Gabby's Guide to Changing America's Labor System

 Hello everyone! 

     I would like for you all to think back to when you were in kindergarten and your parents and teachers asked you what you wanted to do when you grow up. Many of us may have said careers such as being a nurse or firefighter. But don't you think it is odd that from the age of 5, we are taught that our entire identity is the career we choose? The reason I bring this up is that American culture has indoctrinated us from a young age to take pride and be passionate in our careers. Though that is not necessarily a bad thing, the purpose of life is to not work your life away either and there is much more to who a person is than what they do for a living. I am choosing to write about this topic because fighting for working fewer hours and more rights for workers in the United States is something I am passionate about. I also will officially have my degree in sociology (as well as marketing) in one month so learning a lot about the labor movement and society really changed my perspective on the idea of the "American Dream." 

     The basic definition of the American Dream is if you work hard, you will be successful and all your dreams will come true. Of course, the American Dream can mean something else to others but that is the basic idea of it. But what many of us are starting to realize is that this is not the case for most people. Of course, hard work can pay off but there are so many other factors not talked about such as racism, sexism, economic inequalities, and so many other institutional factors that do not allow many people to be able to live their dream. The American Dream originated from the standard white heteronormative family having the "perfect" life and never included people of color, to begin with. 

   

    Even 100 years ago workers were fighting for fewer hours, more pay, and better working conditions and things have not changed as much as people think. The fact that people can work 40 hours a week and still not be able to provide for their family is the fault of the system and not the person themselves for the most part. It is time for Americans to stop playing into the culture of working more makes you a harder worker and better in some way when everyone deserves leisure time and a fair wage. I believe shifting to a 32-hour work week with higher wages should be the bare minimum. Families deserve to actually have a life and spend time with their family rather than working their lives away. Anyone who thinks this is impossible is simply wrong because several countries have implemented the 4-day work week such as Iceland and are having tremendous success with it. The second step besides having workers work less is providing them with universal healthcare. My mom is from Sweden and I would visit every year and learning about all the amazing ways Sweden treats their citizens made me resent America. Having free healthcare, 6 weeks paid vacation, 1 year paid of maternal leave, and the list goes on forever of so many things that we don't have. Americans have been brainwashed into thinking that universal healthcare or paid vacation is impossible but with that kind of mindset, it may as well be. 

     When I think of my American Dream, I think of working less and making more, being able to live comfortably and be happy. But for most Americans, that dream stays a dream because they were never given a true chance and the system will blame them for it and take no accountability. It is time that we stand up to the system and fight for a new American Dream that allows us to actually have a chance in life.