Learning To Be Civic

TED Talk Outline 

 

Oral Content

 

Topic: Why people, especially college students, should choose thrifting over fast fashion. 

 

Purpose: Educate audience to make ethical and sustainable clothing purchases 

 

Thesis Statement: If you’re someone who claims to support sustainability and care about the environment, you can’t be supporting fast fashion companies. 

 

Introduction: How many of you believe that we’re in a climate crisis now? Pause. How many of you think that we should be trying to make more sustainable choices to fight climate change? Pause. I think we’re all past the point of debating whether or not climate change is a major issue. We know that it is. Despite this awareness, there’s a significant disconnect between the values of Gen Z consumers and our actions. This discrepancy is shown clearly in the fast-fashion obsession held by a staggering 71% of college students according to research by Forbes. Not only is fast fashion an unethical industry for how it treats workers, it’s an environmental disaster. 

 

Visual showing statistics. 

 

I remember when I made a purchase from Shein in middle school. I had a little spending money from a birthday, and I was shocked how much that could buy me on the Shein website. When the items I chose came a couple weeks later, they were all individually packaged in plastic bags. When I opened the bags, my hands met fabric that felt like plastic, and I saw clothes that didn’t look like the website said they would. After this disappointing experience, I did some looking into the company and was met with headline after headline describing Shein as an environmental disaster and ethical calamity. I would love to say that I never purchased from the brand again, but it took me two more purchases to finally put my foot down and decide I would no longer support the company, the adverse effects simply weren’t worth it.

 

Visual showing Shein Package.

 

Today, as a pushback to fast fashion, thrifting has emerged as a quickly growing trend. Now there’s more ways to buy second-hand than ever before and thanks to various influencers, the stigma around second-hand clothing has shifted from low-class to trendy. Despite this, people continue supporting fast fashion brands, at high environmental costs. In order to end this, people must consider purchasing clothing as an investment with heavy impacts, rather than a quick purchase to stay on trend. 

 

Visual showing thrifting content on social media. 

 

Body

 

Main Idea: The prices in fast fashion may be low, but the societal costs are too high. 

Support: Across the fast fashion industry, eighty-seven percent of the material used to produce items will end up in a landfill or an incinerator. The industry is responsible for many other environmental violations, including producing twenty percent of global wastewater, thirty-five percent of the microplastics in our oceans, and using a total of ninety-eight billion tons of nonrenewable resources every year (Ruiz). When the cheaply made clothes wear out, consumers are quick to purchase new items because of the low prices. Thus, the cycle of ethical and environmental harm continues.

 

Visual: Image of fast fashion waste

 

Main Idea: Second-hand clothing is more widely available than ever before, it’s easier than ever for you to make a sustainable and ethical choice.

Support: With the growing popularity of thrifting, the introduction of apps like Poshmark and ThreadUp and the growing popularity of thrift stores in general, have made thrifting a more widely available option than ever before. However, the scale of the second-hand clothing industry is less than half that of the fast fashion industry. This means that increasing availability isn’t enough. Consumers have to actively consider their decisions and understand the impacts of their clothing choices. 

 

Visual: images of apps and stores that sell second-hand clothing

 

Concluding Remark: Next time you go to purchase a piece of clothing, think about the far-reaching impacts that action can have. If you’re looking at a fast fashion brand, ask yourself, is the low price on the tag worth the high price to society? 

 

Visual: price tag

 

Sources: 

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2021/7/19/22535050/gen-z-relationship-fast-fashion

72% Of College Students Shopped Fast Fashion In 2022; Can ThredUP Change Their Wasteful Ways (forbes.com)

 

The shift I’ve identified has occurred over the past decade and is ongoing today. I’m planning to analyze the growing popularity of second-hand clothing or, to use the trendier term, “thrifting.” Second-hand clothing stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army used to be viewed as only for people who couldn’t afford to buy brand new clothes. Now second-hand clothing is seen as trendy, stylish, and the eco-friendly choice. 

Looking through YouTube videos posted about thrifting for clothing specifically, it seems the movement began gaining popularity around 5 years ago when youtuber turned celebrity influencer Emma Chamberlain began posting thrift “hauls” on the platform. As far as why this trend should be discussed, it has interesting ties to other trends in society, including a rising global focus on sustainability and ethically made products. 

One important factor to consider alongside the growing popularity of thrifting is the growing power (and backlash) against fast fashion brands, the most popular of which being Chinese-owned clothing company Shein (pronounced She-in). Time magazine reports that the focus of Shein’s marketing campaign is it’s micro-celebrity sponsored #SHEINhaul videos. These hauls represent a core value of the brand and of its consumers, affordability. Or more bluntly, purchasing cheap, poorly made clothes, that will likely not last beyond a few wears. One reason consumers love Shein is that the low prices allow them to frequently update their wardrobe. This is an understandable appeal however, it’s a need that can also be fulfilled by a much more sustainable and ethical option, thrifting. In my analysis I’ll explore how thrifting rose as an alternative to the desires fulfilled by fast fashion. 

Another evolving idea that has created the change in thinking around thrifting is a rising global awareness for climate change and sustainability. Millennials and Gen Z especially show higher rates of concern for the climate crisis than other generations (Source 4). Because of this, we often see thrifting promoted as a sustainable option to appeal to the values of consumers. As consumers become more conscious of the importance of sustainable shopping, the popularity of thrifting is expected to continue to rise (Source 4). 

One last idea I’m considering is exploring why society seems reluctant to adopt sustainable clothing brands, or buying new clothes that are well-made and sustainably produced. To me, this represents a lack of buy-in to sustainability. It seems that people will pick an eco-friendly option, as long as it doesn’t cost them much money. If sustainability is such a big issue, and we know that global awareness for it is rising, why are people still reluctant to invest more money into responsible companies? Like I said, this is a new thought that I need to consider and explore more.

Works Cited

Source 1: Rise of Thrifting: Solution to Fast Fashion or Stealing from the Poor? – Berkeley Economic Review

Nair, Nanditha. “Rise of Thrifting: Solution to Fast Fashion or Stealing from the Poor …” Berkeley Economic Review, 19 Nov. 2019, econreview.berkeley.edu/rise-of-thrifting-solution -to-fast-fashion-or-stealing-from-the-poor/. Accessed 17 Oct. 2023. 

This article looks at the historical process of how people get clothing and how that has changed over time. According to the article Gen Y and Gen Z are more concerned about climate change than previous generations, driving the shift toward sustainable, “circular” fashion. I can use this in my essay to examine why the paradigm shift occurred and what changing values it represents in society.

Source 2: What Is Fast Fashion, Anyway? – The Good Trade (within last 6 months)

Stanton, Audrey. “What Is Fast Fashion, Anyway?” The Good Trade, 2 Oct. 2023, www.thegoodtrade.com/features/what-is-fast-fashion/. Accessed 17 Oct. 2023.

This article explains more in depth about what fast fashion is and how the negative consequences of it. It talks about slow fashion as an alternative, clothing that is sustainably made. Interesting, thrifting has caught on more than people investing in clothing that is new and sustainably made. I can use this article to help explain fast fashion and why it’s harmful, which will help me to explore why people want to shift away from it in favor of used clothing. 

Source 3: Secondhand apparel market worldwide 2021-2027 | Statista (Updated within last 6 months)

Smith, P. “Secondhand apparel market value worldwide from 2021 to 2027.”, Statista, 5 Sept. 2023, www.statista.com/statistics/826162/apparel-resale-market-value-worldwide/.  Accessed 17 Oct. 2023.

Shows statistics to support the claim that the sustainable clothing industry has grown as people have shifted their thinking about secondhand clothing.  Predicts that the secondhand clothing industry will continue to grow. I can use the information presented here to help support my claim that sustainable fashion is becoming more popular and possibly show the correlation (though not causation) between an increase in concern about climate change and an increase in sustainable fashion. 

Source 4: U.S. views on climate change differ by generation, party and more: Key findings | Pew Research Center

Funk, Cary. “Key findings: How Americans’ attitudes about climate change differ by generation, party and other factors.” Pew Research Center, 26 May 2021, www.pewresearch.org/ short-reads/2021/05/26/key-findings-how-americans-attitudes-about-climate-change-differ-by-generation-party-and-other-factors/.

This article seeks to show the gradual shift in how generations view climate change. It shows that younger generations are more concerned about climate change than previous generations but also shows that climate change awareness has generally increased across generations. This shows a shift in thinking (people altering their actions due to sustainability concerns) that is represented in the increased popularity of thrifting. 

Source 5: Shein’s Fast Fashion Domination Comes at a High Cost | Time

Rajvanshi, Astha. “Shein Is the World’s Most Popular Fashion Brand—at a Huge Cost to Us All.” Time, 17 Jan. 2023, time.com/6247732/shein-climate-change-labor-fashion/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2023. 

In order to show a shift away from fast fashion, I will need to explore a bit about how fast fashion has come to dominate the market in recent years. I’ll also explain all the problems with that business model as I will show that these problems and growing awareness encouraged people to join the sustainable fashion trend. 

Source 6: 13 Best Sustainable Clothing Brands 2023 – Forbes Vetted

Fumo, Nicola. “The 13 Best Sustainable Clothing Brands to Shop and Feel Good About.” Vetted, Forbes Magazine, 3 Sept. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/ best-sustainable-clothing-brands/?sh=39f5a4c2227d. Accessed 25 Oct. 2023. 

This article lists top sustainable clothing brands. I think it could be useful to compare prices of items from sustainable brands with Shein. I’m also considering exploring how people chose thrifting for sustainable clothes instead of purchasing new sustainably made clothes, which don’t seem to be gaining as much attention as thrifting. Does this represent a lack of buy-in to sustainability goals by our society?

Intro: Last September, a young Iranian woman by the name of Masha Amini was brutally beaten and killed by morality police in Iran. The law enforcement claimed that Amini was wearing her hijab in an inappropriate way and therefore needed to be “reeducated.” News of this tragic event rapidly spread thanks to social media and soon there were mass demonstrations not only in Iran, but all around the world. Instantly, there was an outpouring of support on social media. Whether it be Tik Toks made to educate people about the fight in Iran, or videos of peaceful protesters being met with violence in the streets, the fight gained ground online at rapid pace. The movement spread with unprecedented force and soon a trend emerged of women cutting their hair in defiance of the Iranian government. What started as a brave protest in the streets of Tehran soon became an international phenomenon. Women all around the world began cutting off their hair in support of the protests in Iran. Months after this trend died out, videos continue to emerge to remind viewers that despite a downswing in news coverage, the fight for women’s rights wages on today. 

Thesis statement: The trend of women cutting their hair identifies the commonplace of hair to rally women around the world in support of the conflict in Iran. Both the tiktok and the hair cutting trend seek to raise awareness and support for the ongoing women’s rights movement in Iran. While the tiktok uses the commonplace that there’s strength in numbers to encourage views to spread information, the hair cutting trend uses the commonplaces of hair, rebellion, and sacrifice to evoke a more emotional response from people and encourage them to take physical action to support the movement. 

Body: The trend of people cutting their hair in support of the movement uses the commonplace of hair to unite people around the world in support of Iranian women. The vast majority of the world population connect to the commonplace of having hair. This commonality allows women all over the world, women of various ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds to all show their support for a common fight. One article from Insider features a Muslim woman cutting her headscarf while another video shows a Canadian woman giving herself a buzz cut on camera. 

Body: When the women of Iran cut their hair publicly, they are making a defiant protest. The event that triggered this movement was centered around Iran’s hijab law. The law requires women to wear a hijab to cover their hair when in public spaces. Thus, women cutting their hair is a symbolic attack on the fundamental values of the Iranian regime. Masha Amini was brutally killed by morality police because they thought she was wearing her hijab inappropriately. In removing their hijabs and cutting their hair in the streets, the women of Iran are bravely risking their lives, showing their determination to fight against the oppression of the Iranian regime.  

Body: The trend uses the commonplace of grief to gain support and make an emotional appeal to viewers of the trend. While cutting their hair represents an act of defiance from protests in Iran, it also shows an act of desperation, anger, and grief. These emotions are all splayed across the faces of the women in almost all the videos that you will come across on the internet. As these women resort to chopping off their hair, ridding themselves of part of their identity, it is clear that they are desperate for change. Women kneeling by the coffins of their fallen sisters and protesters, chopping their hair in tribute and in grief, evokes a strong emotional response from viewers of the images.  It causes them to feel grief as well, grief that people are being treated so poorly and sympathy for the intense pain they are witnessing. As a result of these emotions, they want to take action and show their support, they want to be part of the fight. This is what makes the trend so powerful. Because of the images and videos associated with women physically cutting their hair, the action has come to represent an act of grief. As this pain is witnessed around the world, many women are connecting to that emotion and cutting their hair in support. 

Source 1: Why Iranian Women Are Cutting Their Hair and Burning Their Headscarves in Protest (today.com)

In this article from Today, they provide an update as of last September of what is happening in Iran. They talk about how women are burning their headscarves in the streets in an act of taboo defiance. They also discuss the emerging trend of female protestors cutting their hair as an act of protest, directly connecting the article to my chosen artifact. The article also includes the powerful image of an Iranian woman cutting her hair outside the Iranian consulate in Turkey as a large group protests alongside her. 

Source 2: Why Iranian women are cutting their hair | CNN

This article from CNN also explores the conflict in Iran and takes a closer look at how the protests are spreading grief and anger across the nation. The article includes a video of a woman chopping off her hair as she kneels next to the coffin of her dead brother. The video clearly shows how cutting off one’s hair represents an act of grief and desperation. The article goes on to quote protestors as they explain the significance of cutting their hair. The regime holds women’s hair as a symbol of female beauty and purity as they are supposed to hide their hair in public. Thus, cutting the hair directly opposes the regime and tells them that the women of Iran are done upholding their oppressive values. 

Source 3: Iranian Women Cut Hair on TikTok to Protest Death of Mahsa Amini (insider.com)

The social media videos that circulated following the death of Mahsa Amini are the main focus of this article. It includes several tik toks posted by women of varying ethnicities and religions, showering the universal nature of the trend. I discuss how the trend identifies hair as a commonplace, and this article supports how it was in fact a unifying force that allowed women all around the world to show their support for a common cause. 

Source 4: Unveiling Resistance: The Struggle for Women’s Rights in Iran | Human Rights Watch (hrw.org)

This article from Human Rights Watch provides a deeper dive into the ongoing conflict in Iran. By providing a historical perspective, it’s able to emphasize the unprecedented force of the current movement. It also talks about how the protests have drawn global sympathy, a topic I explore in my draft. The article also goes in great detail to explain the fundamental role social media has played in the protests, a general idea reflected in my draft as my artifact is a trend on social media. 

@yourfavefeminist

Replying to @aydamoeiiin #greenscreen the women of Iran are an inspiration. We stand with our Iranian sisters in their fight for freedom 🇮🇷 #iran #womenlifefreedom #mahsaamini #feminist #protest #labourparispaloma

♬ labour – Paris Paloma

The artifact I’ve selected this week is a Tik-tok describing the ongoing protest efforts of women in Iran. The video was created by a feminist account (@yourfavfeminist) in support of Iranian women. Reaching over 140,000 viewers, the video is intended to remind people that the struggle for Iranian women is ongoing, and far from over. New cycles move on quickly, mercilessly at times, and the video seeks to keep people thinking about the issue, and thinking about ways they can help.

Following the death of young Iranian woman Mahsa Amini after an altercation with Iran’s morality police in September 2022, there was an immediate outpouring of anger, grief, and desperation for change. Amini’s death quickly gained attention as the news went viral on social media and sparked protests around the world. This video, created in March of this year, responds not directly to that exigence, but rather to the need to keep women’s rights protests in Iran in the news. The artifact represents the power of social media in supporting social justice movements.

This video, and many others about the movement, target the commonplace idea that we’re stronger together. They urge viewers around the world to show their support for Iran’s women. The goal is simple: show the women of Iran that they aren’t alone, their efforts are being seen, and the world is supporting them. We can’t let acts of oppression and injustice go unnoticed. To do that would be to ignore our civic duty. This video means different things to different groups. To protestors in Iran, it means the world is still watching, and still supporting them. To people around the world, it means we have a civic duty to reject injustice and support those who are fighting for their rights. 

In celebration of International Women’s Day in 2018, British-based telecom company Vodafone aired an advertisement in support of gender equality. This advertisement came shortly after the MeToo movement gained popularity in 2017 and there was an environment calling for everyone to support gender equality. It features young girls and boys acting in jobs that challenge gender norms. For example, young girls portrayed world leaders, doctors, engineers, and pilots, all fields historically dominated by men. The advertisement repeatedly calls on the commonplace phrase, “Girls can do anything boys can do,” as the young girls pose thoughtful questions that call out gender inequality. For instance, the opening line of the advertisement features a young girl asking, “Why have there been so many male presidents—but so few women?” Choosing children to portray the various roles effectively calls out the absurdity of gender roles in the workplace. The questions asked by the children represent a view untainted by societal standards. They are puzzled by the fact that women are severely underrepresented in technological fields and can’t understand why most fictional superheroes are men and women only play a love interest.

As women who are accustomed to these societal norms, we would rarely think to ask such questions. The children are able to ask these questions because they haven’t yet experienced the impact of gender roles on our society. Thus, the advertisement challenges us to question gender roles that we may not think twice about otherwise. It is tempting to look at such scenarios and think that’s just the way it is. But this advertisement effectively shows us that these things we consider normal are really anything but. Overall, the advertisement successfully challenges our thinking about gender roles and leaves us with this lesson: don’t be afraid to ask questions. While we’re used to hearing the saying that girls can do anything boys can do, the reality is that they don’t—not yet. Even five years after the airing of this commercial, there is still work to be done to ensure that women are given the same opportunities as men. So be bold, and question things often.

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