Today Professor Dorian Warren provided insight into the plight of the American labor force. The success of democracy is closely linked to the strength and empowerment of labor movements. In the United States there seems to be a gap between labor unions and the actual labor force. Workers are mis-(if not under)represented and disempowered. Professor Warren spoke passionately about the wide spread ramifications of a workplace that lacks freedom. This break down of the labor movement has added to the class gap and economic inequality that the U.S. is currently experiencing.
Professor Warren spoke on the role of social movements in the United States and the importance that they play in creating a just democracy. He made a compelling comparison between the current Occupy Wall Street and the socio-political movements after the great depression. During the 1930’s the American Public suffered from severe inequality, lack of representation and a disintegration of the labor force. However, these issues were addressed using progressive (dare I say revolutionary) policy known as the New Deal. Using the success of President Roosevelt’s New Deal as a model, he urged all of us to think critically about current issues. Students have the capacity to exert pressure and influence over our political process. The professor made it clear there is a wide disconnect between those who believe in the American Dream and those who live in American Reality.
I really enjoyed Professor Warren’s insight. I could not help but agree with him. While many of us go around praising democracy and democratic values, we fail to see how much of those ideals are missing in everyday life. Organized people are the key to effective change.
He brought up a quote that I wish to share with those that did not attend: “All my life I’ve been sick and tired. Now I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” The quote was from Fannie Lou Hamer – research her if you have the time. Regardless, this is what I understood from this:
If we are sick and tired, stand up and call for action! I would hope that we, as students and as civic participants, exhaust all possible ideas and action plans when addressing a cause and issue BEFORE we mention the notion of “tired.”