Brought To The Surface: Blood Diamonds
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Brought To The Surface: Blood Diamonds

How much blood is on your diamonds?

35
Brought To The Surface: Blood Diamonds
"Ladies, frost yourselves"
- Ben Barry in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"

Capturing the hearts of every woman, we have all once hoped that Matthew McConaughey would whisper these words to us with those dreamy blue eyes. Honestly, I couldn't have been the only one melting over his witty charm as he swept Kate Hudson off her feet in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 days." In his marketing campaign, women were so fancied by diamonds that it is quite obvious diamonds represent a symbol of love, romance, and elegance. It is through this film, we can truly comprehend the widespread craze about diamonds.

However, there is a depressing twist to these glistening beauties. We often see these diamonds strapped on an older women's finger or draping a chandelier. People tend to assume that a diamond is like any other mineral and mined with an ole' pick ax. That isn't nearly the case with diamond mining.

Forged into the most war-torn regions of Africa, these rare jewels has been coined the term 'blood diamonds' as they've gained a nasty reputation. In third world countries, there are minimal, if any, rights that are given to workers pertaining to their wages and working conditions. Men, women, and children endure heinous treatment as they mine for diamonds to be smuggled and sold into an illegal trade. According to Motsoeneng, police in Zimbabwe enforce brutal methods of control in the diamond fields that have led to killings, torture, beatings, and harassment. Clearly, there is little regulation from the government as the diamond fields support violent actions.

It isn't merely the treatment of the workers that is the issue. The profit made from the diamonds mined is then funded toward illegal activity that fuels government corruption, war, violence, and bloodshed. Particularly, Brilliant Earth mentions that the diamond mines have been known to finance militaries and rebel militias, which only intensifies the civil war. By mining in certain areas and financing the local wars, these blood diamonds have earned their title as they've led to instances of rape and creating child soldiers. Funding atrocities such as these only worsen the conditions of these third world countries and continue to diminish hope for the people.

But hope isn't completely lost.

Many companies have recognized the damage their greed has inflicted upon innocent people as it has encouraged violent war and horrific destruction. Change has already begun as actions to protest this violence have been enacted. But, how? Through jewelry companies selling what are know as 'conflict free diamonds.' In particular, one jeweler, Brilliant Earth, guarantees that their diamonds are not associated with violence, environmental degradation, poverty, and human right violations. As many followed in their footsteps, people are committing to conflict-free diamonds in hopes of improving these African war-torn regions.

While there is progress being made, blood diamonds remain a pertinent issue plaguing many parts of Africa. Next time you fall in love with those diamond earrings or hear Matthew Mccnaughey's "frost yourself," I would wonder -- how much blood is on those diamonds?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41158
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25705
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951150
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

134203
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments