The film showed a very negative impact of globalization and
the spreading out of Western corporations. As one of the women said, “Under
globalization, a woman is like a commodity, and if she’s not good she has less
value…” It was hard to watch the lives that these female workers and many
single mothers, but it was a much-needed look into the corporate takeover of
the unskilled labor. As another women said, “Globalization in Tijuana has
turned to exploiting unskilled workers, similar to plantations.” The workers
are pulled in with the promise of higher wages than any other jobs in the labor
force. Corporations from America outsource jobs to places like Mexico where the
workers can be paid much less than those in America.
The
cost for the workers is much worse. First, there are the health problems (nose
bleeds, kidney trouble, rashes, sores, etc), which arise from the constant
pollution being pumped directly into the streams and rivers in the surrounding
communities. Furthermore, the jobs are not necessarily stable. As the women in
the movie discussed, many companies have moved their factories to places like
Indonesia, where the labor is even cheaper. Additionally, severance paid to
laid off workers is commonly left unpaid and pending cases filed by workers can
last a long time, draining their will and finances to continue the fight. The
factories that have left rarely clean up their factories waste, further
polluting the area. Altogether, these are very corrupt operations. Unions
usually serve the interests of the corporation that pays its members, or there
is no union at all. Government is corrupted by international organizations as well. Corporate powers decide the future of these workers whom they have never even met in person.
Many
of the actions taken by the women and local organizations and government were
small steps but they have definitely had an impact in promoting further change.
“Group Factor X” is a women’s labor rights movement promoting the enforcement
of fair laws and engaging others in learning information about their rights as
workers. I really liked how they saw themselves as students becoming teachers, because
it spoke to how this information is spreading. It may not be through technology
and social media sights, but seeing women empowered as they are today is in
deep contrast to how these workers would have been seen years ago. The most
important thing is that the knowledge is getting out there. Now that we are all more
aware of the issue, even we can become teachers, which is pretty incredible
when you think about it.
The
movie really showed the lack of consideration that is given to workers who are
in need of jobs and are easily taken advantage of. Does the movie show that
globalization is necessarily bad? I don’t think so. Corporations have definitely
been able to spread their power and control but I think
that the women in the movie were able to work against the negative impact
because of globalization as well. They formed local networks of workers and
took steps to make changes in their communities. This also sends a message
beyond just their small town, especially considering their message has been
made into a documentary. For once, it seems these forgotten workers’ voices are
now being heard by students like us as well as people who can challenge
corporations right in their own country. I don’t know if most who watch the
film will be pushed to act, but it is definitely getting into the
consciousnesses of more and more people.
It
seems that globalization is not all good or all bad. It must be kept in check
and monitored. If one player, like a corporation, has too much say it is the
job of the workers and those on the outside to stand up for their rights. It’s
not necessarily easy, but that is the cost it seems for becoming a more
connected world.
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