When clicking through the blogosphere, I sought out articles pertaining to the new iPhone 5. I was expecting to see posts detailing its new features and sleek look. However, as I scrolled through the recommended blogs, one post in particular caught my attention- The real cost of an iPhone 5: life in the Foxconn factory.
I have to admit that I had been eager to see the new and improved iPhone. As soon as it turned 1pm EST, my friends and I quickly searched for images of the new phone, excited to see what we presume the next phone we will own looks like. I never once stopped and thought about what introducing a new product that will undoubtedly be in such high demand would mean for the factories that produce the iPhone. After devoting so much class time to discussing Foxconn and Shenzhen, I still went into consumer overdrive and did not consider the facts about the production process. In fact, it was not until I came across this blog that I stopped to think about the implications of the iPhone 5.
“We suspend our ethics when Apple introduces a new phone,” writes this blogger. The allure of Apple products causes us to neglect our better judgment. As someone who is aware of conditions at Foxconn, this shiny new product still blinded me. In March, Foxconn recruited 20,000 new workers to meet the iPhone 5 production targets, and must be prepared to produce 57 million in one year. This is definitely something worth thinking about before preordering the new iPhone.
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I wrote a similar post on the iPhone 5 and Apple’s ability to “brainwash” its consumer. I like the point you present about introducing new products undoubtedly demands increased production from factory workers at Foxconn. Customers are more fascinated with the newest technology then the implications the technology has on demand in overseas factories. When purchasing a new iPhone, you rarely think of the employees in inhuman environments that made that product. But I agree, the allure of Apple products cause us to neglect our better judgement; we give into our consumer behavior instincts, blinded by the shiny, new software.
I found your post really interesting and I think you (and Alexis in the comment above) both have a really good point of how Apple has the ability to “brainwash” us as consumers. I am going to be getting a new phone in a few weeks, and I know I want the iPhone 5. Even after all of the time we spent talking about Apple and the working conditions at Foxconn, I didn’t even consider this fact when I was thinking about what phone I want to get. It’s a sad reality, but I believe most consumers think this way and despite any knowledge or facts that they know behind the making of Apple products, they are still going to be blinded by their new gadgets.
I think your post and this blog both get to the heart of the prevailing American idea surrounding business ethics. Many people many think Apple is wrong in the way it produces its products but as soon as something new and shiny gets our attention, we forget our convictions and rush to get the latest and greatest. Despite Nike’s well-publicized labor exploitation practices, the company continues to be a favorite among Americans. Sadly, awareness does not always lead to change or action.