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- Q. How can I help?
A. I am admittedly new to social/politcal activism and so I heartily solicit ideas from you on how to further this cause. How can we get the word out? I have no experience with press releases, attracting news coverage, or garnering the support of like-minded organizations. Assistance from you will be warmly received!
- Q. What good will my signature do?
Since the start of this project a year ago, as of this writing, over 35,000 people from 117 countries/territories (and all 50 states) have visited diamondboycott.com, nearly 800 of whom decided to sign the petition. Each signature represents a new awareness of the disgraceful diamond situation, each signature represents a pledge to boycott diamonds. At 800, the diamond industry has not yet noticed this movement. At 8,000, 80,000, or 800,000 they will undoubtedly begin to begin to do so!
- Q. But I *really* want a big diamond ring!!!!
A. Admittedly, diamonds are pretty and quite impressive-- they set the scale for hardness and have beautiful refractive properties. As well, we've been socialized to believe they symbolize true love. But reason must overtake passion and emotion at some point. If you must have a gemstone ring, there are plenty of diamond alternatives to choose from.
- Q. Will a boycott hurt Africa?
A. People (largely those in the diamond trade) who claim a boycott will hurt Africa are being disingious. Look at the condition of Africa now. How is it that arguably the most mineral rich continent of the world is by far the poorest and most unstable? Civil war rages in the Congo/Zaire. Even historically calm Kenya just experienced a blood bath. Northern Ivory Coast is held by rebels. The Darfur region of Sudan overflows with genocide. Somalia is ruled by warring tribes. Whatever benefit has come from Africa's mineral wealth has not been returned to the country. Let's stop fueling wars and conflict. If we want to help Africa, let's go and build schools. Let's help with micro-enterprise loans. Let's build infrastructure. Let's buy authentic African art. Let's not fill the coffers of the DeBeers company or of warlords any further. (see Resource Curse)
- Q. What are the alternatives to diamonds?
A. Here's a list of diamond alternatives.
- Q. Can't we just not buy conflict diamonds?
A. No-- that doesn't solve the problem. The problem with "conflict-free diamonds" is explained here. It's essential to boycott ALL diamonds, so-called "conflict" or not.
- Q. Doesn't the Kimberly Process fix the diamond problem?
A. Click here for the problems with the kimberly process
- Q. How can I show my support for this cause?
A. Signing the petition is a good first step :) Placing an anti-diamond banner on your blog/website is helpful. Sending an anti-diamond link to your friends is good too.
- Q. I'd like to know more. Where can I go for additional information?
A. Here is a list of further reading material concerning the problems with diamonds.
- Q. Can I still get a pretty gemstone for my wedding ring?
A. There are non-bloody alternatives. Click here for a list of diamond alternatives.
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