Neoliberalism is an idea that was used to reform the market or economic policies which profoundly influenced and affected the economy of the world, especially through austerity and privatization (Elomäki and Kantola 2018). Neoliberalism is accompanied by deregulation of financial markets, free-market trade, privatization, free trades, the shift away from the state welfare provision and individualization (Elomäki and Kantola 2018). This reform policy has a connection to the economic problems arising in our modern world. The exploitation of human rights and gender inequality are the most prevalent challenges that the people of the United States are facing and the world as a whole (Elomäki and Kantola 2018). However, different conflicts have arisen from various stakeholders about the idea of neoliberalism. The differing conflicts are portrayed in several documentaries that show the effects of neoliberalism and the exploitation of human rights. Made in L.A. is one of the films that feature neoliberalism.
Made in L.A. film is a documentary that features three Latino women, Lupe, Maria, and Maura who are migrants in the United States. These three women work in a trendy retailer 21, which is a private company, and the largest clothing industry in the United States (Garcia 2014). Maria, Lupe, and Maura show a connection of hardships and struggles that bond them together. Maria and Maura both have children whom they left behind due to the search for a better life and income so that they can be able to give provisions to their children and family. On the other hand, Lupe is a single lady who learned survival skills at a very young age and is looking for a better life (Garcia 2014). The documentary shows the struggle and hardship they are going through working in Forever 21 shop.
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A better life was the most important thing that the women wanted and were the reason for their great exodus in the United States. However, the mistreatment and violations of their rights were not one of the things that they expected in their search for a better life. Low payment, extra-long hours and bad working conditions are the most violated rights of the three women and the other Latinos’ immigrants (Garcia 2014). The three women and the other Latinos decided to join hands and campaign for their rights with the help of the L.A. Garment Worker Center, which was an advocacy faction. In this case, it is evident that sweatshops are still present, active, and they exist in the United States, and they should be a great concern to the citizens of America.
As per the film, several reasons force women to accept and work in such environments. These factors contribute to the struggles and hardships that drive them to take such jobs. Poverty, family violence and uncertainties such as being an orphan are the most factors that force women to work in such areas. In most cases, the famous people who end up working in sweatshops are the low-income people who are finding ways to feed their families. For instance, Maria’s domestic abuse and inferior working environments left her struggling for the future of her children future and her human self-worth (Garcia 2014). The situation forced her to accept the job in the first place since it is the fuel that makes her continue working in such an environment.
In conclusion, neoliberalism has greatly affected the economic world today, which was a reform policy due to globalization. This reform policy in the market world is one of the causes of human rights exploitation by companies that are privately owned as they are favored by neoliberalism. The people and workers who are violated are mainly women as they are said to be the weaker gender. Protests and campaigns have been carried out by such women; however, they are all in vain. In this case, there needs to be someone who can stand in the gap for such people and help them make a change.
References
Elomäki A., Kantola J. (2018). Theorizing Feminist Struggles in the Triangle of Neoliberalism, Conservatism, and Nationalism. Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society , 25, ( 3), 337–360.
Garcia J. (2014, February 14). Made in L.A [Online Video File]. YouTube . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7pgYxzxivk
