Students quicken their pace as they get close to the door. The sign above them read Penn State Student Bookstore. Before they look around the store, three students hand over their backpacks to the employee who stows them away in the cubbies behind her. The tiles on the floor displayed a blue and white pattern, which matches the theme of the entire store. Everywhere you looked the shelves and racks are full of clothes, blankets, stuffed animals, and even shot glasses bearing he Penn State label. People of all ages are browsing through the clothes section. The sweatpants and sweatshirts seem to be the most popular during this time of the year. The bell on the door constantly rings as people enter and exit the store. Most people who enter buy at least one item. For the short time I was there everyone who bought an item of clothing paid with either a debit or credit card and quickly went on with their day. Even just outside the door you can see people strolling by sporting clothes or hats with the Penn State logo. Our school has a lot of school spirit. After all "We Are" Penn State, but do students really know how much sweat really goes into making those clothes?
2. Four Facts
-Gunawardana, a woman, had a personal experience in the factories and said that the workers were motivated to change the situation that they are in.
-Workers didn't eat properly because the work hours were too strenuous in the factories. Sometimes there was barely enough time to be able to use the restrooms
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2008/04/10/professors_describe_sweatshop.aspx
-Penn State delayed joining the DSP in part because they believed it was a violation of federal antitrust laws
-The USAS accused the manufacturing facility of New Era Cap Company of gender and racial discrimination
http://live.psu.edu/story/28955
3. Two new ideas
- I want to look into how the students tried to gain publicity that angered Graham Spaniard letter to the students. He said in the letter that the he was disappointed in the students way of gaining publicity and it was disrespectful. I think it would be interesting to know what they did.
- I also want to get Graham Spaniards opinion the the whole thing. This might be difficult to do but it would be very interesting to get his opinion on things because the rest of my piece would be in the opinion of the members of the USAS club.
4. The interview
Maura Ryan is a 5th year senior here at Penn State. She is 22 years old and played soccer at the university for 4 years.
Q: How do you feel that Penn State clothes' are made from sweatshops?
A: "I had no idea. I am surprised to hear that, it makes me feel more like now I am going to be more conscious when I want to buy something."
Q: Do you think this will hinder students from buying Penn State clothes?
A: "Yes, I think students would care about this issue and buy less clothes because our students like to be proactive."
Q: Have you heard about the USAS Club?
A: "No, they should speak out about their cause more and become more public."
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