Made in China – Leaded Toys and Dr. Martin Luther King?

Made in America. That is a label that we see less and less in this nation. Even when we do see it, the only thing that was made here is the label. Outsourcing has become so commonplace that its sometimes hard to find American made products.

This week has been a difficult one for corporations that produce their products in nations like China. They are learning that lax standards and cheap labor are hurting their products and their bottom lines. The recall of millions of toys has lead to fears of foreign made toys hurting our children. Some people even fear that the Chinese government is deliberately trying to hurt our children and our nation. (I don't know if I buy that one).

Now word comes that the statue for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the National Mall will be made by a Chinese artist in China. There were hopes that an African American artist would be chosen to immortalize Rev. King in stone, unfortunately that were not in the cards. American artists are infuriated that a Chinese artist was chosen over any American. They see this as further betrayal to the American people.

How would Dr. King feel about this turn of events? He always saw a future world where all people were equal. That includes people of every nationality, color, ethnicity and heritage. He might see a Chinese man crafting his statue and be happy about it because the man was allowed entrance into the closed art world. I personally think that Dr. King would be happy that they were willing to consider any person for the job.