SUMMARY
The fast fashion industry is valued at over $100 billion, producing affordable, trendy clothes that are popular with young consumers. But the industry is under scrutiny for poor working conditions and using cheap textiles that quickly end up in landfills. Journalist Iman Amrani joins Ali Rogin to discuss her investigation of Shein, one of the fastest-growing fast fashion brands in the world.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM UP QUESTIONS:
- Why is the fast fashion industry worth over $100 billion dollars?
- Where does SHEIN recruit their influencers?
- What were the conditions for workers in SHEIN's factories?
- How does SHEIN's relationship with influencers affect its brand image and marketing strategies?
- When did SHEIN invite the influencers to the factory trip?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Do you know how the clothes you buy are made, and who makes them? How can you find out? What concerns might you have about where your clothes come from?
Media Literacy: How can you find out more about "fast fashion" and the concerns with SHEIN's working conditions?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
FOR MORE
What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — do you think it's fair to hold influencers accountable for the actions of the brands they promote, or should the focus primarily be on the brands themselves?
Check out this video from Student Reporting Labs about Zack Lindsey, a student who started making pillows in his mom’s basement which turned into a clothes designing passion:
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