"Isolation is a blunder." This seems to be the theme of Jane Addams The Settlement as a Factor in the Labor Movement writing. She expresses many time the importance of working together and looking out for one another in the workplace. "The social injury of the meanest man not only becomes its concern, but by virtue of its very locality it has put itself into a position to see, as no one but a neighbor can see, the stress and need of those who bear the brunt of social justice." I thought this was a perfect summary of what Addams is trying to tell the people. Basically, we are unable to see and feel the harsh working conditions of those below us until we are next to them. This is also important because she's sharing the importance of our self-awareness of those around us. I think this code of ethics she speaks of was born at this time and sets a necessary example in the workplace today. Without our code of ethics we would be working in the same harsh conditions today. "The labor movement may be called a concerted effort among the workers in all trades to obtain a more equitable distribution of the product, and to secure a more orderly existence for the laborers." The power of people working as a group cannot be underestimated. In order for them to see a fair work environment then and now people needed realize the potential they had when they came together. Going back to her "isolation is a blunder" quote, we are able to understand the emphasis she puts on this throughout this writing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpuZgfB_yQI
I choose this clip because even though its focus is on politics, it relates to the things Jane Addams was talking about. Sticking together as a group for fairness and equality. Groups are more powerful than the individual. Being informed is key; understanding your rights and options.
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