Random Thought

Realization: If you want to be something, you have to just BE it. Stop waiting for permission.


& When in doubt, repeat this to myself, as often as needed.

Outrageous Corporate Behavior

I know, outrageous? In what context, post-economy-meltdown with all the attendant horror stories of corporate greed and excess? (Oh, I suppose "horror stories" is a subjective term, as in: the executives probably didn't see it that way, but us peons down here do.)

The thing of it is, I thought that all of us were on the same consciousness-raising boat ride right now, everyone turning back to frugality and everyone knowing multiple people going through lay-offs and what-not. As in, a good time to take your blinders off and start noticing the plight of those people who have it even worse off than you think you do. I guess some people still don't get it, and by people you know I mean heartless corporate parasites who would rather THROW THEIR PRODUCT AWAY than see it helping someone who didn't have the resources to pay for it. H&M, I am talking to you. And possibly Wal-mart too, according to this article in the New York Times.

See, I understand. I've worked for large enough companies and heard their sort of reasoning enough to know right away why H&M might be destroying their superfluous unsold clothing. Instead of doing something nice, say, giving it to charity. In the middle of winter. As the disadvantaged & poverty-stricken are likely freezing for lack of sufficient clothing. But maybe that's just what I'd do with it. H&M though, I can see why they may think that if people are seen wearing H&M stuff, and word gets around this was unpaid for... Well, they'd be freaked it would destroy their brand. The value of what does sell would go down. They would make less money. And we all know what executives worship.

So, H&M, why not give the items to a charity in a country where you don't have a presence? Where you don't have any stores. Like Africa, India, or anywhere in Central or South America. Because last I heard, there were plenty of people in any of those countries who need what you see fit to destroy.

(Clarification: I really don't think it's an advantage to understand why corporations do the things they do. And just because I understand doesn't mean I agree. But I think you already guessed that.)

Whew, I really needed to get that off my chest! You can vent here too in the comments, if you feel like it. Thanks to @lessherger, @ittybiz, and others for tweeting this news so that I could see it & boycott this store. Ok, you may now return to something a little happier than this posting here, maybe. I think I will too.

Welcome 2010

I am sooo glad 2009 is over! Too many opportunities missed & bad habits continued. This year I'm heading into the new year with a sense of purpose - I am going to do my best to do this year the things I always put off. No, I can't honestly say it was all bad last year, and I'm glad for the Best of '09 Challenge started by Gwen Bell, which helped me think back on some of the good things. You can see my posts on that here. But it also made me think of how much good I let pass me by, which really helped strengthen my resolve to make this a much, much better year. So in a way, I'm glad for the realization that all I missed out on is my own fault.

I'm resurrecting this blog to follow along with Gwen's next project, hinted at here, instead of cluttering up my other blog, At The Studio Door, with all the art-y goodness I plan on doing. Of which artsy posts should soon be continuing shortly, if you're interested in taking a peek.

Ok, that's all for now. Have a good night everyone & See you soon!