Are the Chinese or Americans to blame on hazardous products from China?

Question

I was thinking about this a while ago. The big American companies go to China becuase it is cheaper for them and they can make more money and exploit the Chinese workers. Is it the Chinese workers fault that they put lead paint on the toys? They were doing their job and using the supplies given to them. Who's to blame on this subject?

Answer 1

Well not the Chinese workers no matter how you look at it.



Who is to blame?



1. US gov't for failing to notice this problem and not restricting imports or at least testing them.



2. US companies for cutting corners and again failing to test their products adequately. Safety should not take a back seat to money.



3. Chinese gov't for failing to do anything about this other than say its blown out of proportion.



4. Chinese companies for cutting corners. Many Chinese children suffer from lead poisoning-they just dont care enough to do things safely since it costs more.

_____



By the way, Mattel said that the magnet issue was a design problem and the blame for that lays entirely on the US gov't (worthless consumer protection agencies) and US corporation.

Answer 2

Obviously there is enough blame to go around. But I feel the US companies deserve more blame. I believe ultimately, the responsibility lies with US companies.



When I purchase a product, I'm initiating a deal with the company on the label. They are providing me with a product that should be free of defect and performs the function it is designed to. When buying the product, I shouldn't need to know or care what channels it took for the product to get to the store. If it doesn't work, it is the US company who has broken it's bond with me.



Obviously, the Chinese companies did not fulfill their side of the bargain, but again, I feel it is the responsibility of the US company to provide a product that they KNOW is a good product, not assume it is good.



I had a friend who once worked for an Korean company that provided an American company with products. Many of these products were manufactured in China. I realized his biggest headache was making sure the Chinese factory delivered the quality products it was supposed to deliver. They could manufacture good products, he said, but they were always trying to save money, and if you didn't keep up with them, then they would try to slip in an inferior product.



I think these US companies didn't understand that, they didn't enforce their quality standards. Then they didn't test the product they received in a thorough way. Then, they sold it to an unsuspecting public. The blame should go to the American companies.

Answer 3

I think blame should be placed at both ends. American companies should check quality control better in the places they hire to make products for us. The Chinese government should also make sure that the quality of the products they sell for a country meets that county's quality control standards. The actual workers on both ends are just doing their jobs with what they are given. Here in the US, at least, if you are working for someone who you know is doing something illegal and could become a major health issue somewehre down the line, and you don't do anything, you are also accountable for whatever happens as far as I'm concerned.

Answer 4

Companies that made the purchase in manufacturing products imported into the US should be to blame. They are the ones that accepted substandard products, to make a quick buck, and put them on the market for US consumers. Would you buy a house made from straw and twigs, it would be cheaper than... if you require a licensed contractor build it. In America we are accustomed to a certain quality in our food and toys. Substandard quality in China are not equal to the standards in the US... The Companies that ordered this substandard quality and forfeited using good American companies and workers should have check they quality before distributing the goods in America! Big business scr*wed us not the other nations because they don't have the quality we are used too.



As a US consumer we put our trust in the corporations that purchase this stuff! Check It First! Please!!!



If China or any other country wants to do business with the US they should improve the quality of their products to match the requirements for the United States... as for what ever products they make for their own consumer is up to themselves... we shouldn't meddle in the affairs of other nations.

Answer 5

The chinese. I work in manufacturing. To import goods to china you have to have special permission from there goverment on certain items. The chinese are trying to hold other countries to a higher standard than what they are willing to do themselves. There is a form called IMDS International Material Data Sheet. It is supposed to list every component, and chemical in detail of what goes into each product. It is obvious that the chinese lied on this form otherwise it would not be allowed to come into this country. The answer is The chinese are at fault.

Answer 6

I know I'm biased, but I believe it's China's fault. It's like the term keep your friends close but your enemies closer. The Chinese manufacturers are acting like terrorists. How many times are we going to have to recall a food product or a toy? Yet, it is America's fault for not double checking the products that get shipped here. We shouldn't be trading with a country that keeps sending us faulty products. I definetely think there should be a trade embargo placed against China until we can be sure of their intentions.

Answer 7

They are both to blame.



See what happens when we outsource jobs?



It shocks me to see the honor that the Chinese actually have though. I can't believe that Chinese guy killed himself over the toy scandal. I know a few American businessmen who should follow suit...

Answer 8

Both, but mainly the Chinese.

Answer 9

If it says made in China. DON'T BUY IT. Next problem. Sally did you have your hand up?

Answer 10

the chinese, but nobody forces you to buy their crap.