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Essay / The hidden face of chocolate: revealing exploitation and trafficking
Table of contentsIntroductionThe hidden face of chocolate: the harsh realityConclusionReferencesIntroduction“Behind every fortune there is a crime”, as Honoré de Balzac said, turns out true in more ways than one. A. The documentary The Dark Side of Chocolate depicts the dark reality of the strong oppressing the weak, of empires built on the ruins of the vulnerable. The African continent, rich in natural resources such as diamonds, cocoa, wildlife and fertile land, is plagued by endless civil conflicts, poor governance, corruption, famines and poor land management . As a result, more than four hundred and twenty-two million people are stuck below the global poverty line, which constitutes more than 70% of the poorest population on the planet. In this context, large companies like Nestlé, Kraft, Cargill and Mars exploit these vulnerabilities, extracting resources from poor countries in Africa. Despite the illegality and immorality of child labor and trafficking, these companies turn a blind eye to the unethical practices of their cocoa suppliers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayThe Dark Side of Chocolate: The Harsh RealityAward-winning Danish journalist Miki Mistrati presents a documentary every chocolate lover should witness: a poignant exploration of the agony and torment hidden beneath the sweetness of chocolate. The documentary mixes interviews and hidden camera footage, as Mistrati embarks on a quest to uncover the veracity of child labor and trafficking rumors. The film highlights the kidnapping of children in Mali and their trafficking to Ivory Coast via clandestine routes. Working with the general secretary of the Malian bus drivers' union, Mistrati orchestrated the rescue of 152 children, including 35 girls, meticulously documenting each rescue. Conversely, even if the Ivorian government recognizes the existence of the problem, concrete efforts to combat it remain rare. Strikingly, companies engaged in chocolate production have refused to comment on this pressing concern. Notably, Nestlé, the largest food company by market share, reports an annual profit of around €12 billion, allocating €6 million to various aid initiatives, but fails to tackle to its potential complicity in child labor and trafficking. Children aged 10 to 12 are forced into servitude for cocoa production and harvesting, with their education abandoned. Shockingly, child slaves can be purchased for as little as €230, including transport and delivery, from buyers who exploit them indefinitely, often without pay. Although rare cases of escape appear, cases of success remain rare. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion A critical analysis of the documentary exposes some shortcomings. The film somewhat neglects its responsibility to educate the public on issues such as "child trafficking", "child labor", or "slavery". The pacing of the documentary seems rushed, offering fleeting glimpses of the subject. The tone adopted throughout expresses more regret than a call to action. Ideally, the documentary should portray this heartbreaking reality as not only regrettable but also deplorable and delicate. A more robust presentation of evidence and a focus on government involvement, rather than discussing only the private sector,.