In reference to "The Price of Beauty" posted by olden040 during week 11.
Who deserves our trust? How do we determine what we place our trust in? When thinking about the ethics presentations that we have had over the past couple of weeks, there have been numerous instances and reasons for people to distrust the government, science, and big business. Whether rightly criticized or not, we often blame those in power for problems which they may have no control over. However, when these institutions abuse the power that they have, then it is right for them to lose the trust of the people.
The presentation that struck me the most when it comes to trust is the Cosmetics Industry. While I was familiar with all of the debates in the other presentations, I had no idea that the make-up that I put on my face could put me at a higher risk for cancer. In reference to a post by olden040, "cosmetics and other body products bring us in contact with more than 120 chemicals daily and many of them are hazaradous to our health." Learning that I have exposed my skin to so many harmful toxins and chemicals was not easy for me to handle.
Although the Cosmetic Industry has not blatantly lied to me or any of their customers because they do not put all of the ingredients on their products, I still feel betrayed. I trusted them to provide me with make-up that would not harm me. I TRUSTED them and they lied not only to me, but are continuing to lie to the millions of other women in the world who are continuing to use their product without the slightest idea that they may be seriously harming their health.
I love where the author of The Price of Beauty states, "cosmetics are hazardous to our health, and we know it." I now know that cosmetics are dangerous, but what has changed in my life because I now possess this knowledge? I've changed my make-up, but that's about it. I no longer trust these companies, but I don't take action against them. I think it is up to us as knowledgeable consumers to take a stand for what we believe in and fight back against industry instead of just complaining about how we have been wronged. Only then will change be possible.
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