Feeding a Crowd

Steve Striffler readings on labor in poultry

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  1. I was surprised by Striffler’s comment about how the line workers had a lot of pride for their jobs. They hated their jobs, but the jobs also meant something much more to them.
  2. One part that stood out to be is when Striffler talks about how the mechanization and efficiency of the factory removes skill and control from the workers. The jobs actually become harder - physically more draining - and less rewarding when there's no room for skill or decision making.
  3. This reading was quite interesting because it went in great detail and information on the whole Tyson foods operation and how they handle business. I liked the term he brought up “transnationalism”, which is a need to see culture not just in terms of cultural differences, but in terms if class formation. I believe we live in a society where we see culture as a cultural difference than as a form of class formation or the mixing of the two. I think that we in society is so quick to classify and point out cultural differences that we don’t stop and take a look at what else might be the issue or problem besides ones cultural values and differences from one another. Learning more about someone’s class and social formation will help you inquire a better understanding of their cultural differences and traditions.
  4. This reminds me of the struggle today and how much of the food labor force is comprised of immigrants who are working to make their lives better, but are not granted the same rights as workers with citizenship. It seems that Tyson is making much more money off of the workers than they are paying them, as there is a wait list to have a chance to work there for a day.
  5. I loved the perspective shared in this piece. Every part of the Tyson manufacturing process, from the ease of hiring, to the break room sign banning political discussions, to the divides between workers in management paint a picture of how Tyson sees its non-managerial employees as little more than parts in their chicken machine. I think the chicken plant is ripe for revolution - and is in dire need of a union.

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