Norma Rae

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how Crystal Lee Sutton, known as Norma Rae, was able to organize a union under a sexist, oppressive mentality and fight a corporate giant that was impeding on her right to a safe, fair working environment. The paper shows how this poor, working class woman led people to better lives and paved the way for many oppressed groups or individuals to not allow anyone, regardless of money or power, trample on their rights.

From the Paper:

"Oppression is a frightening term to many people. Cowering behind a newspaper or attempting to change the subject is the usual reaction when it is brought up. The meaning of oppression shatters the fantasy of a perfect society. Within our own country discrimination, sexism, and racism happen every day. Only the very few, strong and motivated, can overcome this and motivate others to fight for their human rights.
"Crystal Lee Sutton, or as known to all as Norma Rae from the blockbuster movie of the same title, was able to bend the barriers of her situation and lead people to better lives. Growing up in the South as a poor, uneducated textile worker there was stigma attached to her. Not only her, but also all the others in the small town that were uneducated, working for a steady paycheck and trying to make ends meet. To larger corporations, this is an optimal place to set up shop. The mentality from these companies is they are able to do whatever they want, and no one will complain."

Sample of Sources Used:

• D'Amato, Paul. 2006. Socialist Worker Online. Marxism, Class and Oppression. http://www.socialistworker.org/2006-2/594_13_classoppression.shtml
• Frye, Marilyn. 2007. Birdcage Theory. www.tcnj.edu/~reichel2/teachingphilosophy.htm
• Rosenfeld, Megan. 1980. Washington Post. Through the Mill: Labor of Crystal Lee Sutton. http://www.faculty.lagcc.cuny.edu/selden/norma_rae.htm.

More papers on Norma Rae:

• Analytical Essay # 50231 : "Working Class Rebellion"
• Book Review # 115899 : "Chang Rae-Lee's "Aloft"
• Book Review # 101992 : "Rae Yang's "The Spider Eaters - a Memoir"

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