Work Union by Dagoberto Gilb - Essay Example

 Analysis of “Work Union” by Dagoberto Gilb OUTLINE THESIS: People should seek interest and joy in all kinds of jobs and they should not consider any job a “dirty and stressful” experience as a steady employment helps a person to sustain his social status in a society where money is an essential component. Computer knowledge and skills are necessary to live according to the new requirements of the day but it is equally important for a person to consider other job options and skills as well. Any work which involves struggle and hardships should be considered respectful without looking down upon with shame. 1- Computer skills are necessary: Computer knowledge has become an important part of our lives in today’s world of advancement and technology. It is important for a person that he/ she should acquaint himself/herself with the latest computer skills to get a good job and to sustain a respectable status in the new society. 2- New employment opportunities: With the introduction of computer skills and knowledge, people have become least interested in doing conventional jobs. They seek new employment opportunities to earn a better lifestyle. For them, it becomes hard to engage themselves in any job as a plumber, electrician or an iron worker. Jobs have become a symbol of prestige rather as mode to earn a respectable life and to fulfill the needs of families. 3- Hard work is a better work: Hard work yields the fruit of success. Any job is a good job as long as you are working hard in it to provide a better life style to your family. People should take pride in their work as long as they are fair with their own selves, families and with the society. Table of Contents: Abstract………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Textual Analysis ……………………………………………………………………...4 Section 1…………………………………………………………………………5 Section 2 …………………………………………………………………….…5 Section 3 ……………………………………………………………………..…5 Evaluation ……………………………………………………………………………6 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………….….6 Works Cited …………………………………………………………………..…….7 Abstract: Work Union is an essay written by Dagoberto Gilb in 2008. In this essay, Gilb has focused on those people or labor who prefer jobs in construction or if they are engaged in any manual work. The basic theme of the essay revolves around the writer’s opinion he shares with the readers that a person should not be looked upon with shame and embarrassment regarding the kind of employment he is engaged into. In his essay, the writer has emphasized on the benefits of hard work and how people can turn their hard efforts into gold is purely up to the choice of a person. He has compared and contrasted two groups; people who are associated with computer-related fields and people who are engaged in manual work. The author completely takes the side of the latter group and leaves up to the choice of a reader that which profession would a person like to choose? Textual Analysis: Work Union by Dagoberto Gilb: Treatment: Work Union is a simple essay written by an American author, Dagoberto Gilb in 2008. The essay is simple in its language and meaning which is further simplified for the reader’s understanding as the author uses different examples throughout the essay. The basic theme of the essay revolves around the idea that although computer knowledge and skills are great in demand these days but still, people need to focus on those professions which require hard work and real blood and sweat. The writer has also emphasized on the idea that people need to do what interests them rather following the trend or care about what rest of the world do. The essay can be divided into three equal parts for a reader’s understanding. Section 1: In the first part of the essay, the writer explores the benefits of computer knowledge and draws a clear picture that how much computer knowledge has become an imperative part of our lives especially when it comes to our selection of a profession. Dagoberto further explains the reader that in this world of modernization and advancement, computer knowledge gives and edge to the people all around the world. Also, computer knowledge is essential to sustain in the new economical system where your computer skills help you to get better chances of employment. Section 2: In the second essay, Gilb compare and contrasts his own statement by further adding points to the essay’s second part. He says, ““There was a time when work… was looked upon with respect and honor” (Gilb, 2008). In this section, Gilb has focused his attention towards people who used to enjoy their work not like people of today, who finds more pleasure in earning more and more money regardless the type of work they are doing. According to Gilb, today, people find more interest in doing jobs that are related to computer knowledge as compare to any work that involves manual engagement and hard work such as construction, plumbing and many more. Gilb also discusses that how culture and family plays an important role in shaping the idea of employment is a person’s mind. Section 3: In this last section of his essay, Dagoberto explains that there is nothing wrong in doing a “dirty job” or a “job that brings you dirt and toil”. He explains that no matter what type of work you do, it’s all about your attitude that matters in the last. Dagoberto further gives a simple example of a writer who hated his assembly line job. The writer pins the idea that it’s not important what you are doing but your attitude towards your job plays a key role in shaping the ladder of success for you. Evaluation: The writer has tried to develop a thought provoking serious tone throughout in his essay. The language of the essay is simple which is directed for the general understanding of an average reader. The writer has developed an interesting tone from the start which continues till the end. The use of examples further simplifies the essay for better understanding. Conclusion: According to Gilb, “There was a time when work, a man who worked, a main who worked hard, who sweated, got dirty, even, who built things with tools in his hands, was looked upon with respect and honor.” The writer has maintained a very deep thought provoking tone in these lines. He pins the idea that once it was the time when people used to take pride and satisfaction in their work; for them, hard work meant, earning and supporting their families. But now as Hooks (1999, p. 643) explains, for people jobs have turned into a “stressful and dehumanizing” experience. People are least interested in their jobs. For them hard work is a shame. Gilb and Hooks represent the same thoughts that how people consider jobs which include being a carpenter, plumber, electrician, construction and ironworker, as “undesirable”, “low waged stressful experience” and a “dirty employment”. They both agree that to construct a healthy society people need to focus on the importance of employment and the joy it brings to their families rather being selective in choosing the jobs. Works Cited: Gilb, Dagoberto. "Work Union." The Presence of Others, Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2008. Hooks, Bell. "Work Makes a Sweet Life." Sisters of Yam: Black Women and Self Recovery. Boston: South End Press, 1999. Read More