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Rivoli discovered not only the historical background of her t-shirt but the "wealth-enhancing possibilities of globalization". Many anti-free trade and globalization activists argue against free trade but what they don't know is that if planned right and taken the right steps, free trade can help economic growth. " Generations of activists-today's included- have changed the rules of the race and raised the bottom, making it a much better place than it used to be" (Rivoli 121). The working place conditions have improved; "global capitalism and labor activists are not enemies but are instead cooperators, however unwitting, in improving the human condition" (Rivoli 121). Helping each other find ways to improve helps not only the people working in textile factories, but the economy as well. Providing enhanced working conditions for the people will benefit in better working skills, and better working skills means more product produced.
Income gains will result in protection for workers; many workers speak up about their needs but are often not heard. "The argument that the economic development and income gains that result from trade will lead to better outcomes for labor and for the environment" (Rivoli 135). Back then workers didn't have any type of protection and often were afraid of speaking up or reporting an injury, because they didn't want the company to lose money. Now things are improving for textile and other factory workers they are getting more benefits and protection. .
In Rivoli's book trade is a major point. Trade has helped countries receive things they need from other countries that they don't have, and vice versa give to them what they need. Trade has helped companies grow and expand; this creates more jobs for people. "Every U.S. president has also publicly supported the doctrine of free trade" (Rivoli 159). Free Trade has helped many countries develop and reduce poverty.
