The Elizabeth Bishop poems taught in schools are rather melancholy, but reading The Complete Poems, 1927-1979, I ran across “Hymn to the Virgin,” a hilarious poem that pokes fun at the church via wordplay:
“… all the red plush portieres food of / Sacramenting moths …”
I’ve been thinking about religion a bit since meeting with other members of Fair Trade LA, some of whom are Catholics.
Many of you know that lots of faith-based groups have been long-involved in the fair trade movement — Equal Exchange, a 100% fair trade company, even has a section of its website devoted to its Interfaith Program. And Lutheran World Relief has its own fair trade programs. So does Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade.
In fact, a couple of the Catholic people in Fair Trade LA have jobs with their church — meaning that they’re able to provide both their time and effort, as well as some of the financial resources of the church, toward the larger Fair Trade LA.
I wanna make very clear that Fair Trade LA is NOT a religious group — I’m an atheist, after all. It just has some religious members.
What struck me was when one of these members assured me by saying that she’s not promoting fair trade in order to turn people Catholic. But, she added, “I’m promoting fair trade because I AM Catholic.”
Interesting choice of words. What do they mean, exactly?
For the record, I don’t promote fair trade because I’m an atheist (or maybe I do, because I can’t rely on “god” to bring about social justice?). And I have an extremely fraught relationship — if it can be called that — with religion, having grown up as a preacher’s kid.
I think my mixed feelings about mixing religion with fair trade is my fear that fair trade could be made into a missionizing-type, “let’s help the poor people cuz god told us to” type thing, as opposed to what fair trade really is — A concern for social justice. Fair trade isn’t about “aid,” or even about “helping” impoverished farmers. It’s about giving people what’s rightfully theirs.
Which isn’t to say that religious people who join the fair trade movement don’t share my thoughts on fair trade. These are MY fears, which may be very much unfounded.
My concerns comes from growing up witnessing the rather coercive nature of “missionary aid,” where much needed aid — money, food, education, etc. — is given, with the expectation that this will convert people to religion. The tactics are various — From an explicitly strings-attached type of aid given to those who’ve seemingly “converted,” to less obvious “if they see our good works, they’ll convert” type stuff.
It’s still difficult for me. There’s a Fair Trade LA member who keeps trying to give the org a tagline like “trade with a heart” — which I keep striking down, because phrases like “with a heart” makes me think of fair trade in conjunction with charity — which really pisses me off.
It’s tough to know — When am I being overly sensitive — and when am I expressing legitimate concerns, in an effort to disassociate fair trade from “missionizing” charity efforts –
If it helps any, most modern Catholics are a great deal more chill than Protestants when it comes to religion and evangelizing. (Well, unless they’re charismatic Catholics…they can be kind of scary.) Growing up Catholic, I never go the impression that other religions were wrong or misguided. Goodness and tolerance seemed to be larger pillars of faith.
Of course, having not attended church in several years, I don’t know if things have changed since.
Comment by Jasmin — March 19, 2006 @ 7:24 am
An interesting and worthwhile topic! I was raised Presbyterian, and my mom was an activist motivated by her faith, and while she did fairly well at viewing herself as an equal with the people she acted for/with, she definitely approached it with the “if they see our good works, they’ll convert” mentality which was one of my major turnoffs to Christianity. Even when such an attitude comes from the purest intentions of sharing the personal benefit one has received from their religion, approaching an activism project with that intention in mind seems to make the relationship inequal because they feel they know some Truth that the other person has yet to learn and benefit from.
Comment by aleta — March 19, 2006 @ 4:43 pm
Siel:
I am a Buddhist; we don’t have much use for the concept of god(s). My practice — I don’t call it faith because we are taught not to take things on faith but to learn for ourselves — would also tell me to support the Fair Trade movement.
Also my sense of fair play comes in to tell me to support fair trade.
My practice gives me some tools to be happier in my life, more fulfilled. (Shrug).
I think you will find most religious who are also progressive are very open to others having their own belief and will share if asked.
My experience has been that the more narrow minded, bigoted, self-centered the general attitude of an individual, the more they regard their religion as mandatory for all and the only right path.
I like what the Buddha said about the his practices: “Remember that the finger pointing at the moon is not the moon.” The goal is to clearly see the moon, not find the best finger. (grin).
Comment by Roger, Gone Green — March 19, 2006 @ 4:50 pm
Interesting topic on a movement I always have considered (in my short time in it) as good business and fair to the workers, and nothing more. As you know, though, many fair trade schemes devote considerable resources to building schools, clinics, etc. that shade into charity. That these efforts are attractive to missionary types, fine – the more activism (at least at this point) the better. How do they connect, though, the purchase of certified coffee here with mission work? Do they think that those schools will only teach their faith? I’m confused here about that.
Incidentally, I was confirmed Methodist but would probably be defined agnostic. Thus, I suppose, I can’t know if “god” will deliver farmers a fair price.
Comment by Fletch — March 19, 2006 @ 5:48 pm
Fair Trade is sometimes stated as being ethical trade. (besides the word confusion ethical vs moral) it is very near the idea of “trading with heart”. it is just that for some the idea of fair trade stems from christian ideas like the “golden rule”. similar sentiments of course exist in many other religions. if you ask an economist he/she can probably put fair trading and other “ethical trading” that sees beyond the mere product in a more theoretical and/or behavioural context of (apparent) unselfishness. “what is good for you is also good for me in the long run”.
the heart may be very visible in catholic icons but it is used by us atheist just as much.
to me your concern is whether the means or aims is the most important part of fair trade when it comes into how put the reasoning behind fair trade into words. (trade with heart, social, ethical, moral trading etc).
as you mentioned before: fair trade is much more than the payment to the producer. the other part being the moral concerns expressed as workers rights and environmental issues etc.
so let me instead make an example from Sweden. when i was an active member of an environmental ngo in sweden many organisations in that town i lived in came together on some occasions having a fair on environmental and fair trading. on two occasion those events were hosted by the swedish missionary church (a protestant “free” church.) nowhere in the words of campaign for these events and during was christianity at all visible (apart from being in that building).
in short: i cant say that i think that you should react negatively to persons promoting fair trade just because they profess to a specific faith or not, indeed some think that atheist or neo-liberals (in the latter case workers right is just considered a nuicance …) can be quite fanatic …
Comment by Johan — March 20, 2006 @ 7:35 am
“Let’s help the poor people cuz god told us to†is exactly the reason why there is a great amount of faith-based organizations and people of faith involved in the Fair Trade movement. Fair Trade is exactly about allowing people what is rightfully theirs, but we are helping farmers in third world countries achieve this. It has been evident that without the Fair Trade movement, these farmers could not get a fair wage for their crops. We are helping the poor to get a fair wage for their goods. It is not charity…this is not a hand-out. But we are helping the poor. And that is fundamental in Christ’s teachings.
I believe that more than anyone else, those who follow Christ’s teachings have the most reason to be involved in Fair Trade. God has specifically told us to help the poor, and that’s what we need to do. We, as humans, need to share God’s love to the poor. I am not proselytizing when I perform any sort of activism for Fair Trade, but I will not try to hide the fact that I am doing this because I am a Christian, and because it’s fundamental to Christ’s teachings. Whether you believe in God or not, it needs to be realized across the board that this is the reason for Christian invovlement.
I find it hard to figure out why someone who is not of faith would be interested in this cause. If there is no God, then life was created by accident…there was no purpose or design to the world. So why should we care so much if there is justice in the world? Why should we try to pretend like there is purpose to the world, or purpose in our lives? There is no reason for it.
And if we can’t rely on God to bring about social justice, then social justice will never occur. Evil and greed are too inherent in our beings for justice to ring throughout the world. (“All men are inherently evil”…Nietzche)
As Christians, we take a hard rap for being close-minded and bigoted. But our beliefs are founded on absolute truths. The basis of our faith is that Christ is the only path for salvation and justice in the world. I can’t say that ‘whatever you believe in is fine’, because I can believe with all my might that I’m not wearing a black shirt right now, but it doesn’t change the fact that I am wearing a black shirt.
I’m not trying to create a stir in this comment. I fully respect and love all of the work that you have done in the Fair Trade movement, and I look forward to working with you more in Fair Trade LA. I just had to add my thoughts.
Comment by Gillian — March 20, 2006 @ 9:48 am
Gillian, I’d just like to weigh in. God is not my impetus for wanting to see environmental and social justice. And I think I speak for many atheists and agnostics when I say that we do what we do, not because God told us to, but because we _can_ and because it is the _right_ thing to do here and now.
Comment by Jasmin — March 20, 2006 @ 11:37 am
Called to fair trade by what???
I think we as humans are called to fairtrade by a “sense of fair play” as roger said, or common decency or a shared humanity. Not any religious dogma.
Jesus died on the cross so that I can buy fairtrade coffee and chocolate? No. I don’t think so. I think there is something more to it than that.
(which everyone has to decide for themselves at sometime and that’s fine)
However, if you are a Christian and don’t support fairtrade, you are missing out on the essential part of Christ: His humanity.
All this is to say that I don’t find anyone’s motivations suspect in participating in fairtrade.
But because I have seen and experienced similar dismay with my own religious community, I am excited to see when some of them wake up and start taking responsibility to see that everyone gets treated fairly.
Comment by Josh — March 20, 2006 @ 12:55 pm
Gillian — You’re hilarious! V. creative of you to use a quote from a man who most famously declared that “god is dead” — in an attempt to “prove” your religious point about the inherent evil of human beings. And without even a hint of sarcasm or irony!
Of course, Nietzsche was a big fan of jesus, though not so much of xtians of his time. Regardless, I relish any opportunity to think about nihilism.
I disagree completely with the statement that “if we can’t rely on God to bring about social justice, then social justice will never occur.” I don’t “rely on god” — that’s why I’m driven to act myself. I don’t believe in “god,” but I’m a fan of fairness and justice — which “god” doesn’t seem to have done much for, of late. I think people should be treated like, well, people. And I don’t need immaculate conception to believe that human life’s valuable.
Comment by Siel — March 20, 2006 @ 7:45 pm
Gillian said:
“I find it hard to figure out why someone who is not of faith would be interested in this cause. If there is no God, then life was created by accident… there was no purpose or design to the world. So why should we care so much if there is justice in the world? Why should we try to pretend like there is purpose to the world, or purpose in our lives? There is no reason for it.”
Ha, ha. The old, tired idea that atheism ~ nihilism was used up long ago my friend. I am still confused about religion’s role in fair trade, notwithstanding the fact that maybe everything emerged from nothing, or that we may live in a multiverse, or whatever. And, I am sure that the more numerous members of the Islamic faith do indeed believe that you are not wearing a black shirt.
I believe in the fair trade movement because of (i)Hedonism: The product, overall, tastes better outside of a global commodity market;(ii)Profit: By tightening up the supply chain, business can move said product with fewer hands to market, thus improving their bottom line, thus making their owners richer and happier; and most importantly (iii)Citizenship: Peasants I will never meet are paid for the value they have created and, perhaps, given a school, clinic, or other improvements, thus making them richer and happier.
Whatever you believe, welcome aboard.
Comment by Fletch — March 20, 2006 @ 8:57 pm
Thank you, Fletch, for providing me with the first rational argument for Fair Trade outside of ‘warm fuzzies’ and moralism. Honestly, I feel like you have a solid base to stand on, truly apart from morals. (Because let’s face it…fairness and justice are extensions of “good” morals). Yours is the philosophy that I think that all those who do not believe in God should be standing behind…not behind the guise of justice.
Side note: my use of Nietzsche’s words were to be used as a means to strengthen my point in the atheist’s viewpoint…obviously quoting the Bible won’t help at all, but if we can all agree that all mankind is greedy and selfish, we can then we can all agree that social justice, in the broadest sense, will never happen. To quote Nietzsche once again, in furthering my point in the atheistic viewpoint, “‘Exploitation’ belongs to the essence of what lives, as a basic organic function; it is a consequence of the will to power, which is after all the will to life. “
Comment by Gillian — March 21, 2006 @ 8:30 am
Gillian, are you saying that if you don’t believe in God, you’re a selfish, evil twat? Because that’s pretty offensive.
Comment by Jasmin — March 21, 2006 @ 10:38 am
I’m saying that everyone is a selfish, evil twat. That includes me and you both. And to say that we’re not selfish at the core of our being is a fallacy. This is not saying that we don’t have good in us as well. But this is where our free will comes into play. We have to make the decision whether to do right, or whether to do wrong. But then again, these are morals that are based on Christian thought, which Nietzsche considered pure bullshit.
Comment by Gillian — March 21, 2006 @ 11:13 am
I personally don’t think this has anything to do with religion for the vast majority of people (although of course there will be those who do feel moved and motivated to support Fair Trade as an expression of their faith). For me, the decision to support Fair Trade (or any other ethical initiative) comes from a) a personal awareness of the fact that systemic exploitation exists (like it or not) and b) a desire to minimise one’s own exploitation of others as much as possible, while c) ultimately living as comfortable a life as we are individually able to or want to choose.
Comment by Mike — March 21, 2006 @ 1:53 pm
Gillian, what is your point exactly then?
Comment by Jasmin — March 21, 2006 @ 2:25 pm
My point goes back to what was mentioned in my first comment. “‘Let’s help the poor people cuz god told us to’ is exactly the reason why there is a great amount of faith-based organizations and people of faith involved in the Fair Trade movement.”
This solidifies the Fair Trade LA member’s statment of “I’m promoting fair trade because I AM Catholic.” I don’t think that fair trade will ever become “missionizing”. My hope and goal is that we can raise awareness about fair trade issues, and that we can make a difference in the lives of the people who are supplying us with our commodities…that they get fair wages, that they can feed, clothe and help their families get medical aid, and that we can help preserve the land they are cultivating. This goal is no different than the goal of anyone else invovled in the Fair Trade movement. However, it is my motivation that is different. Everyone comes to the table with their own motivations, and this is mine. We were created with free wills. Those of us who believe in God and in Jesus’ teachings know that we are His hands, His body and His voice here on earth. He uses us to accomplish His will. God is not to blame for social injustice. We who believe in Him, and who are supposed to be carrying out His will are to blame for not standing up for what is right.
Comment by Gillian — March 21, 2006 @ 3:17 pm
Hey Gillian — My point about Nietzche was that I found it funny you quoted Nietzche as “truth.” It takes a special person to quote the “god is dead” guy to try and prove a theological point.
And I want to add that just cuz I’m an atheist doesn’t mean I agree with everything Nietzche said. I don’t think people are inherently evil — I think fundamental religions often teach people to think that, in an effort to make people fearful of their own thoughts and actions, which helps turn them into lemmings that follow “god’s word” — to the point that they start quoting things, be it the bible or Nietzche, without much forethought or analysis.
Which I’m sure gives everyone an idea of why I’m afraid I may be overly sensitive when it comes to these issues.
My main point: I hope that Fair Trade LA and other fair trade movements will avoid statements such as these: “if we can’t rely on God to bring about social justice, then social justice will never occur.” If I were new to the fair trade movement, and had someone tell me that, I’d run the hell away from it. Cuz I don’t rely on god for shit, even if I DO think activists can bring about social justice, albeit slowly.
Comment by Siel — March 21, 2006 @ 8:38 pm
Interesting that you also think that the “God is dead” guy agreed with fundamental religions. Thus, being in agreement, you could say that he supported a religious thought…and furthermore, proves a theological point. And, I do believe that there is a lot of truth in some of his philosophies (specifically his philosophies targeting Christians).
And I can assure you that if I were ever to become a lemming, I certainly would not become a Christian lemming. It’s much easier to be a lemming for social justice (don’t get me wrong…I’m not at all saying that you are, but you can’t deny that there aren’t social justice lemmings out there). And I hope I haven’t given the impression that I haven’t had any sort of forethought or analysis to my beliefs. Just as your beliefs can’t be lumped in with other atheistic beliefs, I cannot be lumped in with other “evangelical Christians” who ARE lemmings in their faith. If other atheists truly gave as much thought and analysis to the foundation of their beliefs as I do to mine, then we would be living in quite a different world.
Motivations pushed aside, I am very proud of the work that you have done for social justice, and for the awareness of fair trade issues. And, I’m excited about working together to bring about the common goal that we have in social justice. And, not to worry…I won’t be trying to proselytize at any Fair Trade LA or similar events, as we know that Fair Trade is an issue that brings together different belief systems and political spectrums in fighting for a common goal.
Comment by Gillian — March 22, 2006 @ 1:52 pm
Hmm. It’s a little late, but hey.
I’d say, yea, you’re being a bit sensitive. Mostly because I like bipartisanship and people of different persuasions working together. But also on a practical question of how much support the movement has to burn…
Comment by David N. Scott — March 22, 2006 @ 10:08 pm
You’re prolly right, David :P I’m a sensitive gal, esp. about religion — Thanks Gillian, for not proselytizing at any FTLA events :)
Comment by Siel — March 24, 2006 @ 12:11 am