RESEARCH AND CHARACTER ANALYSIS

The Great Depression was America's most biggest financial downfall. The stock market went down, banks foreclosed, and jobs were lost. The book "Of Mice Of Men" by John Steinbeck takes place in the 1930's on a California ranch. The time period in which the Great Depression occurred. Because this story took place during this time, the main characters George and Lennie were migrant workers who were financially affected by this and scrambled for work. Money was much valued that small amounts today were worth so much. The struggles during this time were difficult, but different from the problems today. The two motivate each other through hardships by sharing the goal of owning a ranch and tending such animals and crops for themselves. In this companionship, George is the bright one who takes responsibility of Lennie due to his mental condition. It doesn't state that he's mentally retarded, but it's obvious given from his behavior towards situations in the past on the last and current jobs.

GEORGE MILTON

In "Of Mice Of Men" the character that stood out to me the most was George Milton. During this period of struggle, he still strives for success and at the same time looks after Lennie. Of the two men, he plays the dominate role. George's behavior is motivated by the desire to protect Lennie and, eventually deliver them both to their farm dreams. His personality often reflects both anger and understanding, but that's because he faces the challenges of taking care of someone who's mentally disabled. Although he frequently complains about how easier life would be without his caretaking responsibilities, he doesn't mean it because he obviously is devoted to his companionship with Lennie.

George is the one who thinks things through and considers how their goals can be reached. He does everything possible to get both him and Lennie work. He foresees possible complications and gives Lennie advice about what he must do in order to help their future. Although George repeatedly gets angry at Lennie, he manages to quickly calm knowing that Lennie doesn't know any better. Because he's the adult in the relationship, George makes it possible for Lennie sometimes to understand at least partial consequences of his actions. George Milton is a friend, a caretaker, a hard worker, and a leader.

MICE OF MEN RESEARCH

   A migrant worker is a casual worker who moves from region to region to work temporarily, mostly on farms. "Farm work is one of the most hazardous occupations in the country." Living and working conditions for these workers are highly inadequate. Pesticide exposure is one of the greatest health hazards for farm workers.  Migrant workers also often have limited rights and access to health services because of their illegal and alien status.  The average annual income for migrant workers is below the poverty level at $7500. "Housing is often a problematic issue for farmworkers" This is somewhat due to the fact that some state laws for housing is very precise. This forces some workers to live in vehicles unless they can find a place to rent. Migrant workers typically have a tough time with daily life whether it be with working conditions or living conditions. On top of all of these difficulties, their income is usually just enough for them to get by.
International labour migration is the movement of people from one country to another for the purpose of employment.                       
     “Millions of women and men around the world are denied access to jobs and training, receive low wages, or are restricted to certain occupations simply on the basis of their sex, skin color, ethnicity or beliefs, without regard to their capabilities and skills.” In certain countries women earn 25% less wage than males do. The freedom of people rights all around the world should be equalized no matter what your gender is, ethnicities, etc. Yet, some parts of the country, the government has yet to enforce this to the people. “Most people work in order to earn money. Yet, in many parts of the world access to adequate and regular wages is not guaranteed.” There are many ways to pay off wages. They could be paid in bonds, manufactured goods, or even alcohol, however, there are consequences for those who don’t pay off the wage. In some countries, many workers have lost their job due to their company getting bankrupt by a loss of wages (not being paid off). Laborers look at how national labour standards are applied within their workplace/ the work being produced.  They advise the employers and workers on how to improve the national law in such matters as “working time, wages, occupational safety and health, and child labour.” You are who you are and no one can change that but no matter what the quote “all men should be treated equally” should get enforced to other countries out there who has yet to apply it to their people.
     The numbers of migrant workers in search of job opportunities rose during America's downturns. "In the 1930s, a combination of droughts, the depression, and the increased mechanization of farming prompted a migration of small farmers and laborers from Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to the W United States." During the Great Depression, many unemployed individuals took any work available in efforts to make money. Several years from recovery, California's booming agriculture economy caused a great demand for farm labor. "It was estimated that this type of permanent migrant worker, without home, voting privileges, or union representation, numbered more than 3 million." Since the 1940's, each year thousands of workers have been brought into the United States from foreign countries such as Mexico and China. Many contractors hired workers from these foreign countries because of the cheap labor. Migrant workers did any type of job to earn money even if it were low or if it had them constantly traveling.                                    

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/381844/migrant-labour

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/business/migrant-labor.html

http://nfwm.org/tag/working-conditions/
http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/lang--en/index.htm

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/business/migrant-labor.html

https://www.boundless.com/u-s-history/textbooks/boundless-u-s-history-textbook/the-new-deal-1933-1940-25/the-social-cost-of-the-depression-194/dust-bowl-migrants-1074-4462/
                                 

"I AM" GRAPHIC CARD FINAL

POEM GRAPHIC CARD draft

A CONEY ISLAND LIFE FINAL

We were all born into this world to serve a purpose. Having the ability to think for ourselves, we make choices that will pave a sustainable pathway. To do so, we set our standards and we exceed them. Author of the poem "A Coney island Life" James L. Weil compares his life to the ups and downs and rotations of Coney island's roller coasters and carousels. Weil's message in"A Coney island Life" is to never settle for less because you don't want to regret the opportunities that you didn't take.

Time is limited and you don't get it back once it has passed. "My helium hopes break skyward without me" Setting high standards is easy, but accomplishing them wont be. Regaining hope after losing hope is the best and only way to continue on. "now arms fill with doll I threw so much for." The ending result is what was done to get this far, all the effort and sacrifices that were made during the long journey. Giving up because of one mistake isn't an option, but taking & learning from it is. All the hard work & dedication will pay off because of all of the opportunities that will come.

 Don't count the days, but make the days count. "how many more times round I have to catch the brass-ring sun before the game is up." No one knows exactly how much how long life will be. Therefore, do as much things before the opportunity is taken away "I take perhaps my last ride on this planet carousel"  Fooled into thinking that was it, but actually theres one last bit of chance left. Making choices should be decided as if there was no tomorrow.

The motive behind determination and hard work is life's ultimate goal. Happiness. Because everyone strives for the great feeling of accomplishment. No one said that achieving goals was ever easy. Encountering faults and difficulties will always occur, but its a choice to face and overcome it. Surely sacrifices are made, but they all just prove its value and why it was believed in it the first time.

I AM POEM FINAL

My protective covering shelters our deal.
I contain your basic daily needs.
Sometimes your most valued possessions
or even your darkest ones.
But my zipper seals what you dont want seen nor known.
For you only have access to what belongs and what doesn't.

I too, have flaws just like you.
I'll eventually rip, tear, and fade,
but I'll support you to the best of my abilities.
You may throw me around
misplace me, or even forget about me.
I don't expect you to care as much,
but just know that a tiny bit is appreciated.

If you're considerate of me, then I got your back.
I am there for you wherever you go.
Carrying your necessities that  you intrust me with.
I hold what could be important
I had your back since pre-k
But at times, I may be in the way.
Always keep in mind that I will
have your back till
the end of your days.

Besides being useful for just storage, 

I am purposeful for many things.
I am your pillow to rest on and
your shoulder to lean on.
You can always rely on me
for rest and for comfort.
I have the filament of loyalty and support.
I am there when no one is.
I am a back pack.