Documentary film Made in L.A. (2007) reveals an uncomfortable truth about the sweatshop industry in Los Angeles, capturing the lives of three Latina immigrants whose fight brings justice to the garment workers producing clothing for major retailer Forever 21. The film gives viewers an intimate look into the lives of Lupe Hernandez, Maria Pineda, and Maura Colorado letting us also celebrate their victorious win after a three-year-long boycott of the garment industry and pending lawsuit against Forever 21.
Unlike the many documentaries produced each year, Director and Producer Almudena Carracedo was able to convey a very clear message about human rights, rather than impose an opinion on an uniformed audience. It is apparent that these women, along with many other illegal immigrants, have been exploited and taken advantage of by garment industries that pay them far less than minimum wage and degrade their dignity as humans.
The fact that the documentary is almost entirely in Spanish further aids the understanding of where these women have come from and who they are. Subtitles are provided, however, as the documentary progresses you find that you have stopped reading them so carefully and focused more on the emotions these women feel.
The camera predominantly films the characters from a medium-long shot which seems like their lives and experiences unfold right before our eyes in a non-invasive way.
Just by simply taking a look into their lives we see Lupe Hernandez, originally from Mexico City, and Maria Pineda along with Maura Colorado who immigrated from El Salvador, transform from quiet, struggling women into powerful, fearless representatives of a widely oppressed population of exploited people. The courageous act of these women are inspiring for all. As an audience, we respect them completely for fighting and bearing their personal lives as they could easily be deported or blacklisted from future employers.
By learning about their rights from a small Garment Workers Center in Los Angeles, these women along with many others learn that if they stick together and fight for their rights, the system will crumble. However, by boycotting their jobs they are forced to look for other means to survive. We may wonder how these people are providing for themselves and maintain their homes and families. Here, the director fails to address how survival is possible during a boycott.
This documentary is able to convey a very clear message about human rights while showing the daily struggle of these immigrants who live in fear that they cannot provide for their families. They are humans just like legal U.S. citizens who deserve the right to be treated fairly in and outside of work. The cameras follow a particular strike in which the protestors stand outside of a Forever 21, in hopes of persuading others not to shop in the store. One scene in particular stands out when a woman looks at a garment she’s sewn in the window of a Forever 21. The garment sells for at least twenty dollars, when she received nineteen cents to make it.
Though the only commentary from a Forever 21 representative came from an Assistant Manager, holding a McDonalds cup in her hand, admitting that she “had no idea” Forever 21 exploited their workers, the documentary does capture the nature of Forever 21 C.E.O, Don Chang. After a protest at Chang’s home in Beverly Hills, he is filmed getting in a Range Rover and driving away, failing to address or comment on the strike. Shortly after this strike, we learn that he has filed a charge of libel against the protestors and the Center, something many big corporations do to intimidate others out of their lawsuits.
After a strenuous boycott, endless protesting, and lawsuit, the garment workers finally win when Forever 21 settles the case, instituting minimum wage and fair labor regulations for its workers. Hernandez, Pineda, and Colorado are all ecstatic along with the rest of the workers, we too partake in their victory. But, the end is bittersweet as we learn that much of the garment production ceases to exist in Los Angeles and Forever 21 moves their production to third world countries.
This film exposed an awful truth that many of us fail to recognize because the topic is widely absent from the media. Unfortunately, people will still continue to shop at retail stores like Forever 21 who exploit their workers because this issue does not directly affect them. For those who have seen the film, simply remembering one of the women whose life was directly influenced by the garment industry may stop them from shopping there all together.
My rating: ****
Rating Scale:
* Not good
** Interesting
*** A little more fascinating, but so what?
**** Wow, I didn’t know that!
***** Completely informative with views of the other side
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
“Yea, e-a, e-a, e-a, Dunder Mifflin is a part of Sabre”
If you’re up for a good laugh, then tune into NBC’s “The Office” to watch the hilariously sarcastic cast make a parody of everyday life. With an unconventional office atmosphere that promotes the throwing of scissors, misuse of office equipment, and relaxed relationship between employees and management, “The Office” pokes fun at the typical day job of many Americans. From flirty office relationships, to the routine day in a cubicle, this show covers it all.
Last weeks episode “Sabre” addressed the current economic situation affecting many Americans with a comedic twist. The infamous Dunder Mifflin paper company has been bought by an electronic company called Sabre run by Kathy Bates’s character, due to the fact that most branches are going under. Michael (Steve Carell) finds that his staff are unhappy with the changes that Sabre has brought to Dunder Mifflin.
It all begins with the arrival of a package which Michael anxiously opens, not realizing it is not addressed to him. Along with the help of office workers Pam (Jenna Fischer), Dwight (Rainn Wilson), and assistant manager Jim (John Krasinski) they manage to tape the box back together. Just as Michael is promoting the “great team-work” of his employees, they hear a cell phone ring. It’s in the box. It’s hard to hold back a laugh at the stupidity of a company manager who can’t even complete a simple task.
Upon the arrival of a Sabre representative, two employees of Dunder Mifflin prepare a song to the beat of Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA,” in which they mispronounce Sabre for “Sab-ray,” ruining the overall fluidity of the song when they are corrected half way through. This scene provokes laughter and a bit of sympathy from the audience as we watch them struggle through the rest of the song, making them look incompetent.
Expecting parents Jenna and Jim have more on their mind than the office. In pursuits of finding the perfect day care for their expected child, they encounter an arrogant headmaster. Like most parents who just want the best for their kids, this scene shows the competitive nature of the day care industry. The anticipation of their baby keeps viewers interested in future episodes of “The Office.”
Audiences may wonder, what exactly do they do at Dunder Mifflin? Work seems to be the last thing the employees execute. The television show serves as a relief for the many Americans who work in an office, in retail, or management through the humorous situations employees of Dunder Mifflin encounter, that we too may have experienced. With “reality-type” filming, one-on-one conversations, and character eye contact with the camera, the show almost invites you into their world.
Dunder Mifflin must conform to the new rules of Sabre when company manager Michael realizes there is nothing he can do. Much like the real world today, many companies are bought by larger ones because they cannot financially survive. Employees must adhere to new company policies and regulations. “The Office” recognizes that, so why not address it with comedy? If you can appreciate abrupt scene changes, an unclear plot line, and comedy without fake laugher, then this show might grab a few laughs. The work place situations that leave us stressed, irritated, and exhausted are mocked in this satire that airs every Thursday night on NBC at 9/8 Central.
My Rating: ****
*- Dull/Boring
**-Held my attention
***- Forced a few laughs
****- Easy to follow and funny
*****- Overall comedic genius
Last weeks episode “Sabre” addressed the current economic situation affecting many Americans with a comedic twist. The infamous Dunder Mifflin paper company has been bought by an electronic company called Sabre run by Kathy Bates’s character, due to the fact that most branches are going under. Michael (Steve Carell) finds that his staff are unhappy with the changes that Sabre has brought to Dunder Mifflin.
It all begins with the arrival of a package which Michael anxiously opens, not realizing it is not addressed to him. Along with the help of office workers Pam (Jenna Fischer), Dwight (Rainn Wilson), and assistant manager Jim (John Krasinski) they manage to tape the box back together. Just as Michael is promoting the “great team-work” of his employees, they hear a cell phone ring. It’s in the box. It’s hard to hold back a laugh at the stupidity of a company manager who can’t even complete a simple task.
Upon the arrival of a Sabre representative, two employees of Dunder Mifflin prepare a song to the beat of Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA,” in which they mispronounce Sabre for “Sab-ray,” ruining the overall fluidity of the song when they are corrected half way through. This scene provokes laughter and a bit of sympathy from the audience as we watch them struggle through the rest of the song, making them look incompetent.
Expecting parents Jenna and Jim have more on their mind than the office. In pursuits of finding the perfect day care for their expected child, they encounter an arrogant headmaster. Like most parents who just want the best for their kids, this scene shows the competitive nature of the day care industry. The anticipation of their baby keeps viewers interested in future episodes of “The Office.”
Audiences may wonder, what exactly do they do at Dunder Mifflin? Work seems to be the last thing the employees execute. The television show serves as a relief for the many Americans who work in an office, in retail, or management through the humorous situations employees of Dunder Mifflin encounter, that we too may have experienced. With “reality-type” filming, one-on-one conversations, and character eye contact with the camera, the show almost invites you into their world.
Dunder Mifflin must conform to the new rules of Sabre when company manager Michael realizes there is nothing he can do. Much like the real world today, many companies are bought by larger ones because they cannot financially survive. Employees must adhere to new company policies and regulations. “The Office” recognizes that, so why not address it with comedy? If you can appreciate abrupt scene changes, an unclear plot line, and comedy without fake laugher, then this show might grab a few laughs. The work place situations that leave us stressed, irritated, and exhausted are mocked in this satire that airs every Thursday night on NBC at 9/8 Central.
My Rating: ****
*- Dull/Boring
**-Held my attention
***- Forced a few laughs
****- Easy to follow and funny
*****- Overall comedic genius
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Axum Yum Yum- Restaurant Review
If you have an insatiable appetite for Ethiopian food or even a slight curiosity to try it, Axum Cafe will satisfy your taste buds. With a moderate amount of authentic Ethiopian spices, these select cuts of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes are worth the twenty dollar bill. This small restaurant located on lower Haight street draws in older and younger crowds who share an appreciation for the exceptional cuisine.
Unlike many places where the menu is full of options, leaving you distraught in deciding what to order, Axum provides a brief, yet concise description of each meat and vegetarian entrée. The level of spice is comprehensive and the cuts of beef, marinated chicken, lamb, fish, shrimp, and assorted veggies are explained adequately. No forks are needed here, as it is custom to eat the dish with injera, a sour, sponge-like bread. Ask for a fork? You might get some stares.
Don’t expect extraordinary service, the one server responsible for every customer did not seem to be interested in wowing anyone with assistance. Though he was attentive enough to refill water, he failed to the mention the ample list of drinks offered. The menu provides white and red wines, beer, tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, and milk which are helpful in taming the spicy food, but you have to find that out for yourself.
With dim lighting and low music, Axum Cafe is not a place where you have to scream over the noise to hear your neighbor, the setting is rather intimate. While waiting for your food, one can’t help but notice the tasteful décor. Above each table that seats four, hang traditionally decorated Ethiopian chandeliers with a red fringe. The surrounding walls are painted yellow and are decorated with several paintings. Above the bar, hangs a clock and a traditional Ethiopian fly swatter made of horsetail. The only sign of technology here is the small plasma that hangs from the corner, otherwise the restaurant maintains its festive appearance.
The cooked-to-perfection food is served on a large platter in the center of the table family style, so it is wise to order two or more entrees. The first bite leaves you believing you may want to order more, but the combination of the injera and meat and/or veggies will fill a hungry stomach. Taking a drink between bites, of something besides water, is suggested for those who do not fancy spice. You may find silence as those engorged in eating cannot stop for conversation. As a connoisseur of traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean food, I must say that I am impressed.
Surrounded in a hub of restaurants on one of San Francisco’s busiest streets, laid back, Axum Café is not to be overlooked. The restaurant’s name stems from the Axumite Empire in one of Ethiopia’s most ancient cities and is significant for the early foundations of the Orthodox Church. If you are unsure of what Axum looks like there are an array of pictures around the restaurant, and one even sits on the window sill for curious passerby’s.
Overall, the quality of food is superb. The menu offers a wide variety of options for meat lovers and vegetarians. The drink list provides both Ethiopian and American beverages to quench the average thirst or to conquer a spicy dish. The service is okay, perhaps another visit may persuade a change of opinion.
My rating:
Food: *****
Overall: ****
Axum Cafe
698 Haight Street (at Pierce)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 252-7912
Open Monday through Friday: 5:30pm-10:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12:30pm-10:00pm
Accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover
Price: $15-$20
(Restroom available)
Rating:
None, horrendous, bad, satisfactory, great, exceptional
-,*, **, ***, ****, *****
Unlike many places where the menu is full of options, leaving you distraught in deciding what to order, Axum provides a brief, yet concise description of each meat and vegetarian entrée. The level of spice is comprehensive and the cuts of beef, marinated chicken, lamb, fish, shrimp, and assorted veggies are explained adequately. No forks are needed here, as it is custom to eat the dish with injera, a sour, sponge-like bread. Ask for a fork? You might get some stares.
Don’t expect extraordinary service, the one server responsible for every customer did not seem to be interested in wowing anyone with assistance. Though he was attentive enough to refill water, he failed to the mention the ample list of drinks offered. The menu provides white and red wines, beer, tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, and milk which are helpful in taming the spicy food, but you have to find that out for yourself.
With dim lighting and low music, Axum Cafe is not a place where you have to scream over the noise to hear your neighbor, the setting is rather intimate. While waiting for your food, one can’t help but notice the tasteful décor. Above each table that seats four, hang traditionally decorated Ethiopian chandeliers with a red fringe. The surrounding walls are painted yellow and are decorated with several paintings. Above the bar, hangs a clock and a traditional Ethiopian fly swatter made of horsetail. The only sign of technology here is the small plasma that hangs from the corner, otherwise the restaurant maintains its festive appearance.
The cooked-to-perfection food is served on a large platter in the center of the table family style, so it is wise to order two or more entrees. The first bite leaves you believing you may want to order more, but the combination of the injera and meat and/or veggies will fill a hungry stomach. Taking a drink between bites, of something besides water, is suggested for those who do not fancy spice. You may find silence as those engorged in eating cannot stop for conversation. As a connoisseur of traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean food, I must say that I am impressed.
Surrounded in a hub of restaurants on one of San Francisco’s busiest streets, laid back, Axum Café is not to be overlooked. The restaurant’s name stems from the Axumite Empire in one of Ethiopia’s most ancient cities and is significant for the early foundations of the Orthodox Church. If you are unsure of what Axum looks like there are an array of pictures around the restaurant, and one even sits on the window sill for curious passerby’s.
Overall, the quality of food is superb. The menu offers a wide variety of options for meat lovers and vegetarians. The drink list provides both Ethiopian and American beverages to quench the average thirst or to conquer a spicy dish. The service is okay, perhaps another visit may persuade a change of opinion.
My rating:
Food: *****
Overall: ****
Axum Cafe
698 Haight Street (at Pierce)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 252-7912
Open Monday through Friday: 5:30pm-10:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12:30pm-10:00pm
Accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover
Price: $15-$20
(Restroom available)
Rating:
None, horrendous, bad, satisfactory, great, exceptional
-,*, **, ***, ****, *****
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)