Schmatta

http://www.blowbackproductions.com/schmatta.shtml


I just sat here and cried. I just watched this documentary and I implore you to take some time out and watch it also. It's about the history of the garment industry in New York. It's about labor and politics. It's about families. The people who came here with a dream. Unions. WORK. People who took pride in their trade. Many of the men in this movie reminded me of my father. He was a plant manager of a thriving shoe factory when I was little. I remember being a little girl and going on Saturday's with my dad to work. I would sit in his office and write down numbers on a tag and than put the tags on the shoes. The smells and sounds of a big factory impressed me. My father cried when he gave out the pink slips. I was 11. The factory closed. I remember him sitting at our dining room table shaking his head and telling me, "If it's not made in America, don't you ever buy it" I solemly nodded my head, feeling that it was something very important. It was and I never forgot it. The men and women in this documentary brought me back to my childhood. When every grown-up I knew had a job. They worked for one company their entire life and retired, usually in Florida. One elderly woman in this documentary summed it up in one sentence.."A man needs to work"....I agree. How many of you grew up with the jingle "Look for the union label?" My coffee is now too cold and I am going to reheat it. Take some time out and watch this documentary. Peace!