I learned something today (from @wrenispinkle.bsky.socialwww.npr.org/sections/the...
In 1964, a program that brought migrant Mexican laborers to the U.S. ended. So the U.S. recruited American students to pick crops instead. When they saw their living conditions, strikes ensued.
One of my duties when I worked for the California Labor Commissioner involved driving out to El Centro and visiting farm workers to ensure they were being provided adequate shade, rest breaks, and pay. They tolerated my elementary Spanish, and I got to see the skill involved in what they did
Ha! We would all starve to death if this was tried today.
I feel two "Kevin Bacons" removed from this. Back in the '00s, as a Cal State instructor, I had a white student who talked about his work in the orchards. His dad had apparently done this work and wanted him to experience it too.
Didn’t a national republican pitch this very idea within the last week? Not kidding. I googled it and couldn’t find the story, but i swear they just floated this ridiculous idea recently. Thanks for sharing the story would have liked to see the movie!
Oh, yeah. Teen in the 80s, and picking strawberries was the summer job if you didn't get fast food.
My dad was one of those students. They were bussed from thier suburban high school and worked the strawberry fields.
My parents made me take a summer job picking berries when I was in high school. I didn't fully understand why until I was adult enough to appreciate the lesson. If you do brutal, back breaking work even once in your life, you will NEVER denigrate those who do it every day and don't have a choice.