Comments on: Off “Los Libros”

By: Jordan Cox

Jordan Cox — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:12:19 +0000

This was a very interesting article to read about underground economies. I think that underground economies have been around forever and it was an essential way for people to live their lives to earn enough money for their family. In a lower class society, high paying jobs might be difficult to come by and that is why I think many people create and have businesses from their homes. This is a way for someone to support their family and try to survive in the tough economy. This is why I think that “Underground economies” exist such as creating businesses out of the home or “Hustling” as it said in the article. I found that the quote mentioned in the article was very interesting which said, “we cannot truly understand the “shady” economy if we see it as a dirty, lawless world of violence and disrepute, one that tarnishes an otherwise pristine sphere where everyone pays their taxes, obeys the laws, and turns to the government to solve disputes and maintain order.” THis quote to be demonstrated the existence of “shady” economies and trying to get around the government.

By: Noelle

Noelle — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:30:03 +0000

I am kind of in the middle on underground economies. I definitely think it’s illegal and probably unethical, but I also don’t feel I am really in a position to moralize. I think it’s hard to condone or justify it when you are looking from the outside or haven’t lived in an area that really experienced that. However, people who grow up where underground economies are extremely normal and in a lot of ways, a means of survival, probably have an easier time understanding the necessity in having them and can even justify participating in it. I understand people partaking in it because they are in desperation or it is their only way to really bring in money for themselves or their family. I haven’t been in a situation where I would have to even consider this as an option, but I imagine if my family was in dire need of money, I would probably be more willing to partake in that. I don’t think it’s really right for people to just do it to get cheaper services, etc. The underground economy is definitely mixed with people who have no other choice and with people who are just lazy and taking advantage of the system. I think it undermines the government and authority, but I also feel the underground economy is almost inevitable. People are going to use it as long as it’s there..

By: Greg R.

Greg R. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:15:32 +0000

It is important for the country to have these sub economies. They increase cashflow and teach skills that can be with proper education used for the greater good.

By: Kristiann Lopez

Kristiann Lopez — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:07:10 +0000

Underground economies are happening all around us. They are illegal, but for many they are the only way they know how to live. When someone grows up with all their family and friends taking part of this type of business they might not even see how it is wrong at all. These types of businesses thrive in communities where poverty is high. Because the community members are often poor all they are trying to do is support their families and make ends meet. It is also competitive; if everyone around you is taking part and making more money than you it would be hard not to get involved in it.
It think these types of economies are going on all around us; people might even be unaware if their neighbors are involved. Personally I haven’t witnessed this, but it probably was occurring right around me and i never saw it or even thought about it.

By: tim cozine

tim cozine — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:04:03 +0000

I think that underground economies are a way of survival for those who are under privileged or poorer than most, mainly minorities in this case. I myself have not been someone who has used an underground economy as a means of survival but have seen, witnessed, and experienced people who have. My cousins who stay in south central in between vernon and normandie have the “bootleg” cable where you can get free pay-per-view and unlimited channels for free. People who are under these circumstances cannot afford standard cable or the standard necessities that this society makes us believe that we need. So they attain these things by any means or ways necessary. I do no think that this can be moralized because as long as there is any type of socio-economic inequality, than there will continue to be underground economies.

By: Danika

Danika — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:32:25 +0000

Undergroud economies prove to be a touchy subject. People who are not part of these underground economies are more likely to view them as unethical because it is a way of “cheating the system.” Those people need to look at the subject from the opposite perspective before they should make that type of judgment. What if it was them in that low income situation, would they engage in the activities of an underground economy? My guess is “yes.” This is because those who are part of the underground economy only see it as a way of surviving. It very well may be the only option they have to make sure their families are fed and taken care of. I personally cannot recall any of my own experiences on the matter of underground economies, but I’m sure if I was in the situation where an underground economy was my only option, I would participate.

By: Teresa Salazar

Teresa Salazar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:03:06 +0000

Well underground economies, evetually get back to the legal market, because not all goods from the community are purchased in the same, some of the stuff has to be actually acquired legally, so its not all bad. Plus everyone to one point makes use of it for its convinience and price. For instance babysitters. And also sometimes those economies might start of as underground, but eventually make their way into the legal market, i know for instance that latinos may start their business that way in order to get started but eventually they always want to have their shop, market, company..etc. So its more like an opportunity to eventually get to greater and better things. so I dont believe its all bad

By: Grant Berg

Grant Berg — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:00:48 +0000

Underground economies are simply the reflection of the de jure economy not serving the peoples in these lower-class situations. The implicit exploitation of these people, whether they are urban blacks, immigrant Latinos, or another group that is prone to lesser socioeconomic standing, through the current system is reciprocated back at the legitimized market system by secondary markets that bypass legal establishment. If the law already doesn’t support these individuals very much, or they feel that it doesn’t support them very, then they will go to an alternate economic and legal system that better represents themselves. The situation reminds me of the accepted custom of black workers stealing from their employers during the era of Segregation. These modern “under-the-radar markets” are doing those same kinds of things, but no matter the profits they turn out they are still in a form of social bondage to mainstream society and its law system.

By: Kjrstin

Kjrstin — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:47:13 +0000

If you look at underground economies, you’ll realize that it really is sometimes the best and smartest thing to get involved in. Some people need the help of the underground economy so they can have cheep goods and cheep labor. Others work the underground economy to make a considerable profit. But even if their profit is unfair, I doubt the people who are getting such great deals mind.
I dont think anyone is in a position to moralize at all. Everyone looks out for their own best interest, no one is a positions to judge. Especially people who feel no qualms about buying the goods off the street when they’re on vacation or shopping in New York City or in LA’s Garment District.
I havent had much experience with the underground economy aside from “bargain hunting” in big cities and other countries. But I can certainly understand the mentality of those who use the underground economy. Its a smart business move for many people.

By: Jessica Forsythe

Jessica Forsythe — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:29:53 +0000

I do not think that underground economies are ‘good’ necessarily, but I don’t think that I have a right to moralize it. We are not in the position to moralize underground economies because the motives behind various underground businesses are very different. People that are of a lower income class often resort to underground economies because it provides them with an immediate fix to their financial problems. It is understandable that people would resort to underground businesses if that is their main, consistent source of income. I can understand that being economically strained can cause people to partake in illicit behavior. I believe that if I was placed in a situation where the underground economy was my only source of monetary gain, I would consider partaking in it. These underground businesses are not immoral because, normally, the people partaking in them are not doing it solely to defy authority. They are engaging in illicit behavior as a means of survival. I do not think that we have the right to label these actions as ‘immoral’ because we cannot fully understand individual’s motives and circumstances.