The Role of Business

I had a great Linguist discussion today.   It started with the issue of corporate censorship-- using the example of Microsoft censoring web content in China.  From there, we moved on to discuss the more general topic of the role of business in society.

Its a topic that is very close to my heart.   To be honest, I have wanted to start my own English teaching business for years... but always I hesitated.  Why? 

Because the word "business" has very negative connotations for me.  When I think "business" I imagine corporations polluting the environment, bosses trying to control employees, greedy executives, etc.  I have never wanted to be one of those people.  I have always thought that the typical corporate model of business was destructive and, to be blunt, evil.

On the other hand, I hate working for these people and knew the only way to do things right was to start my own business.   So I started to search for better examples.. examples of businesses that have a positive role in society.

It took a while, but I did find those examples.  Some of those businesses started responsibly, but eventually sold out (Ben & Jerry's, for example).  But some, like Patagonia, Vegan Shoes, etc.  continue to do business with heart. 

I now know that business does not have to be destructive and reprehensible.   There is another choice.  I hope, in my own small way, to prove that point.