Nike Sweatshops: Behind the Swoosh Questions
1) What led Jim Keady to leave his well-to-do lifestyle and look into Nike Sweatshops?
Jim Keady chose to leave his well-to-do lifestyle and look into Nike sweatshops because while he was
studying theology at St John's he began to conduct research on Nike's labor practices. During his
research St. John’s announces that they are going to make and endorsement deal with Nike. Jim
announced that he would not promote the brand so he was given an ultimatum from his superiors that
he must promote the brand or he will be forced to resign. He knew he had to choose what was morally
right so he chose the route of activism and headed off to Indonesia to help give a voice to the voiceless.
2) According to the video, how much do the sweatshop workers get paid a day?
The Sweatshop workers were only paid a dollar fifty a day which is barely enough to afford
necessities.
3) Briefly describe the conditions that Keady and his partner lived in while looking into Nike
sweatshops?
The conditions were absolutely awful. They lived in a very small room with no beds or any other
furniture. They had no running water and they were forced to choose between hygiene
products and food. There was no form of sewer or septic so feces filled the streets. There were
no schools or any other form of Education provided for the children in the community.
4) What is one of the punishments that the sweatshop workers could face if they do not act in
accordance to the way they are supposed to?
They could lose their jobs, go to jail, or even be killed if they are disobedient or insubordinate.
5) What are your thoughts about Phil Knight’s conversation with Keady?
Phil Knight seems like he is a narcissistic, self-absorbed, arrogant man who only cares about money, and
could care less about the well-being of others. I'm really not sure how someone like that could be proud
of the company that they've created knowing the type of social injustice they are creating.