In Matthew B. Crawford's "Shop Class as Soulcraft", Crawford writes of craftsmanship and consumerism, and how the latter is causing the former to degrade. He says that people in this day in age are more likely to buy new, rather than replace something old. This is cause either by lack of interest or lack of skill when it comes to building and repairing useful items. He says, "The craftsman is more possessive, more tied to what is present, the dead incarnation of past labor; the consumer is more free, more imaginative, and so more valorous according to those who would sell us things" (3).
In slate.com's podcast, Working, hosted by David Plotz; David interviews John Lefever, an appliance repair man. John repairs all types of large home appliances such as refridgerators and washing machines. To a point, John would agree that repairing is important. If a customer liked an item and John could get it working again, he would fix it. However, John also sees the importance of consumerism. Efficiency is important to him, and if it will save a customer money by replacing an old machine, then he will recommend buying a new one.
In Working, by Studs Terkel, Lincoln James tells about his job as a factory mechanic in a glue and rendering factory. He takes pride in what he does despite having gross working conditions. His pride shows when he tells his friends all the products that they use that come from the factory where he works. His craftsmanship shows with his ability to fix machines when they break.
Questions:
Why does Lincoln still like his job despite conditions being gross
Really nicely done in your analysis of Crawford. And I like the way you apply it to Lefever. (The James part feels more tossed-off, but that's ok).
ReplyDelete1/1
Mike,
ReplyDeleteInteresting comparison from Crawford to Lefever.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question, I think that Lincoln likes his job despite gross conditions because he takes an immense amount of pride in his work. As you said, he likes being able to tell and show people what he helped produce.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your question, I would believe that Lincoln sticks with his job because he has become very good at it and has a sense of pride with it. Despite the "gross" conditions he loves being able to point out things that he has joined in on creating.