Issue 51: Fall, 2018

Organizing for Social Equity

The phrase “Me Too” was apparently first used in its current context on October 15, 2017. The massive #Me Too movement (followed by #TimesUp) is, of course, a well publicized and much needed action against sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.

Recalling headlines on the subject, one thinks of the stories of mostly wealthy, famous and powerful women. Yet there is another side that is best illustrated below by an open letter from a women’s farm worker association sent to Hollywood (abbreviated for space):

Dear Sisters,

We write on behalf of the approximately 700,000 women who work in the agricultural fields and packing sheds across the United States. For the past several weeks we have watched and listened with sadness as we have learned of the actors, models and other individuals who have come forward to speak out about the gender based violence they’ve experienced at the hands of bosses, coworkers and other powerful people in the entertainment industry. We wish that we could say we’re shocked to learn that this is such a pervasive problem in your industry. Sadly, we’re not surprised because it’s a reality we know far too well. Countless farm worker women across our country suffer in silence because of the widespread sexual harassment and assault that they face at work.

We do not work under bright stage lights or on the big screen. We work in the shadows of society in isolated fields and packinghouses that are out of sight and out of mind for most people in this country. Your job feeds souls, fills hearts and spreads joy. Our job nourishes the nation with the fruits, vegetables and other crops that we plant, pick and pack.

Even though we work in very different environments, we share a common experience of being preyed upon by individuals who have the power to hire, fire, blacklist and otherwise threaten our economic, physical and emotional security.

In these moments of despair, and as you cope with scrutiny and criticism because you have bravely chosen to speak out against the harrowing acts that were committed against you, please know that you’re not alone. We believe and stand with you.

Learn more at: alianzanacionaldecampesinas.org—an organization comprised of farmworker women.