Why Should we Buy Crackers??

Its Diwali time and along with sweets and diyas - its time for crackers..
Most of us buy crackers burn them and celebrate Diwali..

We have heard a lot about child labor especially in preparation of crackers.. There are also families who do not buy crackers saying child labor is involved and so we should not buy protesting the act.. But the point is this is the only source of livelihood for the families in and around the place where the crackers and prepared.. It becomes a family affair and the parents advice the children to take up the job in very young age and the saga continues..

Here is an article regarding the women in kerala who take up this risky job just to get a source of livelihood..
https://www.cnn-ibn.com/news/these-kerala-women-play-with-fir e-make-crackers/51979-3.html

Now the question is:

1. Should we purchase crackers - why or why not
2. What are the ways in which we can protest against the child labor? Though government is taking lot of steps, still the child labor continues at many places..

I am not that good at preparing questions for debate, please add your own viewpoints!!!

why do we buy crackers.....?????? cos we are tired of eating cookies all the time.....!!!!


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Originally posted by: Anu.Rad

Its Diwali time and along with sweets and diyas - its time for crackers..

1. Should we purchase crackers - why or why not
2. What are the ways in which we can protest against the child labor? Though government is taking lot of steps, still the child labor continues at many places..

Because crackers go well with cheese..!!! j/k

Seriously, everything we buy in terms of clothing, shoes, rugs and food etc potentially has child labor involved somewhere. Fire crackers I believe is seasonal industry so it may not be as big a issue as clothing / leather industries are. Money is why child labor is rampant and money along with education can be the most powerfull tool to eradicate it.

People by crackers because it has over years become a tradition. Moreover, they are colorful, noisy and tons of fun.

Not buying crackers seems noble in intentions. We are refusing to support an industry that is risky and violates human rights and labor laws. However, the real question is does this mark of protest have any significance or impact. To our minds it is a mighty cause, but for the victims and exploiters it means nothing. In their world it is the loss of purchasers and loss of income, which consequently means more exploitation to maintain profit margins.

I could be totally wrong here, but I think the opposite is better. If young children and underprivileged women risked their lives and lost their dignity to sustain their existence the least I can do is not cut their source of sustainment and income.

Irrespective of if you buy crackers or not, If you really want to make a difference go sponsor a child. Take part in an organization that educates rural children and women. Participate in NGOs that develop unsafe exploited rural industries into safer practices and better labor relations.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

People by crackers because it has over years become a tradition. Moreover, they are colorful, noisy and tons of fun.

Fwiw this came in my inbox today. 😛

Do you know why we burst crackers? We suppress many emotions within ourselves; cravings, aversions, hatred or too much attachment and we reach bursting point. When there are a lot of worries, people say, "I feel my head is going to burst." If there is a lot of sorrow, people say, "My heart is going to burst."
Knowing this experience, the ancient people said that when you see an explosion outside, you feel similar sensations within you as well. Along with the explosion, there is so much light. Similarly by lighting the crackers, when there is an explosion outside, you release the suppressed emotions and become hollow and empty. You become free and are able to celebrate the festival and distribute sweets. The darkness is dispelled, light has come into the house, and joy spreads. This is a festival of joy.

Originally posted by: lighthouse

Fwiw this came in my inbox today. 😛

Do you know why we burst crackers? We suppress many emotions within ourselves; cravings, aversions, hatred or too much attachment and we reach bursting point. When there are a lot of worries, people say, "I feel my head is going to burst." If there is a lot of sorrow, people say, "My heart is going to burst."
Knowing this experience, the ancient people said that when you see an explosion outside, you feel similar sensations within you as well. Along with the explosion, there is so much light. Similarly by lighting the crackers, when there is an explosion outside, you release the suppressed emotions and become hollow and empty. You become free and are able to celebrate the festival and distribute sweets. The darkness is dispelled, light has come into the house, and joy spreads. This is a festival of joy.

Thanks for sharing this.. 😊 Yes definitely Diwali is festival of lights and its said that it brings lot of happiness and light after any darkness.. Like shri Ram was in vanvas for 14 years and then returned back..

My friend yday told me...he using Recorded voice of Crackers...to save money.... 😛 😉

Originally posted by: qwertyesque

why do we buy crackers.....?????? cos we are tired of eating cookies all the time.....!!!!


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qwert, you stole my line there.. i was gonna say, they taste yummm with soup..😆..

Nice topic Anu!
I don't buy crackers because I'd much rather donate that money to reach out needy children directly. We do make FOOD donation every diwali to a known orphanage. Crackers send valuable money into smoke in few minutes and also cause pollution..

Child labour makes my heart sink every time I visit certain countries..