Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- 329:question:329--week_10_questions_comments-2024 [2024/10/31 07:35] – [The "So What" Question] 104.28.76.148
+++ 329:question:329--week_10_questions_comments-2024 [2024/10/31 13:29] (current) – [How does this movie work as a primary source about the time in which it was made?] heppard
@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 Matewan works well as secondary source due to the fact that it effectively portrays the harsh and exploitative conditions miners faced. It details how mining companies effectively controlled miners (miners were paid in company scrip which could only be used in company stores and these items could be forcefully taken back as a result, the companies also effectively owned the land and houses these miners and their families lived in). It also is fairly accurate in depicting the reason why miners decided to unionize, as well as the harsh realities of trying to unionize against powerful mining companies during this period in time. -Vumiliya V.
+This film is historically accurate towards the act of the battle of Matewan, locale, and the overall tension between the miners rebelling against the mining corporation. Despite some of the character’s like Danny or Joe Kenehan being fictional they served important roles in dramatizing the story’s climax to draw attention to the main themes of this film. The film tackles the themes of racial solidarity and labor injustice which was not only the problem in this instance in Matewan, West Virginia, but was a prominent issue throughout the country as a whole during the 1920s. -Alex
+Because it accurately depicts the historical realities of coal mining villages and the difficult hardships miners endured in the 1920s, *Matewan* is a good secondary source. The difficult working conditions, the near-total control mining companies had over miners' life, and the miners' attempts to form a union in spite of ongoing threats are all highlighted in the movie. The miners were caught in social and financial traps, as evidenced by details such as company-owned housing and company scrip, which restricted their purchases to company-owned establishments.-Ryan K
+As said before, Matewan did a detailed job of portraying the hold that the company had over these people’s lives. Starting right in the beginning, the viewer could see that almost everything the workers and families depended on to survive (food, shelter, clothing) were owned by the Coal Company. The film depicted how normal it was for there to be accidents in the mine, as well as how many miners would die each year. There were many details that those people in the town weren’t aware of, like how the company brought in Italian and black workers whilst evicting former workers. This was done to cause turmoil among them after the company was hearing rumors of possible Union gatherings. Another way the company/agency was able to stay ahead of the workers was by implanting a spy in the mix, which did actually happen as well. Overall, this has been one of the few films we’ve watched so far that has focused more on the real people and events that occurred in real life, instead of showcasing movie stars. -Matt S
+This film gets many things right. One is that the company did try to unlawfully remove miner families from their homes and the sheriff & mayor were able to stop them as they didn't have a warrant. Another thing this film got right was how difficult it was for miner families to survive and they had to work together to survive. -Maddy W
+I believe Matewan is fairly historically accurate. It showed the harsh condition and the poverty that miners often faced. In the early 20th century, mined in dangerous working conditions, had long hours, and there were no safety protocols in place for them. So often, miners would get hurt or even sometimes death.  It also portrays how miners were divided and union unity was hindered by coal companies exploitation of ethnic and race tensions. (Hannah E.)
 ====== Problems with historical accuracy? Errors in fact? ======
@@ Line 35: / Line 46: @@
 While Matewan brings the coal miners' struggle to life, it simplifies and dramatizes some historical details. Characters like union organizer Joe Kenehan are fictional composites, and real-life figures like Sid Hatfield are portrayed with a heroic aura that history does not fully support. The shootout is mostly accurate but staged to feel like a more balanced showdown than the skirmish it likely was. The film also leaves out some of the long-term effects of the massacre, which continued to fuel labor resistance. While the movie emphasizes racial unity among the miners, in reality, bridging those divides would have been a lot more complicated than what was shown. -Sam B
+Matewan did a fair job of representing the events that occurred, but as any movie would, they changed parts of the real story for dramatic effect. For example, the timeline was stretched out. The events that actually happened only spanned over a day, starting with the 2 men from the agency getting there early in the morning to them trying to leave for the train until the shootout. In the movie, these events were made to seem like these events lasted days or even weeks. Furthermore, lots of the characters portrayed were real people, but the directors added a couple fictional characters for the narrative. For example, Joe Kenehan and Danny Radnor were both fictional, used to help unite the union/miners. Adding Kenehan made it seem as though the miners weren’t super familiar with the making of a union, but in reality they knew unions well and didn’t need an outsider to help them. -Matt S
 ====== How does the film’s overall interpretation(s) deviate from scholarly historical sources? ======
 Overall, this movie does a good job staying pretty accurate to the real-life experiences that were depicted in the primary sources. The brutality of the mines, the ages of the miners and the helplessness they felt, were things I all saw in the movie. I felt that the movie erred on the side of too nice (although I was glad for it, I don't want to watch 12 year olds die on screen), but the feelings were there. The desperation the people of Matewan felt is something I saw reflected in the primary sources. I do feel though, that the representation of African Americans in this film left something to be decided. Though they were a presence in the film, I felt that there could have been a little more focus on the problems they were dealing with, especially when put in comparison with the sources. It was more than just fair wages, it was the right to the same spaces and treatment as other employees. - Caty
 ====== How does this movie work as a primary source about the time in which it was made? ======
@@ Line 43: / Line 57: @@
 This movie was not only depicting a historical event (which they did very well), but was also making a statement about the treatment of workers and unions in the 80s as well. Labor unions were being weakened, companies were putting more emphasis on profit rather than customer satisfaction, and working hours were being extended. All of this didn’t improve when the stock market crashed later in 1987, just two months after this film was released. --Emma F.
+This movie works as a primary source because in the 80s there were a lot of anti-union perspectives including the president. So this movie tries to counter these by being sympathetic to the miners. -Maddy W
+Matewan was made in 1987, during which there were a lot of economic shifts and the union started to weaken. This movie reflects these changes with showing the abuse of miner companies as well union solidary. (Hannah E.)
 ====== The "So What" Question ======
@@ Line 64: / Line 82: @@
 The film was very impactful and I believe it's important that it got made due to the fact that it sheds light on a moment in history in which many people may not know or may not think much about. Like many others, I wasn't aware as to the extreme nature of the exploitive practices and dangerous conditions miners had to go through and it was an eye-opening experience. Even though the film ends in a union defeat, the film is essential in showcasing the vital role of unions and why they are necessary, especially when it comes to advocating for safe working conditions and workers rights in general. -Vumiliya V.
+The reason why we should care about the particular issues in this movie that was brought into light is that these are still problems in today’s society. The movie focuses more towards equality in terms of workers’ rights, however racial matters are still prevalent today whether it be from housing, education, or even healthcare are disproportionately affecting minorities. The shooting of Matewan displays how our country overall needs to work together to make fair and equal work environments within our communities in order to positively influence our society. -Alex
+Matewan is an important film because it illuminates the early 20th century struggles of coal miners, a lesser-known chapter of American labor history. It depicts the harsh conditions and limited freedoms rural laborers experienced to achieve labor rights, reminding us of their sacrifices. Although not popular, its National Film Registry designation highlights its cultural and historical significance.-Ryan K