Ever wonder whether those World Trade Organization and global economy protesters that are now regularly in the news wear clothes made in Indonesia or eat biologically engineered food from some agri-business conglomerate in the Midwest?

Perhaps those thoughts haven’t crossed your mind, but the point is that the buying decisions we make go to the heart of the debate over globalization. Those who bemoan the loss of family farms, small businesses and hometown values are hypocritical if they do all their shopping at grocery chains, super discount outlets and over the Internet. You can’t have it both ways.

Perhaps that is why the HandMade in America movement focusing on crafts made in Western North Carolina has been so successful. People want things - those used everyday and those we put on shelves - that reflect a culture where all is not mass produced. HandMade has drawn attention to the craft industry in this part of the state and served as a unifying force.

Now, HandMade officials are helping write a book that will help those in agriculture-related businesses. A music heritage and Cherokee heritage trail book are also in the works, and though those won’t be produced by HandMade, they will serve the same purpose - touting businesses, products and individuals indigenous to the region.

Speaking of agriculture, this weekend’s Family Farm Tour (page 34) will highlight the same point.
Farms throughout Western North Carolina produce a wide variety of vegetables, flowers, shrubbery and other plants. Too often, though, we go elsewhere to buy these products - giant chain stores and nurseries that import the same plants others grow locally.

This line of thinking extends to nearly all industries and businesses. Private and public agencies often overlook local architects, engineers and contractors when building projects are needed. Potential homeowners go on the Internet to get mortgages, overlooking local banks. Book buyers use Amazon.com instead of the corner bookstore.

It is unrealistic to even suggest that everyone should make the radical lifestyle change required to buy all things local. National chains and businesses are necessary if we are to obtain the goods needed to live in the society we have created.

Perhaps there is no connection to the gradual decline of person-to-person commerce and what many decry as the deterioration of ethics, values and morals. But there is no doubt that trading with national and multi-national companies hurts small, rural communities, the places where our uniquely American ideals are born. That’s something to think about when you pull out your wallet, checkbook or credit card: just what is your purchase supporting?

 

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The Smoky Mountain News