Made in LA

Last updated almost 4 years ago
11 questions
2

If you could ask anyone in the film a single question, who would you ask and what would you ask?

2

Describe a moment in the film that you found to be moving or particularly memorable. What was it about that moment that impacted you?

2

At the beginning of the film, María says, “We had no other option but to fight.” Now that you have seen the full story, why was “fighting” María’s only option (or why did she think it was her only option)? What could be done to provide workers like María with other options to address workplace complaints and work-related injustices?

3

Garment Worker Center organizer Joann describes a cycle in which “workers are being paid less because retailers are paying less to manufacturers, who then have less money to pay contractors, and on down the line.” Who benefits most from this cycle? Who is harmed by it? Where do consumers fit in? Who is responsible for breaking the cycle? What specifically should they do?

2

What did you learn from the film about the difficulties and rewards of sustaining a protest? What tactics were used to discourage or derail the protestors? How can organizers and workers effectively respond to such tactics?

2

Lupe says that “when people organize, they stop being victims” and that participating in the protests makes her feel “for the first time, you’re important.” How can protesting make someone feel important even when the protestors may not be achieving their immediate goals? How does organizing help people “stop being victims” even when that very organizing can bring about risks (reprisals, being fired and so on)?

3

Explain the “power pyramid” that Lupe uses to describe the power of workers uniting. What do you think of the analysis?

2

Lupe says, “The more I learn things, the lonelier I feel. Ignorance in some ways protects you ….” What do you think she means? How would you define ignorance? How might ignorance protect a worker in her position? How might ignorance hurt her?

3

The film highlights historical patterns with some immigrants in the United States ending up in low-wage, often exploitative situations. Why do you think these patterns still exist?

2

What barriers kept Maura from seeing her kids for 18 years?

3

How is this documentary similar to or different from Food Chains?