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Innovation and exploitation- A Critique of American Apparel

This article critiques the effectiveness and efficiency of American Apparel. Unlike like majority of clothes companies, American Apparel promotes the fact that they are made in the U.S. and are vertically integrated. By treating the workers better than that of sweat shops they are able to get the most amount of work in the factories. This is due to the fact that the CEO runs a company where workers come first, giving them many benefits that most other companies do not provide. Some of these benefits include health insurance, living space near the factory and a salary much higher than that of regular companies. Many of the brand's logo inquire about the 1970's in a way that is acceptable. Not only are the companies work habits acceptable their factories are green, using eco friendly tool they help the planet and at the same time save a good profit using natural power. This company has had much success through these methods but also by using sex as an imagery to help sell there product. Some pieces may seem unsuitable but it helps promotes the eco friendly company they are. American Apparel has had huge success with their way of marketing and is only going to get more through the companies choices.

Ethical Design Education Confessions of a Sixties Idealist by Susan S. Szenasy

Susan Szenasy writes about the new generation of students that are graphic designers. The class in which she teaches describes the ethics of design and how design is compared to a sixties idealist. Being a sixties idealist herself she teaches her ways to the students. Believing that the world will change from the ugly state it is now she talks about companies that have interest in not just themselves but also the environment. Design is not only a tool for image but also a way for people to reshape their lives. Later in the article she begins to write about human nature and the destruction of the earth just to satisfy the needs of some people. Materials are being wasted everyday just so a few can have things they want. Many of her arguments is backed by lots of knowledge about how it affects the world and people. Being a sixties idealist her views on the world is much different than others.