In our capitalist society, it’s no secret that many industries prioritize profits over morals. Recently, a Reddit user asked the question, “What industry is a lot shadier than it seems?” and received numerous eye-opening responses. Here are some of the top-voted answers:
1. Avocado Farms: Many farms in Central America are controlled by cartels due to the high profitability of selling avocados. In fact, the US even briefly banned avocado imports from Mexico last year after a USDA inspector received threats.
2. Nursing Homes: Some nursing homes prioritize profit over quality care, resulting in a low nurse-to-patient ratio. This puts a significant burden on nurses, who often have to work extra shifts to compensate for the lack of staff. This situation is particularly disheartening for those dedicated nurses who genuinely care about their patients but feel trapped due to financial constraints.
3. Recycling: Despite the positive image of recycling, a significant amount of recyclable material is either shipped to Asia or dumped in landfills. Recycling companies function as aggregators, sorting and packaging recyclables based on their market value. The fluctuating value of different materials determines their recyclability.
4. Wig Industry: The wig industry is dominated by a few manufacturers who repackage wigs according to different companies’ specifications. Some companies even offer lifetime guarantees on their wigs, leading customers to return them after a few years. These wigs are simply washed, restyled, and resold as new. Additionally, there have been reports of shady businesses taking advantage of cancer patients by selling them overpriced, ill-fitting wigs and refusing to provide adjustments or replacements.
5. Addiction Treatment Industry: While there are reputable addiction treatment programs, there are also greedy individuals who exploit vulnerable individuals by capitalizing on their need for treatment. This often results in a cycle of treatment, relapse, and more treatment. This unethical practice, known as body brokering, has been the subject of several documentaries.
6. Forestry: Large corporations engage in unethical practices in the forestry industry, such as planting vast monocultures that destroy ecosystems. These corporations do this to offset their carbon emissions and create a greenwashing image for their brands.
7. Funeral Business: Funeral homes have been exposed for manipulating vulnerable individuals into spending exorbitant amounts of money on funerals. In some cases, salespeople recommended expensive brand-name mattresses for caskets. This exploitation has led some individuals to choose cremation as a more affordable alternative.
8. College Textbook Industry: The college textbook industry is notorious for its high prices. Some professors even write their own textbooks, which may consist of bullet point notes and still cost students a substantial amount of money. Schools often require students to purchase textbooks from the university store, prohibiting them from buying used books or sharing with others.
9. Realtors: Some perceive realtors as a cartel that prioritizes their own interests over genuinely helping clients. The high commissions charged by realtors, especially when selling a property, can be a significant financial burden for homeowners.
10. Palm Oil Industry: The production of palm oil has led to the displacement of orangutans, which are sometimes sold to circuses or collectors.
11. Nonprofits: Current laws allow CEOs and board members of nonprofits to pay themselves exorbitant salaries instead of reinvesting in the organization’s mission. This practice prevents the expansion of facilities, outreach programs, and the hiring of more workers.
12. Clothing and Book Donations: Donated clothing and books are often sorted, separated, and sold for profit. Only a minimal amount is actually given to those in need. Vintage or designer items are sold for top dollar, while lower-quality items are sold in bulk or exported to developing countries. Similarly, book donations are often sold on platforms like Amazon, with very little profit going towards charitable causes.
13. Healthcare: The healthcare industry in the US is rife with issues. Healthcare and health insurance management prioritize profits, while frontline providers often face unfair treatment. Hospital charges are often exorbitant, and patients are overcharged for various services.
14. Department of Human Resources: Despite their name, human resources departments are primarily focused on protecting employers rather than assisting employees.
15. Fine Art Dealing: The fine art market operates within a largely unregulated “gray market,” which is often used for money laundering purposes.
16. Academia: Academia is riddled with corruption and shady practices. Adjunct professors are poorly paid, and the use of adjuncts has become increasingly common. Tenure and the politics within elite institutions can be oppressive. Additionally, federally subsidized student loans have led to exponentially rising tuition costs and crushing student debt. Athletics within academia also suffer from inflated salaries for coaches and the exploitation of graduate students.
17. Maritime Industry: While larger maritime companies tend to follow regulations and prioritize crew well-being to avoid legal issues and unions, smaller companies often break laws and violate safety regulations to increase profits. These companies may pressure captains and crew members to engage in illegal and dangerous activities out of fear of losing their jobs. Additionally, sailors from poorer nations who work on ships often endure poor living conditions and receive low pay.
These responses shed light on various industries that engage in shady practices, challenging our assumptions about their operations.
