Capitalist systems rely heavily on the glorification of industrial magnates like Ford to reinforce the belief that economic success is the ultimate marker of greatness.
By positioning Ford as a hero, the narrative deflects from the ethical failures and labor exploitation that fueled his wealth.
His notorious surveillance of employees through Ford’s Sociological Department and suppression of union activity are rarely highlighted in these celebratory stories.
Good stuff! Ford also recruited African Americans from the southern US. A nice piece on this, as well as the Five Dollar Day, is
Foote, Christopher L., Warren C. Whatley, and Gavin Wright. “Arbitraging a Discriminatory Labor Market: Black Workers at the Ford Motor Company, 1918-1947.” Journal of Labor Economics 21, no. 3 (2003): 493–532. https://doi.org/10.1086/374957.
Super interesting, Nikki. My husband's father-in-law, now deceased, and his older brother worked at Ford Motor, in the 1930s. They'd moved from Kansas to work there. He told us about the riots. Amazing to hear his stories. I can't recall if he was eventually called back to work or not. I know he served a decade later in WWII. After the war he and his brother moved to LA, a good move, as the city was growing, and worked in the title business. When they realized they could afford a piece of property--they saw what was available being in the real estate trade--they combined earnings, bought their first property in Brentwood. And then continued on to buy many more. He was a very interesting man. Lived to 93.
It's pretty interesting how Ford was responsible for the number of days and hours we work weekly.
Right now, a lot of people are leaving their jobs to become freelancers, entrepreneurs, or contractors.
Do you think we should change the schema of how work is measured, how much time workers need to work, and workers' rights?
Ford’s need to reduce hours (to increase morale) led to the unions supporting shift work and shorter hours.
I haven’t got a great answer for your question, other than yes. I’ve been giving this some thought though.
Capitalist systems rely heavily on the glorification of industrial magnates like Ford to reinforce the belief that economic success is the ultimate marker of greatness.
By positioning Ford as a hero, the narrative deflects from the ethical failures and labor exploitation that fueled his wealth.
His notorious surveillance of employees through Ford’s Sociological Department and suppression of union activity are rarely highlighted in these celebratory stories.
When I rewrite the story, I’ll keep all this in mind. Thank you for your comments.
"Ford didn’t always treat everyone with respect or consideration. But he did find a way to fulfill his dream, “
Interesting. I had written him off after a post Ì read him an asshole. I guess money changed him.
He was extra protective of his business. His wife finally got him to accept the unions. She got tired of the hassle!
Good stuff! Ford also recruited African Americans from the southern US. A nice piece on this, as well as the Five Dollar Day, is
Foote, Christopher L., Warren C. Whatley, and Gavin Wright. “Arbitraging a Discriminatory Labor Market: Black Workers at the Ford Motor Company, 1918-1947.” Journal of Labor Economics 21, no. 3 (2003): 493–532. https://doi.org/10.1086/374957.
Thanks for the information. I’ll check it out!
Super interesting, Nikki. My husband's father-in-law, now deceased, and his older brother worked at Ford Motor, in the 1930s. They'd moved from Kansas to work there. He told us about the riots. Amazing to hear his stories. I can't recall if he was eventually called back to work or not. I know he served a decade later in WWII. After the war he and his brother moved to LA, a good move, as the city was growing, and worked in the title business. When they realized they could afford a piece of property--they saw what was available being in the real estate trade--they combined earnings, bought their first property in Brentwood. And then continued on to buy many more. He was a very interesting man. Lived to 93.
Thank you for commenting. What an interesting life the man led. One day I may dive into the rocky birth of the union.