20 February 2014
Writers Notebook 5 “Davidson’s, “Making it in America” A broadcast and print journalist who specializes in reporting on the impact of major economic trends, Adam Davidson, points out that, computer-aided machines, are taking over the factories. Years ago, people could work with or without an education. With learning the job on their own and years of experience, people would be set for life. For instance, Madelyn Parlier, (Maddie)a single mother, with little education, got a job at, ‘Standard Motor Products’, as a temp-to-hire and she worked her hind-end off. Standard noticed Maddie because of all her hard work and determination, and they hired her in to the company. Maddie’s job is fast-paced and she likes it, …show more content…
Maddie also enjoys learning how to run all the different machines. Maddie would much rather work in the office helping to design parts instead of stamping them, because she sees robotic arms replacing people a lot and is worried this will happen to her. Maddie is considered an un-skilled worker, makes thirteen dollars an hour, and competes with workers in Mexico and China that does the same work for less pay. Davidson said, “I had to come to Greenville to better understand what, exactly, is happening to manufacturing in the United States, and what the future holds for people like Maddie-people who still make physical things for a living and, more broadly, people (as many as 40 million adults in the U.S.) who lack higher education, but are striving for a middle class life” (318). Davidson also interviewed other people in the factory. Such as Luke Hutchins, who is considered a high-skilled worker because he has a higher education and can operate high-tech machines. Standard hired Luke straight in to the company and he