I agree. I don’t know what the author is in about. At least it’s not the way they express it. As you said, crap _is_ found anywhere there are active markets: North America, Asia, South Asia, Africa, etc. you can find crap everywhere due to globalism.

But... as you point out, it doesn’t have to be. You can buy quality items that are 2 to four times the cost of crappy ones, they last longer, are usually made with better materials and are designed and constructed better —be they designed locally or abroad and manufactured locally or abroad. You have a choice. Many people choose the cheapest crap that make used car salesman’s leisure suits look like they are of unequaled quality.

But not everyone buys the crap option.

If you buy too much crap it’s because people aren’t discriminating and aren’t in control of their discretionary spending.