American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
Shannon, Wally, and John centered their lives around their work at the Rexnord manufacturing plant in Indianapolis. Shannon, a white single mother, became the first woman to operate the factory's hazardous furnaces, taking pride in producing top-quality steel bearings. Wally, a kind-hearted black man, was promoted to chairman of efficiency, a highly sought-after role, while dreaming of starting his own barbecue business. John, a white machine operator from a union family, faced a hostile work environment increasingly opposed to organized labor. The Rexnord factory had been a vital economic engine for the community, but its closure left hundreds jobless. The narrative explores the lives of Shannon, Wally, and John before and after the factory's relocation to Mexico and Texas. It delves into the struggles of individuals and their community to reinvent themselves, highlighting themes of race, class, and American values. The story emphasizes the significance of jobs as foundational to people's lives and their role in social justice movements. Set against a backdrop of rising joblessness and uncertainty about the future of work, it ultimately reflects on the dignity of work and the essence of community identity.
