Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of mistakes, some, through no fault of our own.

We procrastinate on homework, we arrive to class late, and we forget important dates.

These types of mistakes we usually have control over.

But did you know, if you shop at retail giant Forever 21 you are indirectly supporting a business that produces its customer-grabbing products in sweatshops that pay its workers less than half of the state minimum wage?

It’s true, according to a story first reported by the Los Angeles Times, Forever 21, like many other retail stores including Ross and TJ Maxx, are all guilty of manufacturing its clothing in those type of factories throughout Southern California.

Now, let’s get humanitarian for a moment, of course this is wrong and this type of practice should not have a place in any type of business.

Paying your workers $4 an hour for any type of work is one of the most unfair things you can do as a business person. It’s messed up, plain and simple.

However — I would bet that there are individuals out there who, if found out about the story of their favorite businesses resorting to this sort of tactic, would turn the other cheek and continue to shop there.

Why? Ignorance is bliss I suppose, but it’s more than just wanting to turn the other cheek and not wanting to do anything about the situation. When you’re a broke college student attending school full-time and juggling a part-time job on the side, you do not have the financial means to be humanitarian. You’re broke and you’re not alone.

With that said, would I skip out on a deal to rock a sleek, new shirt just because of how and where it was made? It honestly depends on how I’m feeling and what my budget looks like.

I am a “broke” college student and have been guilty of purchasing products at these retailers myself.

If I had a magic debit card with unlimited funds, nine times out of ten I would pass on the morally incorrect jacket that was produced in a sweatshop and opt for the nicer, designer jacket that could be made by heaven itself.

Sadly, such a debit card doesn’t exist; so it almost turns into a no-brainer of which product to choose. We’re going with the cheaper bomber jacket, guaranteed.

That does not make us any less of human if our budget only supports the cheaper, tainted brand. It’s called being resourceful.

I’m not saying it’s right, I am just saying shopping at Forever 21 is justifiable; even with the circumstances at hand.