[orange, proud]
I’m willing to pay more for products MADE IN THE USA because I’m a based patriot who wants to SUPPORT REAL AMERICANS
[green, accusatory]
OK then how about supporting american workers by paying them a living wage?
[orange, dismissively shaking their hands while having a look of absolute disgust on their face]
NO
[the comic is squished into a funneling triangle shape for some reason]
I would like things made by local craftsman.
Made in USA has a markup for the cost of labor. But that’s kind of alright by me (when I can afford it) because we should pay people living wages. However, so many companies use “made in USA” as the sole reason to add even MORE markup beyond the additional costs for manufacturing.
I like made locally also because it means let’s transport costs and hopefully lower emissions in what it takes to deliver it to market.
I have a hard time understanding why certain companies should be allowed to be multinational conglomerates. Certain markets probably should have hard caps to the size companies can reach.
I agree with your vibe, especially supporting local craftsmen. But buying American a bit more complicated than looking for the “Made in the USA” sticker.
Some “made in the USA” stuff is prison labor. These companies are profiting off of prisoners. It’s better than slave/child labor overseas but it sucks all around.
Another aspect is that politics around the “Made in the USA” are merky. Final assembly can occur here in the US but it doesn’t mean that it was “made” here.
I went into a deep dive a few years back and found that because of various loopholes, American branded cars are often made in Mexico and then “finished” in the US whereas most foreign brands are assembled in the US.
All of this to say: until we escape late stage capitalism, it’s hard to know for sure how to best support Americans.
Cars sold in America are largely made in a process that involves significant value add in Mexico, the US, and Canada (and it would be very difficult to cut any out of it). Though they often use some components from elsewhere in the world.
Honestly anything of sufficient complexity made in the USA is probably partly made in Canada, and I’m in favor of that. I’d rather buy something made in OR, WA, and BC than replace Canadian labor with labor from a state with anti worker laws and less basic rights. At least I know Canadians aren’t being leased from a prison to makr products.
Which is why I don’t look for made in USA. I look for small local companies. I also refuse to support those small local companies if they are super patriotic. I hate how they’ve co-opted nationalism for advertising. Plus, it usually means they’re maga skid stains and I don’t want to support them.
A “made in USA” sticker with a flag on it is pretty bargain basement for companies I want to buy from.