Discussion 8

There have been so many unfortunate incidences that has occurred in the United States of America, however, the event of the triangle shirtwaist factory deeply affected so many lives. This happened during the early 20th Century. This happened during a time when work conditions were over strict. In a clothing factory, where over a hundred people worked and mostly young immigrants, with a bare minimum pay rate that could not really hold up their living expenses. Working for countless hours, in a very hot and bad environments for humans. They could not take break after working for hours, they would be locked inside the factories with no food or water. During those times, and even now having rights in the workplace was like asking for gold, it was considered too much and, in some cases, even disrespectful. This and many more factors contributed to the undisputable fire outbreak that cause the beginning of a new movement and end many young lives. The Factory had a back door, but it was said that supervisors locked the doors to prevent unnecessary breaks and also to prevent “theft”. When the fire built up, there were no sensors to make it known that there was danger, no sprinklers to reduce the severity of the danger before them. So, when the disaster happened, the women had no way of escaping, they could not just jump because their factory and department was stories high. In that sense, many women ended getting consumed by the fire. Indeed, others ended up jumping because they wanted their families and loved ones to at least have their bodies to bury. It was rumored that on-lookers who were unsure of what was happening thought a pile of clothes were falling but were densely petrified when they realized they were people who were dropping down from the building. This occurrence sparked a lot of anger amongst the public, which then proceeded into series of protest. The people were furious, and they had enough of the cruel working conditions and outrageous setting that ended so many lives. They marched and tussled till their voices were heard. They reformed the amendments for good wages and for less harsh treatments at their jobs. 

However, almost a century later, a similar case ensured in Bangladesh, a country located in the Eastern part of Asia. It was like the perfect reincarnation of the Triangle Shirtwaist incidence. Again, workers were locked up and not paid well, again the factory was on fire and again people jumped from the long feet building, so their families and loved ones would have their bodies to bury.  

4 thoughts on “Discussion 8

  1. Orvana Williams

    Hi Salima,
    I’d agree with you here, factory working conditions were frequently harsh. The days were long, averaging ten to twelve hours every day. Working conditions were frequently hazardous, resulting in fatal accidents. For the sake of efficiency, tasks were frequently separated, resulting in repetitious and monotonous work for employees.

  2. Aleah Alamo

    Hi Salima,
    I also agree with you that factory working conditions were very harsh. the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire is a perfect example of what those kinds of working conditions can lead to. So many preventable deaths that were overlooked because of corruption and neglect. Your mentioning of a recent similar case in Bangladesh is very impactful. Another preventable tragedy that shows this issue is still prevalent and needs to be addressed.

  3. Nia Brown

    Hi Salima,
    I also agree with you about the conditions in factories. I find that the employers in both cases had no regard for human life because of how they locked the doors so materials would not go missing. I find that to be very selfish.

  4. Dylan Dong

    Hi Salima!
    you’re right, this cycle has not ended yet. despite after each incident we all shake our heads and say ‘never again.” What stood out to me most is the fact that the bosses keep the doors locked on them to prevent theft . This is just a testament to how much more they value money over human lives. Under today’s capitalism, we don’t have much difference. BUT what we do have nowadays are labor unions

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