Independent Lens Season 8 Episode 20 China Blue

In the Independent Lens season 8 episode 20 named China Blue, viewers are introduced to a young teenage girl named Jasmine, who leaves her rural home to work in a denim factory in southern China. The documentary follows Jasmine's experiences working in the factory and explores the larger issues surrounding globalization and the exploitation of workers in the global economy.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a firsthand look at the harsh conditions of the factory where Jasmine works. The workers are required to work long hours in cramped conditions, often staying up late into the night to meet their daily quotas. The management is also shown to be strict, with strict rules about breaks and punishments for workers who do not meet their quotas.

As viewers watch Jasmine work, they also learn about the larger context of the global economy that drives the fashion industry. The documentary examines the forces of globalization, which have led to the growth of the garment industry in countries like China. While these industries provide jobs for millions of people, they are also known for their poor working conditions and lack of workers' rights.

The episode also explores the role of multinational companies in the global economy. Large companies like Walmart and Levi's are shown to play a significant role in the fashion industry and are dependent on factories like the one Jasmine works in. The documentary argues that these companies have a responsibility to ensure that their factories are safe and that workers' rights are protected. However, the reality is often very different, as factories in developing countries are often neglected and workers are exploited.

Overall, the Independent Lens season 8 episode 20 China Blue is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the harsh realities of the fashion industry. Through Jasmine's story, viewers are given a firsthand look at the lives of Chinese factory workers and the struggles they face in an increasingly globalized economy. The documentary is an eye-opening exploration of the complex issues surrounding globalization and the role of multinational corporations in the exploitation of workers.