for this tragedy of Tian Yu. Although, the author does not challenge us to change these conditions, but he leaves the opportunity open.
I enjoyed how Chakrabortty analyzed the Foxconn and held the readers slightly responsible through the Apple products we own. This was a very tragic experience to Tian Yu which probably happened to hundreds and thousands of other people too. This is something we as consumers never think about or want to think about. This article forces us to confront this directly through its title, “The woman who nearly died making your iPad.” I felt partly responsible for the suicide attempts because of America’s great demand for Apple products. I currently have an iPhone and use it frequently. In college, we see many students around with iPhones and mac books.
A question I have is how much of a difference will there have to be in administration or law that caused for Foxconn to happen in China as opposed to United States. Why are there no enforcements that stop the bad conditions for happening? How does this differ in the United States?