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CULTURE
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
12.03.2018
IS FAST FASHION WORTH IT? Roosevelt@Mason discusses the consequences of the fast fashion industry NAYOMI SANTOS STAFF WRITER
The event was held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, in the Johnson Center, where Bautista and Thiam opened the eyes of those attending to the untold horrors of the fast-fashion industry. Before the presentation, a clothing swap took place as an alternative to purchasing fast fashion. During the swap, all kinds of clothing were exchanged, with those attending gleefully selecting pieces. Many have heard horror stories of the dangerous and unfair practices in factories around the world that are associated with fast fashion, but few are aware of the extent of these practices. Fast fashion depends on short production and distribution times, which
allows room for unethical practices to flourish. Cases where children are working long shifts under awful conditions often occur in factories of big name brands, such as H&M and Gap. The event also addressed environmental concerns that come with the industry. Bautista showed a picture of a polluted river with a giant red stain going through it. “That’s not blood,” she said. “That is red dye.” Bautista also talked about polyester and how it can take up to 200 years to degrade. Most clothes from fast-fashion brands are made out of this material. In addition to the environmental issues that come from fast fashion, most of the 40 million garment workers worldwide are mistreated. “They are punished for human error,” Bautista said. “They can lose their jobs for going to the bathroom.” On another note, both Bautista and Thiam talked about the commodification of social justice by brands such as H&M and Amazon. Thiam
spoke about finding feminist shirts on Amazon. “[Amazon] sells that image,” she said, “while the women who make the clothes are mistreated.” Fast fashion also inhibits international development by putting people out of business and only offering low-paying jobs. For instance, tailors in African countries who make their living by making clothes for others are losing their business as big-name clothing factories take over.
FOURTH ESTATE ALLIE THOMPSON
New fashion releasing according to the seasons is a thing of the past due to the rise of fast fashion, as new fashion now releases every week. Roosevelt@ Mason members Lucia Bautista and Sira Thiam hosted a “Care What You Wear” event to raise awareness about the fashion industry’s impact on people and the environment.
Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Zara, Target and Walmart are all brands that contribute to the problem. Both Bautista and Thiam know how difficult avoiding big brands while shopping can be, and offered a few solutions. They mentioned thrifting and how useful and cheap it can be. They also suggested borrowing and sharing clothes with friends. “I love sharing my clothes with my friends,” Bautista said. Arwa Alzahrani, a graduate student studying sociology, talked about how the presentation shocked her. “I felt
sad about the people especially,” she said. Alzahrani was also surprised to learn about consumer spending when it comes to fast fashion. “Why do people spend so much money?” she asked. Bautista said it is also very important to be aware of your own consumer habits. She talked about an app that
highlights humane and environmentally friendly brands to buy from, called Good on You. Fast fashion may be on the rise, yet many people such as Bautista and Thiam are catching on to unethical practices and are dedicated to making a change for the better.
DECEMBER HOROSCOPES Winter is coming. Here are some tips for how to spend the break
MONICA ECHOLS CULTURE EDITOR Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - Happy Sagittarius season! December is the perfect time for one of the most curious and open-minded zodiac signs to explore various religious and cultural holidays to learn about a different culture. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Capricorns are very ambitious and driven, which can sometimes make them impatient. Take this time to slow down, relax and cozy up with a good book or movie.
FOURTH ESTATE ALLY MCALPINE
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - Aquarians are natural humanitarians who enjoy helping others. Use the current season of giving to help out in your local community by volunteering or donating to a charitable cause. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) - With the holidays right around the corner, many people are stressed about what kinds of gifts to give. Pisces are known for being kind and artistic, so use your talents and make a DIY gift to show the people you love how much you appreciate them.
Aries (March 21-April 19) - Aries tend to have a youthful, competitive energy. When the next snow falls this season, gather up your friends for a fun snowball fight, snowman building contest or sled race. Taurus (April 20-May 20) - With the new year quickly approaching, now is a great time to start planning your New Year’s resolutions. As one of the most dedicated and persistent signs, those born under the bull sign are the most likely to follow through with their resolutions. Gemini (May 21-June 20) - Geminis have a tendency to be tense and anxious. Use the upcoming winter break to engage in some serious self-care so that you can start the new year off relaxed and refreshed. Cancer (June 21-July 22) - Cancer is one of the most sentimental signs. As it is almost the end of the year, take some time to reflect on all of the good memories from 2018 so that you can enter 2019 feeling grateful.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) - Fiery Leos have a bright and sunny disposition. Your cheerful nature is sure to warm up even the coldest rooms this winter. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - Virgos are very hardworking, but sometimes all that work leaves no time to play. As soon as the semester ends, make sure to take some time to indulge in some of your hobbies that you didn’t have time for during the school year. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) - Social Libras love spending time with friends and family, which can sometimes be difficult during the busy semester. Use the time off from school during winter break to catch up with friends and family members you haven’t seen or talked to in a while. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - Scorpios may not always give compliments, but when they do, they always come from the heart. Spread some cheer and brighten someone’s day by giving them an honest, heartfelt compliment.