The controversy does not lie what I bought, but in the clothing that is being sold. Since it is used and not made in Bolivia, the government has banned it from being further imported. Over the past year the government has decided that importing uses "american" clothing hurts the local economy and Bolivian clothing manufacturers. Most Bolivians choose used over new, stating that the quality is better. So far no more deliveries of Value Village/Goodwill rejects have entered the country, but there is still tons and tons in warehouses waiting to be sold. Officials had threatened to burn the remaining clothes, but after an initial series of protests decided to give the vendors 6 months to sale out.
Well, the 6 months are up and there are still tons of chompas (word used for sweaters here) that need to be sold. Over the last few months both sides, a.k.a the vendors at the market v. the local clothing makers, have raised up against each other and the government. Here that means an endless series of marches/protests/noise making/blocking of major city streets to gain attention and maybe, just maybe find a solution. Not sure how that works, but its all in the cultural taking in of things. I actually missed the semi-nude march in downtown L.P. and was very very disappointed.
The moral to this story, among many is: reduce, reuse, recycle- BUT keep it within the U.S. since your waist is causing controversy and forcing me to walk 1/2 an hour though city street that are blocked by angry clothing people. Although, I am thankful for the cheap finds, even if they did belong to your late Aunt Elsa.
