Month: October 2019

American Factory Documentary Showing

Academic Event Reflection

20 October 2019, Smith-Steeb Hall

I attended a showing of the acclaimed documentary American Factory, which illustrated a harrowing future for manufacturing in the United States. With the rise of Chinese investment in the US, we see the opening of Fuyao Glass America in Dayton replacing the previously defunct GM factory. Initial talks of the future of the factory and its workers are incredibly optimistic, speaking of a new era in bright US-China relations and the rebirth of Ohio industry. I was shocked by the reception to Sherrod Brown’s speech on unions, where Chinese executives stated that they would immediately shut down the operation should a union form. It set the tone of the documentary and it only continued to darken.

Relations between American workers and Chinese supervisors were often tense and featured sporadic clashes on issues of worker safety and conditions. Chinese executives often made remarks about Americans, speaking of their “fat fingers” and comparing them to donkeys. At one point, a supervisor proposes forcing workers to work overtime as is done in China. Another responds that that isn’t legal, to which the former replies “What will they do, sue me?” Although there were occasional moments of friendship and comradery between Americans and Chinese, they were always blotted out by worsening developments in the factory. Union activists are targeted and fired. Many lose both their jobs and their homes. If the future of manufacturing in my home state is represented by Fuyao, I’m incredibly worried for this foreign investment may end up affecting labor laws in favor of Chinese factories. Considering Fuyao paid over $1 million to prevent workers from unionizing, to lobby through money would not be far off. The extreme contrasts between American and Chinese work dynamics are the embodiment of the focus of International Affairs, and I’m incredibly glad I watched the film.

Global Engagement Night – Fashion Around The World

Campus Event Reflection

8 October 2019, Enarson Classroom Building

I had the pleasure of attending a presentation on world fashion and its ongoing evolution. The two presenters began by guiding us through a powerpoint of various styles from different nations, explaining the cultural significance of each along the way. We learned of the origins of Greek and Malaysian traditional dress, along with fashion from various other nations. Whether resulting from foreign occupation or religious influence, fashion adapts to the times and the condition of those who embrace it. Fashion often serves as a form of expression of ethnic or cultural identity. We later played a Kahoot (a competitive online group quiz) where images of fashion in specific nations were displayed and players would attempt to determine the country of origin. Many of the images were of foreign styles and domestic trends I had never seen before, so to have that exposure was very fascinating. There was a dress of Russian origin that was particularly striking, causing me to want to explore more into the topic after the presentation.

Later into the event, we delved into the world of contemporary fashion and the impact of cities known for cultivating avant-garde styles. From Milan to Tokyo, various fashion houses such as Christian Dior or BAPE are constantly pushing the envelope not just in formal styles, but streetwear as well. The event finished with an open discussion of our opinions on current trends in which I castigated anyone who wore hoodies with zippers. For their own good of course. This event certainly relates to International Affairs as we learned of the impacts of culture and identity on world styles, and how fashion is in all ways global.