Watch Native Land

Native Land is a powerful documentary film made in 1942 that delves into the struggles faced by labor unions and workers during the early 20th century. Directed by Leo Hurwitz and Paul Strand, the film is narrated by Paul Robeson, one of the most acclaimed singers and actors of his time. The film takes an unflinching look at the tactics used by corporations and big businesses to suppress the labor movement in America. It shows how workers were often subject to violence, intimidation, and harassment in their efforts to organize and advocate for better wages and working conditions. The film also highlights the efforts of the government and law enforcement agencies to quell dissent and silence those who spoke out against the status quo.

The film is divided into several segments, each one focusing on a different aspect of the labor movement. The first segment is titled "The Struggle for the Right to Live" and shows how workers were often forced to live in squalid conditions, with little access to clean water or proper sanitation. It also shows how children were often put to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions, exposing them to hazardous substances and long hours of hard labor.

The second segment is titled "The Struggle for the Right to Organize" and shows how unions were often met with violence and discrimination when they tried to organize workers. The film features interviews with prominent labor leaders, including Fred Johnson of the Packinghouse Workers' Union, who speaks about the need for workers to band together and fight for their rights. Mary George, a textile worker, also speaks out about the harsh working conditions that she and her coworkers faced in the mills.

The third and final segment is titled "The Struggle for the Right to Strike" and shows how workers were often denied the right to go on strike when they felt that their demands were not being met. The film shows how the government and law enforcement agencies often sided with big businesses, using force to break up strikes and quell worker uprisings.

Throughout the film, Robeson's powerful voice provides a stirring narration, tying the segments together and emphasizing the importance of the labor movement in the fight for justice and equality. His deep, resonant voice serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the need for workers to stand together in the face of oppression and adversity.

Despite being made over 75 years ago, Native Land remains a poignant and timely reminder of the struggles faced by workers and labor unions throughout history. It is a film that speaks to the timeless truths of solidarity, struggle, and perseverance in the face of injustice. It is a film that deserves to be watched and remembered by all those who seek to make the world a better place for working people.