Read "Who Built the Pyramids" from Studs Terkels' Working. Circle any unfamiliar vocabulary or sections that confuse you. Then write a short blog post (about 300 words) that responds to these questions:
- How does Mike feel about his the work he does?
- What would Mike most like to change about his work?
- What does he mean when he says he wants his son to be "an effete snob?" What is interesting/important/unexpected about this?
Note: If you are waiting for financial aid or unable to buy the book yet, there are a few copies you can check out in the library. Use the catalog and ask a librarian if you have trouble finding them.
WHO BUILT THE PYRAMIDS?
ReplyDeleteIn the passage "Who built the pyramids?" talks about a men named Mike Lefevre who has a heavy duty job in steel mill which he hates it. Not only does Mike have a bad salary, but he also does not have time to spend with his family. Mike also hates his job because he has to work many hours per week. Mike said that he does not feel excited about his job because he makes the same all the time. He states the following: "pick it up, put it down, pick it up, put it down" a boring routine that does not have anything challenged. In addition, Mike cannot quit his job like before when he was single because he has to support his family. Another reason why Mike does not like his job is because he always is going to be in that kind of spot. He will never scale to a higher position in his job because he is not a graduate person. For that reason I think that he cannot find a better job which would have a good salary.
According to Mike about what he wants to change on his work is the hours. Actually, he works 40 hours but he would like to work 20 hours per week in order to spent more time with his wife and his children such as going to the park, going to picnic and sharing important things with his children. For example, he said that one of his children invited him to a college campus on summertime and he could not go because of work. That is why he thinks that the time is the most important thing that he would like to change at his actual job in order to enjoy his life with his family.
Finally, Mike tells that he wants his son to be an "effete snob". He means that, he do not want his son to be like him. He wants for his son a good job with an excellent salary and not a to be a mediocre men doing nothing for his life. I think that Mike wants the best for their children. That is why he works hard day by day in order to teach their children that they should choose the best way to do good things like study and not to be uneducated like his father.
Mike feels that their is no more pride in the work he does because he never sees the product of his labor. He believes tat everyone should have something they can show to others that represent the work they have done. He jokes saying that the work he does requires nothing but muscle and that he feels like an old mule. He hates working in the steel mill because of the hours and low pay. He hates being watched by the foremen who constantly tell people what to do, he feels like if he is working he shouldn't be disturbed.
ReplyDeleteWhen he says he wants his son to be an effete snob he means that he wants his son to be better than he is; he wants his son to go to college and he doesn't want his son to get stuck working at a factory. It's interesting that he says this because it goes along with the tone he has throughout the passage. He also believes that you should be able to improve yourself, otherwise life is not worth living. He knows that as a steel mill worker there is no room for improvement and there's no value in the work that he does. That's why he wants his son to have a better life than him so that his son can own a sense of accomplishment.
A few things he'd like to change about working is the work hours, and the fact that he gets watched. He says that he would rather work without being watched by someone else.He doesn't like to be bothered when he is working because he feels that work is bad enough without someone to get in his face and anger him. He also says that if he had fewer work hours he would have more time to spend with his family and do things for himself.
In the passage "Who Built the Pyramids" discusses the point of view of men that was working in factories, etc. Through the many unfortunate circumstances, the enjoyment of working is impossible in the view of Terkel. Although Mike describes the dislike of labor, he feels that his work is just a way of income and a man who works with no thought process should not have joy on the job because in actuality , there worthless. One of the main issues he illustrates is the hours he work , which is an exceeding amount and therefore he would rather a 25 hour work week. he states that if he were able to get so, it'll give him more time for his wife and kids, also he would be able to do activities as a family.
ReplyDeleteTowards the ending of the chapter, Mike says he wants his kids to be an effete snob. in my speculation, i believe he is stating that he wants his children to achieve greater and make sure they are well paid. He would want his children to do things he was not able to, such has spend time with the family and make a sustainable about of income. I feel like that would be every parents desire, for their child to surpass them.