In 1995, a photo taken captures eleven workers, mostly immigrants, who while having lunch sit comfortably on the tiny width of the crossbeam. They sit without fear of falling while having their sandwich and taking cigarettes. These men of both big and small sizes were covered in their coveralls which were soaked with sweat already.
The photograph, which was taken in 1932, showcased the growth in the construction of skyscraper buildings in New York City. The Empire State Building had just been completed the previous year and the next year the Chrysler Building became the first man-made structure to stand above the measurement of one thousand feet.
It was during this time the Great Depression had gotten its highest point, affecting every sector of the nation. The case of unemployment had grown to a 25% increase in the United States, getting as high as 80% in Toledo, Ohio. This led to a high rise in joblessness and homelessness. Leaving most Americans with no other choice than to migrate across the country.
During this period, skyscrapers were on the rise as labour had become extremely cheap during the peak of the Great Depression. This was what Marx called the “surplus army of labour.”
The majority of these labour eras were Mexicans, and Chinese. They were paid about $1.50 per hour (equal to $30 per hour at the current time), the ironworkers.
The Chinese workers always had an upper advantage in negotiating amounts. This kept wages from growing amongst others instead making profits for themselves
Often they yelled at their workers, “You don’t like this job? You don’t think I’m treating you fairly? Well, there are millions of people just outside who would love to have this job. Take it or leave it.” Such is the “free choice” of the worker.
The photographs displayed what would be Hope for the Americans, it also reflected the positive gleam of American-style capitalism, honouring the great heights and achievements made possible by innovation, individuality, and profit. The skyscrapers were proof of how much human civilization had grown.
SEE ALSO: R-100 Airship: Photographs Of The Interior Of A “Flying Hotel”, 1929-1930
