Forever 21 Boycott

In Spanish IV, both yesterday and today, we watched a video about immigrants working in the garment factories of Los Angeles, California. The workers complained that they were being treated unfairly and the working conditions were inhumane. They were making clothing for the company, Forever 21, working twelve hours a day with very little pay, if any at all. One woman made a thirteen dollar shirt but only got paid nineteen cents in return. Many workers were not even making  minimum wage and did not get paid for working overtime. These immigrants thought that by coming to the United States, they would live a better life and provide a better future for their children. They ask for nothing more than to care for their families, but they cannot even accomplish this.

Finally, the workers decided to take a stand. They went to a community center where they were reminded that they had rights and did not have to put up with such injustice. The garment factory workers went on strike and formed protests, boycotting Forever 21 for months and months to no avail. Still, after more than a year had passed, nothing had been accomplished. People had given up hope. They were tired of shouting through mega phones and losing their voices, hearing rude comments from other people on the streets, and being ignored. Letters were written to the headquarters of Forever 21 and its president, but the only response was that Forever 21 had no proof that these people were working for their company. The workers even went to the president of the company's home to protest but the man ignored them and drove off. Even when the case was brought court, the trial was dismissed.

After over a year of working to end the mistreatment through protests, boycotts, and trials, an agreement was finally reached. The workers went back to their jobs in the garment factories, but this time with fair working conditions and pay. The work day was shortened to eight hours instead of twelve and they actually were paid for overtime. One woman finally was able to care for her children, knowing now that all her efforts were not made in vain.

I personally had mixed feelings about this video. It was rather depressing to watch and a lot of the things in it angered me. At the same time it bothered me a little at the end of the video when one woman said she now going to apply for American citizenship, implying she was an illegal immigrant. I am fine with legal immigration, but I am not fine with illegal immigration. I can see why people come here illegally when they are in danger and need to provide for their families, but I do not think it is fair that they should be able to come here without waiting in line just like everyone else who wants to become an American citizen. Like I mentioned, I have mixed feelings. By no means am I saying they deserved to be treated the way they were. Absolutely not! The way they were treated was utterly despicable. All I am saying is I do not approve of illegal immigration in most cases.