What Makes Me Mad

Okay... Something made me very mad this morning. On Sharla and I's grand adventure in Vancouver we went to the Stone Age Art Company on Granville Island to view all of the art from Zimbabwe since we both love and live for Africa. While we were there I saw a specific piece that I thought was way overpriced. I did take into consideration labor, shipping and other costs but still found it to be overpriced. So, I asked the lady working there how much of the money goes back to the people of Zimbabwe. She got very defensive and wouldn't answer my question, so I picked up a brochure and emailed them asking how much of the money went back to the people. I was disgusted with their answer:

"Thank you for visiting our gallery, please read our "Fair Trade policy" on the notice board next time you visit our gallery - We are both proud to be Zimbabweans helping Zimbabweans.We completely disagree with your statement that our art is over priced and the thousands of sculptures we have sold since opening, prove this.
You are obviously unaware of what it takes to run a retail business that is open 360 days a year never mind the difficulty in finding pieces of this quality in Zimbabwe - This is not street art that any tourist can trade a t-shirt for. We have spent hundreds of thousands of CANADIAN dollars in Zimbabwe - What have you ever done to help Zimbabweans ?
We also support local charities (listed on our website) with donations directly related to helping Zimbabweans and people afflicted with HIV.
Please don't jump to uninformed conclusions in future."

I kindly thanked them for their response and asked them again. (By the way, for those who dont know, I have worked in retail for over 2 years and we are open 364 days of the year, but I guess Im "obviously unaware".) How much money goes back to the people? If I was hypotheticlly going to buy a sculpture for $10,000, I think I would like to know where my money goes. Fair? I think so. Their Response:

"Just like any other business, the artists sell their work at a negotiated price that is acceptable to both parties.
We do not discuss our financial affairs with curious Third Parties - It is frankly none of your business.
By the way, you didn't answer our question - What have you ever done to help Zimbabweans?"
My Response:

"To answer your question. Nothing. I havent done anything to help them, but I also wasnt called to Zimbabwe. God called me to go to Zambia and speak up for those who cant speak for themselves. I helped tutor orphaned childred because they couldnt go to school as an example. I dont need to argue with you. All I wanted to know was how much went to the actual people and since its none of my business, I guess I will never know or support you guys."

A little harsh at the end, but I won't support them.

"Thanks for the info.
Of course by not supporting us, you are actually penalizing the very people that you profess that you want to help so I suppose that is just their loss."

That was the last I heard from them. I sent them one email following that one telling them that they can't make me feel guilty for it and that there are many other ways I can support the people of Zimbabwe if I choose to do so in the future.

Overall I was very frustrated with them. I think the worst thing is that they were so defensive and wouldn't answer a question I thought was pretty fair. It makes me wonder how much of the money is actually going to the people. I would like to believe that a good portion is, but I just dont think it is. Am I completely out of my mind? I dont need to be right about the situation, I just want my question answered!!!

In other news, I was asked by our regional manager to become the assistant manager until January, when I will be going back to school. I of course accepted it since its pretty much the same thing but getting paid more. It will help me save for school! Yay!! Have a good one all and feel free to share your thoughts about the above. Thanks!


You know what else makes me mad. When you get robbed in your own driveway when everyone is home in broad daylight including my dad being outside the whole time! They stole a shirt, my brandnew camera and my discman!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!