Cheapest Price over Patriotism

Patriotism doesn't exist. All items in this photo were made from China: daddy's sneakers, shorts, backpack and the two strollers. Not even the geese were made in Canada. They are freelance geese.

Made in Canada. Made in Germany. Made in France. Made in Poland.  Made in U.S. Made in Ireland. Made in Brazil, in a nutshell, buying locally.

If you have members of the family who were laid off some time ago, you know the importance of buying locally, buying that table which will take two weeks to make within your country, instead of getting the cheaper pre-packaged one, from that mega furniture store.

It’s difficult to be patriotic when money is tight, even credit. Yes, even credit has a limit.  Remember when the cashier said to you:  I’m sorry sir.  Your card has been declined.

The price is the determining factor for ordinary folks, that is why they wait for Boxing Day or Black Friday sales.  A friend of mine once accused me of being bad news for the economy because I don’t go for 50% off.  Let’s see, 70% is more my thing.

Buying locally means thinking about someone’s job, before deciding on which table to buy, but that is the last thing on our minds.  We look at the price and smile when the shop assistant says there is a further reduction on the 50%.

It is ironic that governments want us to practise patriotic shopping because they actively encourage foreign investment, which includes dollar stores.  It is called free enterprise.  Consumers must have the choice of buying from such stores or Holt Renfrew.

Where does that leave buying something because it was made in Canada?  Way back, at the end of the line.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.