After reading the assigned article about the Hsinchu Science Industrial Park, several things struck me as being particularly shocking. I was shocked to discover the quantity of toxic waste that had been illegally deposited in rivers. I have heard many stories about China's rapid industrialization coupled with weakly-enforced environmental regulations resulting in ecological and environmental damage, but I never considered the possibility that such things could occur somewhere as near as the Science Park.
The more I think about it, the more I realize how similar the rise of Chinese industries is to the construction of the science park many years ago. In both scenarios we see the flaunting of environmental regulations in order to make way for the lucrative benefits of large companies and industries. In a nutshell, what stunned me is how we are told every day about the countless ecological crimes committed by Chinese industries, yet I had never heard about the atrocities (perhaps that is a bit too melodramatic) that occurred in the Science Park. The large-scale use of female workers also struck me as being morally wrong, as well as shocking, for very similar reasons. I had previously considered the use of female and immigrant workers on a large scale to be problems associated with far-off countries, such as shady businesses along the U.S. - Mexican border, I had never thought about it as being so close to home.
To be honest I cannot really provide a detailed analysis at the moment because I am still in the process of coming to terms with these revelations myself. The article really hammers home the fact that the problems of far away countries may not be quite as distant as they seem...
Aled
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3 comments:
I've already commented on two other blogs so I won't go into detail. Cool blog entry! I also thought a lot of the same things but wasn't able to tie it into my blog entry. good work.
The reason why I'm not really surprised is probably because I have a sense that the Science Park do create toxic wastes. Although I've never done any research before or heard any news about it (because they are not really being reported), I just know it naturally, using my sixth sense. lol
However, this article did get me start to be aware of how local corporations are killing the environment. I totally agree with what you said: I've never thought about these issues happening in our hometown.
hmm... I dont think isnt just our home town. I think it the whole taiwan. In the earlier days, I did see some of the news that tells about the pollution of science park but it's just a pity that many people dont think the events are crucial.
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