I grew up with chores. And believe you me, I bitched far and wide about every one of those chores. From mowing the lawn (which my mother always seemed to make me do when I was most hungover — well played, mom) to cleaning the garage, my room, and taking out the trash…I had complaints.
But today, on Labor Day, we shouldn’t have much to bitch about. In fact, as a nation, we don’t have a whole lot to bitch about at all when it comes to working conditions. Pay discrepancy? Yeah. That’s legit. But we are privileged to work in a nation with a history that’s become much brighter when it comes to workers’ rights and labor practices.
So today, as you take a moment to enjoy the three day weekend, maybe you’ll remember those who didn’t have weekends in our nation’s work history. Many of them kids.
Here are a few posts to keep you busy and well reminded of why Labor Day is something to remember and take to heart, beyond the barbeques, festivals, and cold ones cracked with friends.
A photo history of child labor in the United States.
A note about why the U.S. celebrates Labor Day in September, unlike the rest of the world.
And if anyone gives a rat’s patootie, a debate about wearing white after Labor Day (sigh).
