Blue Gold Quotes

In the novel Blue Gold, by Elizabeth Stewart, there are multiple examples of sustainable prosperity as well as human rights and globalization. Sustainable prosperity is a concept that reflects a comprehensive, long-term vision for a community. This concept is presented to each and every one of us by asking the question, ‘Is what I’m doing now setting up a sustainable and positive environment for future generations?’ Within the novel, sustainable prosperity is shown when the petition is created for Sylvie and her family. Human right is also something that is presented within the novel; human rights are the rights that should belong to every person, such as water, food, shelter etc. Human rights are shown in multiples ways throughout Laiping’s

As explained previously explained, human rights are things that all humans should have. These rights may be present in workers rights or even just the basic necessities for survival. The loss of human rights is shown within Laiping’s life. After moving into the city to obtain a job in order to send money back to her poor family, she is faced with issues regarding workers rights. After working her first month at the cellphone factory, her pay was withheld just so the company would know she wouldn’t leave soon: “The company holds onto your first month’s pay, in case you get any ideas about quitting.” Essentially, by not paying their employees, the company is creating workers into slaves an manipulating them into never leaving. The loss of human rights and choice is found when Sylvie is forced to marry a war lord that is planning on harming her family as well as the local medical clinic. Even if she plainly states “I never said I would marry you” Kayemebe refuses to consider her wishes and proceeds with the engagement. This incredibly unfortunate situation deals with human rights as well as the right of choosing the people you associate yourself with. Unfortunately human rights is again shown throughout this novel within Laiping’s life. When the announcement of a new model cellphone is spread to the employees, an even less exciting announcement is partnered with it. The day shift employees

As earlier stated, globalization is defined as the process of becoming increasingly connected or interconnected. Within the novel, the fact that there is a cellphone factory that is placed in China, but sells their products predominantly to America, greatly displays how globalization is present in the economic market. When Laiping works for the cellphone company in China, she is participating in globalization almost directly: “They were falling too behind on the new product, and told them they would have to work overtime on Sunday as well, if the company was to meet the American launch date.” Although this form of globalization provides people all over the globe to become connected with each other, it is negatively impacting the lives of the workers, especially Laiping’s life. Even though sustainable prosperity is a major factor in the life of Sylvie and the people in the Congo, globalization is something that is also discussed in Blue Gold. Through the creation of the website and petition in regards to the quality of life in the Congo, it ensures that the majority of nations confer to convert the ways of the Congo. For example, when Fiona’s mother contributes money from Canada, she is contributing to globalization through the donations of funds to a foreign nation. Globalization is also shown through the distribution of coltan for cellphones. As you know,