SHENZHEN, CHINA – The US has continued to press China over it’s ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy which encourages manufacturers not to disclose the origin of the paint used in the toy making process. The unofficial rule ostensibly seeks to protect openly lead painted toys from being discriminated against in the international toy market. China argue revealing the nature of the paint used to manufacture certain toys could disrupt moral amongst other toys with a traditional varnish or gloss finish. A democratically led congress has begun advocating the push against the discriminative policy stating that a “toy’s worth should not be measured by the chemical combination of it’s paint”. Lead toys are often condemned over their toxic nature and potential damage to children who are lured in by their bright colours and suggestive designs.
Our correspondent is outside a Shenzhen factory, one of the sources of the lead controversy, with more.
Chief Correspondent: What’s the latest Amy? This is sounding like a very emotional issue.
China Correspondent: Yes and there has still been no progress on talks between the US and China about repealing the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy.
Chief Correspondent: Why are China so adamant that the policy remain in place?
China Correspondent: They feel exposing details of who is and who isn’t lead based would cause disastrous effects on the moral of the entire industry.
Chief Correspondent: How so?
China Correspondent: Think about it Chief, if you knew which toys had lead in them, wouldn’t you think twice before picking one of the shelf?
Chief Correspondent: I suppose–
China Correspondent: It would crumble profits as toys containing lead are ostracised by consumers.
Chief Correspondent: Have you been able to gauge the feeling of those at the factory?
China Correspondent: I attempted to speak with a number of the workers here, but apparently they were too busy to talk, stop working or look me directly in the eyes.
Chief Correspondent: Maybe you can talk to them on their break. As for us here, it seems we aren’t ready to accept lead toys out in the open despite the efforts of congress.
China Correspondent: The Chinese point to numerous recalls from companies such as Mattel and Fisher Price as evidence of clear prejudice against lead toys. Though lead sympathisers have argued that it’s time to accept that lead is part of the toy making process.
Chief Correspondent: Why would anyone want to allow lead toys to mix with non lead toys? They are a proven danger to public health.
China Correspondent: So far, but with close monitoring, we could minimise the dangers of lead paint in toys and make them safe to
Chief Correspondent: It’s still lead! It’s still sick…unnatural. Lead has no business in toys.
China Correspondent: We should try and remain objective Chief. You know? Fair and bal–
Chief Correspondent: Hey! I bring these toys into my home. Children play with them, put them in their mouths…It’s disgusting!
China Correspondent: I didn’t realise you felt that way, um…this is getting a little emotive…
Chief Correspondent: Sorry Amy, you’re right its just…it just unnatural.
China Correspondent: It’s not like they had a choice…they were manufactured that way.
Chief Correspondent: I suppose. So what’s the likelihood of the Chinese repealing the policy?
China Correspondent: I think the real question is when will we accept lead in our toys? When will we accept that this kind of practise is rife and we can only suppress it for so long? When will we–
Chief Correspondent: Yes yes, we get the point.
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