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Channi Anand / AP
Indian rag picker children walk with rods fitted with magnets as they look for recyclable spare parts at an automobile yard on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Dec. 10. India remains home to the greatest number of child laborers in the world despite efforts by successive governments to address the problem through compulsory education and anti-poverty programs.
Channi Anand / AP
An Indian rag picker child collects recyclable spare parts at an automobile yard on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Dec. 10.
Channi Anand / AP
photograph, Indian rag picker children look for recyclable spare parts at an automobile yard on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Dec. 10.
Channi Anand / AP
An Indian rag picker child eats a snack while collecting recyclable spare parts at an automobile yard on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Dec. 10.
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What is normal for them may not necessarily seem right for others. I am sure there are things the west does that seems bad to them.
Yes, I agree. The west loves these opportunities to point their "righteous" fingers at the savages of the east. However, as you rightly point out, many things the west accept as "civilized" may make them cringe. What's even more ironic is that the west buys the the things these child laborers make. And if they really have a problem with it then they can skip a couple luxuries and buy these kids better shelter, clothing and educations. No? That's what I thought. At least they are smiling instead of whining about the next XBOX game they think they deserve. These kids are great...they are survivors. Let's hope all the wealth and prosperity that India has recently come into begins to make it into these slums. Let's hope...
I see a difference in children who go out and scavenge metal to try to help their family and have fun while doing it, and children who are forced to work in a dangerous factory/plant type place when they dont want to be there. I don't know if these children are being forced to do this or not. I know my son would love to run around with his friends and search for things in a big field or something only to be paid for it. The factory situation? yeah that's bad.