A Raw Look Into the Sweatshop - Deadly Fashion

What we are presented to be true.

What is the actuality.

Prepare yourself for some raw, heart-wrenching footage of what millions of sweatshop workers in third-world countries have to live through daily just to provide us, consumers, the cheap fast-fashion pieces we love to clothe ourselves in or have accumulate in our closets.

This documentary-series first introduces the audience to three young Norwegian fashion bloggers and enthusiasts who are about to embark on their first journey to Cambodia. Little do they know, this seemingly harmless trip will absolutely change their lives forever.

Getting a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of a Cambodian sweatshop worker in which well-known, fast-fashion brand giants, such as Hennes Mauritz (H&M), Zara and GAP, employ have revealed to them the shocking details into the extensive exploitation practices in the textile industry. Compounding measly wages with poor working conditions and unethical working demands, the three Norwegian teenagers get to experience first-hand just how unbearable these workers' conditions are to the point where they even reach a breaking point just a couple days into the show.

If this goes to give us a glimpse of what is really happening, I can't even begin to imagine how unbearable those sweatshop workers may be feeling. Considering how all that they have known and come to accept in their lives is waking up every morning to fulfill doing that one mundane task demanded of them at unfair wages is absolutely jaw-dropping. Especially because many of these workers are so similar in age to the teenagers and young adults I see daily, it hardens my heart even more. 

They should be the ones receiving an education and not busy working, simply to survive. And by survival, this more often than not implies working long strenuous hours to support not only themselves, but also for their family members' survival as well.

Each of the episode titles accurately characterize the essence of just how real the situation is. The millions of young, working hands who are slaving away their lives and future, are simply working to earn a wage of $61 a MONTH. This approximately comes out to the absurd amount of 25% of what constitutes a living wage. Essentially, what this means is, it is not even enough for them to buy food, let alone pay for rent. 

Have you ever heard of someone working for more than 12 hours a day and still needing to borrow money to buy food because the daily wage earned is just so low? 

Watch now for a harsh reality check that will surely put things into perspective for all of us. The next time we walk into our favorite stores in the mall or decide to go on a shopping-spree, consider some of the things brought to light through this documentary-series and do your own research into where your favorite brands are sourcing/buying their garments from.

There is little time to remain oblivious to the horrid inequality still currently happening in fashion.

Be in the know and get educated of what is really happening around you. Issues, such as these need to be raised, and addressed quickly, but the first point of address begins with bringing collective awareness to not only yourself but also to others around you. Do your part AND share the knowledge learned, so more of the others can also be in the know.

Episode 1 - How many will die here everyday?

Episode 2 - Our bathroom is larger than her entire house?

Episode 3 - I'll keep going until I faint

Episode 4 - The large chains are starving their workers!

Episode 5 - What kind of life is this?