There are many that use cotton sheets for their beds. Have one ever thought about where such cotton sheets have come from? There are a good number of cotton sheets that come imported from Egypt. But, has one ever thought about where those Egyptian cotton sheets come from? Has one thought about who does the labor behind getting the cotton necessary for these sheets?
It has been revealed that these Egyptian cotton sheets have been made from child labor. Yes, these kids work out in 104 degree Fahrenheit weather for ten-hours a day. And these kids get paid in peanuts. The pay really isn’t in peanuts. The money these kids make can be compared to mere peanuts.
The children are not being forced to do the labor. They are doing such jobs because their families need the money.
One example is Shaban Abdulal Zarhal, who lives in a mud and brick home with his wife, and four children. They live in a meager lifestyle and a meager diet. After a meager meal, the family returns to work out in the sun.
The wife is currently pregnant.
The children work out in the cotton fields picking cotton. Abdul Rachman, the youngest son is charged with the task of taking worms off the cotton leaves. If he does not, the worms will eat up the cotton rendering it as no good.
But, they are not alone. Children are working everywhere throughout the country Egypt. At least over one million children are hired to be picking cotton out in the fields during the harvest time. The harvest time for cotton is in the summer season.
Many groups say it is virtually impossible to stamp out child labor in the country. A good portion is at risk of being hired by slave drivers that force children and their families to work such long shifts. On the opposite side of the fence, cotton has been deemed a luxury material.
Cotton sheets have become a trend amongst the luxurious.
Due to the capability and adaptability of cotton, it is one of the most sought out materials. Egypt itself makes a good nine-figure sum from cotton exports, which could be used to pay the farmers for their services. But, it has barely reached those farmers and their families.
But, they have to struggle with many things. Yet, the Egyptian government has yet to come to their aid. The farmers have to buy the seeds and fertilizers. At the same time, they have to pay rent to the rich landowners. This is reminiscent of share cropping during and after the Great Depression in the United States. Unfortunately, the price of cotton seeds and fertilizer has increased.
While the children should be in school, they are working the cotton fields. Still, many pick Egyptian cotton because it is top quality. In short, the demand for Egyptian cotton is very big. At the same time, more children end up working in the fields for long shifts and get little pay in return.
There is the saying: Soylent Green is made from people! In this case, Egyptian Cotton sheets are made from child labor!
While cotton is comfortable, it is torture for the children that are out in the heat picking it.
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