Southeast Michigan is, in many ways, the birthplace of the American Middle Class. Labor Day is here again the celebrate the working man’s contribution to America. But in 2018 the working class is under siege. One way to celebrate labors’ contribution is to look at the artifacts of the last time the economy was so out of whack.
Detroit Industry
One magnificent artifact is “Detroit Industry” at the Detroit Institute of Arts. “Detroit Industry” is a four-wall mural created by Diego Rivera in 1932-1933. The murals depict the history of Detroit and the development of industry.
The DIA commissioned Detroit Industry, with backing from DIA patron Edsel Ford. The only request was that the murals address the history of Detroit and the development of industry.
Diego Rivera
Rivera and his spouse Frida Kahlo arrived in Detroit in 1932 during the depths of the “Great Depression.” He completed the fresco in 1933. The images show Rivera’s take on big-time American capitalism. They simultaneously glorify the culture of the modern factory as well as slyly savaging the men in charge.
This panel, from the north wall. “Production and Manufacture of Engine and Transmission,” is based on Rivera’s observations of the 1932 Ford V-8 being produced at Ford Motor Company‘s (F) River Rouge factory. Rivera’s work represented a multiracial workforce was an important aspect of his idealism.
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The 1% and their wanna-be fellow travelers have out-organized the working class to pick a president to further tip the scales in their favor.
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Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.