Reading the testimony of the Eggley sisters made me stop and think about how messed up the world once was. Ann and Elizabeth Eggley's testimonies told of the long hours that they were forced to work and of the hard labor that they were forced to do. Due to having to work over twelve hour shifts, six days per week, the young ladies were unable to receive any type of education and did not obtain the chance to learn of Christ and religion. They worked so long and hard, that some days they did not get a chance to eat, and other days they did not make it to bed. Their pay was extremely low and the work was much too difficult for young girls. Unfortunately the girls had no choice, but to endure the hardships of this adverse lifestyle because it was imperative to their survival.
I never went to a day-school. I went a little to a Sunday-school, but I soon gave it over. I thought it too bad to be confined both Sundays and week-days.
(pg 495)
I feel the world has changed for the better when it comes to child labor. Laws have been imposed to limit the amount of work that a child can do and for how long. I strongly agree with the new laws set because child labor conditions in the past deeply disturb me. Seeing a child be overworked to the point that they cannot bear to learn or even attend church is heartbreaking. I feel as though testimonies of child laborers should be discussed in depth in classrooms to teach young people today of how times have changed for the better for them and it has not always been so easy for children. Testimonies, like that of the Eggleys', show an important part of history that should never be repeated.
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2 comments:
Mishawn,
Good focus on and analysis of this document from the readings, with close attention to the details from the Eggley testimonies. I agree that it is terrible to think about how hard life used to be for children.
You did a great job in analysing the document from the reading. We as Americans are so blessed to have such a system where laws are in place to limit the amount of work that a child can do and for how long.
A word of caution though, this is not the case in several other countries in the world. Many people are living on less than a dollar a day and the only way for some families to survive is by allowing their children to work. Even some of our U.S. companies are taking advantage or I may add disadvantage of this cheap labor or child labor (sweat shops) in many parts of the world, and then selling these products in the U.S. for such a high price thus making a hugh profit. This practice is totally wrong.
Once again as you have said, thank God our forefathers have made it better for our children by having laws in place against child labor.
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