In the graphic novel ‘Mayday’, the struggle between state and citizens on the issue of workers rights was persistent throughout the late 19th century and into the late 20th century. The economic atmosphere contributed to how these struggles played out throughout history. During the depression, jobs were scarce and resources were limited which increased the need for workers’ protest. Eventually the war opened up the job market in new ways, but the loss of lives after the war created new problems.
I think that economic issues and class struggles are still evident in Canadian culture. Perhaps we are not suffering the same disparity gap that the United States is experiencing, but Canada is still dealing with this issue. With rising tuition costs, living expenses, and less job opportunities, young Canadians are not only taking on considerable debt, but are less likely to find consistent work that recent generations have had available to them. I feel like I (and many of my peers) have come to realize that exceeding or matching the financial lifestyles that our parents’ generations have lead, may not be plausible (especially in Vancouver).
Another issue that is important to Canadians, that would spark unity for change, is the environment. In BC and Alberta specifically, environmental issues have been a hot topic for debate. Many Canadian citizens are concerned about the prospect of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project, not only for its environmental repercussions but for the harm it may cause for the First Nations people and their land. Other citizens, and the Harper government suggest that the pipeline would create great job opportunities for Canadians. The Alberta oil sands also seems to be a point of tension for Canadians and the government. These issues have constantly appeared in the media, most recently with Neil Young promoting anti-oil sand opinions.
It is not necessary or realistic to think that all Canadians should have the same stance on all of these issues, but I think it is important for them to educate themselves on current Canadian issues, and engage themselves in the discussion.
In 1919 economy was the major theme that unified the social/working class. In the May 1, 1919 Winnipeg General Strike the metal worker initiated the strike to fight for better wages and working conditions. Soon after that on May 15, the middle classes such as the police officers, firefighters, and telephone and telegraph operators joined the working class against the state. Both social classes desired and improved economic situation and it seemed to be the only tie between the two classes. Prior to the strike the interactions between two classes were not as intimate. Each social classes shared different culture and the text books, Journey: History of Canada, indicates that the classes did not mix often between 1967-1914.
War in the 1900s united the social classes because they all had a common enemy – the Axis powers. Yet, as soon as the war was over, a distinct segregation between the classes became apparent. Unless another global war developed with two distinct sides (e.g. Axis vs Allies), however, it is not likely that the social class will unite together to challenge the state for changes. The social classes didn’t unite together to challenge the state to achieve certain goal. Not to the extent of the Winnipeg General Strike.
Economic then becomes the major factor that would unit the social classes to challenge the state for changes. Another growing factor may be environmental issues as the media emphasizes more on preserving and protecting the ecosystem (i.e. the pipeline controversies ignited a few interactions between the social classes), but the magnitude of its effect in unifying the classes is not as great as the economic factor. Political and social equality could be another factor that unite social classes, to fight against discrimination and misconducts from the states in treating ethnic related issues.
“May Day” is a graphic historical novel displaying the protests that started in the late 19th century and went on until the mid-20th century about a struggle between the state and the workers, specifically in terms of wages, hours, and working conditions. Without the efforts of these workers, today’s work environment would be quite different. However, many of the issues during the 19th century that led to the May Day revolts and strikes are still with us today. For instance, we see teacher’s striking for better pay and better hours; we see mine workers fighting for safer working conditions, but fortunately every Canadian today has the right to a safe and healthy workplace and the labor movement has worked for laws and regulations that protect workers on the job.
Today, I believe that peace movements fighting for the violation for human rights unify Canadians for change. These include the International Day of Peace dedicated to world peace, specifically the absence of war and violence. As well, “Orange Day” which fights for an end to violence against women and girls, so as to ensure they have rights to justice and effective remedies for the harm suffered. Given that women and girls comprise approximately one-half of Canada’s population, I think issues related to gender equality, and protection of women’s rights work toward unifying Canadians for change.
Another issue important to Canadians, and specifically youth, that would spark unity for change is finding quality employment. Canada’s youth unemployment rate is at its historical average, the ratio between youth unemployment and the unemployment rate for older Canadians is now at a record high. With youth unemployment running at nearly 2.4 times that of Canadians aged 25 and older, one begins to see the growing challenges for younger Canadians to find lasting and meaningful work. The average post-secondary graduate is now carrying over $20,000 in student loan debt, but many graduates aren’t able to find a way to start the careers they’ve invested so much to prepare themselves for. So what can be done? According to the Financial Post, curriculum design should be directly informed by the needs of industry. In the absence of workplace training since businesses are demanding new hires have the necessary skills, the onus on teaching job skills has increasingly fallen on our universities. Significant progress has been made by these institutions to adjust to this new reality, but new graduates are still being caught in the middle.
One specific example of a way in which people can be united and share their concerns for change is through social media. For example, people post articles or events on Facebook about causes, which can spark one’s interest and increase awareness. One could think about it as a chain reaction, that person A posts something about a certain topic, person B shares it with his/her “friends” on Facebook, and person C would become more knowledgeable about the topic, and so on. One specific issue that I commonly see on Facebook and have assisted with is the issue of poverty, both locally and globally. On a local scale, I have seen different events to help those suffering from hunger in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community, and I have also seen events like the World Partnership Walk which raises funds to reduce poverty globally.
‘May Day: A Graphic History of Protest’ explores the roots of the workers unions, and the significance of May 1st in relation to negotiations between employers and their workers starting in the late eighteenth century in the United States and Canada. The novel argues that May Day movements have played a significant role, and still play a role in the livelihoods of workers, and their ability to negotiate for better wages and working conditions. The novel also sets up May Day events as workers versus the government in its attempt to present a complex history in a unique format.
As a whole, the format of the novel as a graphic one allows for the author and illustrator to explain and explore a large period of history, over one hundred years of May Day demonstrations and important events related to worker’s rights. It also allows the reader to visualize the ideas presented with more detail, size, and scope through its illustrations. Another aspect that is interesting is the way that quotes can be brought into the story or argument that the author is trying to make. The reader is able to put a face to the quote, or a location to the situation, making the format really unique and more interactive. The format is effective, as it allows the reader to learn about a subject in an interesting manner, but it can also allow for readers to get lost on the page, and maybe read things out of order, which can make it confusing at times. The format also allows the illustrator to create caricatures of certain historical figures, much like one would in a political cartoon, allowing for the bias and opinions of the creator to be shared through the work. For example, the illustrator does this with Pierre Trudeau when explaining the organization of May Day demonstrations in Vancouver, showing that he is the antagonist in the story of that particular time period. Overall, the graphic novel format is an interesting way of presenting information, but sometimes it is quite easy to get lost in all the detail that is being presented.
The graphic novel, “Mayday” vividly presents the development and evolution of social values in Canada as thousands of Canadians mobilized throughout history in order to secure labour rights. Mayday represents the powerful nature of these sentiments which demanded for justice and how Canadians all across Canada were united through petitions, unions, and strikes against the government. Within the context of the 20th century, increased awareness and activism for the working and middle class were arguably the most immediate and pertinent and hence, dominant issues which concerned the public. As a result, this social struggle is representative of a source of collective Canadian identity.
Today, I would say that workers’ rights are still extremely relevant in unifying Canadians for change as people continue to seek employment and demand benefits. Especially with the rise of the middle class, the demand for jobs appears to remain a central issue. Also, with an increasingly educated youth population, there is more pressure for the government to accommodate their needs in entering the workforce and making a living.
However, in addition to unemployment, another identity that may unify Canadians for change may be rooted in issues concerning human rights as a whole, either abroad or in Canada. For example, a recent and continuing issue is the debate regarding gay rights in relation to the Sochi Olympics. Evidently, there has been uproar within the Canadian public as Canadians have spoken up against the Russian government for its explicit denunciation and discrimination against homosexuals. As a modern democratic nation, such values concerning human rights have become established as fundamental areas of importance for Canadians. Furthermore, on a more general level, it is safe to assume that all Canadians desire freedom and rights and thus, as a nation built upon diversity and multiculturalism, Canadians are unified through shared democratic values which continuously push for increased transparency and accountability of the government to Canadian citizens.
Thank you, Jenny, Lindsey, Joseph, Nadir, and Geena for your thoughtful responses!
It was nice to get a mix of posts about both the question on this blog and the one Dr. Myers circulated via email last week. Your connections to current social protest movements/issues, meditations on the potential and drawbacks to the graphic novel medium, and impact of social media were all much appreciated.
Brian, Connor, Lauren, and Vinciane: what do you think?
Kaitlin, 
geenalee, 
lindseyaw, and 3 others are discussing.
jbachynski 2:30 pm on February 9, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In the graphic novel ‘Mayday’, the struggle between state and citizens on the issue of workers rights was persistent throughout the late 19th century and into the late 20th century. The economic atmosphere contributed to how these struggles played out throughout history. During the depression, jobs were scarce and resources were limited which increased the need for workers’ protest. Eventually the war opened up the job market in new ways, but the loss of lives after the war created new problems.
I think that economic issues and class struggles are still evident in Canadian culture. Perhaps we are not suffering the same disparity gap that the United States is experiencing, but Canada is still dealing with this issue. With rising tuition costs, living expenses, and less job opportunities, young Canadians are not only taking on considerable debt, but are less likely to find consistent work that recent generations have had available to them. I feel like I (and many of my peers) have come to realize that exceeding or matching the financial lifestyles that our parents’ generations have lead, may not be plausible (especially in Vancouver).
Another issue that is important to Canadians, that would spark unity for change, is the environment. In BC and Alberta specifically, environmental issues have been a hot topic for debate. Many Canadian citizens are concerned about the prospect of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project, not only for its environmental repercussions but for the harm it may cause for the First Nations people and their land. Other citizens, and the Harper government suggest that the pipeline would create great job opportunities for Canadians. The Alberta oil sands also seems to be a point of tension for Canadians and the government. These issues have constantly appeared in the media, most recently with Neil Young promoting anti-oil sand opinions.
It is not necessary or realistic to think that all Canadians should have the same stance on all of these issues, but I think it is important for them to educate themselves on current Canadian issues, and engage themselves in the discussion.
joechliu 2:41 am on February 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In 1919 economy was the major theme that unified the social/working class. In the May 1, 1919 Winnipeg General Strike the metal worker initiated the strike to fight for better wages and working conditions. Soon after that on May 15, the middle classes such as the police officers, firefighters, and telephone and telegraph operators joined the working class against the state. Both social classes desired and improved economic situation and it seemed to be the only tie between the two classes. Prior to the strike the interactions between two classes were not as intimate. Each social classes shared different culture and the text books, Journey: History of Canada, indicates that the classes did not mix often between 1967-1914.
War in the 1900s united the social classes because they all had a common enemy – the Axis powers. Yet, as soon as the war was over, a distinct segregation between the classes became apparent. Unless another global war developed with two distinct sides (e.g. Axis vs Allies), however, it is not likely that the social class will unite together to challenge the state for changes. The social classes didn’t unite together to challenge the state to achieve certain goal. Not to the extent of the Winnipeg General Strike.
Economic then becomes the major factor that would unit the social classes to challenge the state for changes. Another growing factor may be environmental issues as the media emphasizes more on preserving and protecting the ecosystem (i.e. the pipeline controversies ignited a few interactions between the social classes), but the magnitude of its effect in unifying the classes is not as great as the economic factor. Political and social equality could be another factor that unite social classes, to fight against discrimination and misconducts from the states in treating ethnic related issues.
Nadir Surani 2:27 pm on February 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
“May Day” is a graphic historical novel displaying the protests that started in the late 19th century and went on until the mid-20th century about a struggle between the state and the workers, specifically in terms of wages, hours, and working conditions. Without the efforts of these workers, today’s work environment would be quite different. However, many of the issues during the 19th century that led to the May Day revolts and strikes are still with us today. For instance, we see teacher’s striking for better pay and better hours; we see mine workers fighting for safer working conditions, but fortunately every Canadian today has the right to a safe and healthy workplace and the labor movement has worked for laws and regulations that protect workers on the job.
Today, I believe that peace movements fighting for the violation for human rights unify Canadians for change. These include the International Day of Peace dedicated to world peace, specifically the absence of war and violence. As well, “Orange Day” which fights for an end to violence against women and girls, so as to ensure they have rights to justice and effective remedies for the harm suffered. Given that women and girls comprise approximately one-half of Canada’s population, I think issues related to gender equality, and protection of women’s rights work toward unifying Canadians for change.
Another issue important to Canadians, and specifically youth, that would spark unity for change is finding quality employment. Canada’s youth unemployment rate is at its historical average, the ratio between youth unemployment and the unemployment rate for older Canadians is now at a record high. With youth unemployment running at nearly 2.4 times that of Canadians aged 25 and older, one begins to see the growing challenges for younger Canadians to find lasting and meaningful work. The average post-secondary graduate is now carrying over $20,000 in student loan debt, but many graduates aren’t able to find a way to start the careers they’ve invested so much to prepare themselves for. So what can be done? According to the Financial Post, curriculum design should be directly informed by the needs of industry. In the absence of workplace training since businesses are demanding new hires have the necessary skills, the onus on teaching job skills has increasingly fallen on our universities. Significant progress has been made by these institutions to adjust to this new reality, but new graduates are still being caught in the middle.
One specific example of a way in which people can be united and share their concerns for change is through social media. For example, people post articles or events on Facebook about causes, which can spark one’s interest and increase awareness. One could think about it as a chain reaction, that person A posts something about a certain topic, person B shares it with his/her “friends” on Facebook, and person C would become more knowledgeable about the topic, and so on. One specific issue that I commonly see on Facebook and have assisted with is the issue of poverty, both locally and globally. On a local scale, I have seen different events to help those suffering from hunger in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community, and I have also seen events like the World Partnership Walk which raises funds to reduce poverty globally.
lindseyaw 4:39 pm on February 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
‘May Day: A Graphic History of Protest’ explores the roots of the workers unions, and the significance of May 1st in relation to negotiations between employers and their workers starting in the late eighteenth century in the United States and Canada. The novel argues that May Day movements have played a significant role, and still play a role in the livelihoods of workers, and their ability to negotiate for better wages and working conditions. The novel also sets up May Day events as workers versus the government in its attempt to present a complex history in a unique format.
As a whole, the format of the novel as a graphic one allows for the author and illustrator to explain and explore a large period of history, over one hundred years of May Day demonstrations and important events related to worker’s rights. It also allows the reader to visualize the ideas presented with more detail, size, and scope through its illustrations. Another aspect that is interesting is the way that quotes can be brought into the story or argument that the author is trying to make. The reader is able to put a face to the quote, or a location to the situation, making the format really unique and more interactive. The format is effective, as it allows the reader to learn about a subject in an interesting manner, but it can also allow for readers to get lost on the page, and maybe read things out of order, which can make it confusing at times. The format also allows the illustrator to create caricatures of certain historical figures, much like one would in a political cartoon, allowing for the bias and opinions of the creator to be shared through the work. For example, the illustrator does this with Pierre Trudeau when explaining the organization of May Day demonstrations in Vancouver, showing that he is the antagonist in the story of that particular time period. Overall, the graphic novel format is an interesting way of presenting information, but sometimes it is quite easy to get lost in all the detail that is being presented.
geenalee 5:49 pm on February 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The graphic novel, “Mayday” vividly presents the development and evolution of social values in Canada as thousands of Canadians mobilized throughout history in order to secure labour rights. Mayday represents the powerful nature of these sentiments which demanded for justice and how Canadians all across Canada were united through petitions, unions, and strikes against the government. Within the context of the 20th century, increased awareness and activism for the working and middle class were arguably the most immediate and pertinent and hence, dominant issues which concerned the public. As a result, this social struggle is representative of a source of collective Canadian identity.
Today, I would say that workers’ rights are still extremely relevant in unifying Canadians for change as people continue to seek employment and demand benefits. Especially with the rise of the middle class, the demand for jobs appears to remain a central issue. Also, with an increasingly educated youth population, there is more pressure for the government to accommodate their needs in entering the workforce and making a living.
However, in addition to unemployment, another identity that may unify Canadians for change may be rooted in issues concerning human rights as a whole, either abroad or in Canada. For example, a recent and continuing issue is the debate regarding gay rights in relation to the Sochi Olympics. Evidently, there has been uproar within the Canadian public as Canadians have spoken up against the Russian government for its explicit denunciation and discrimination against homosexuals. As a modern democratic nation, such values concerning human rights have become established as fundamental areas of importance for Canadians. Furthermore, on a more general level, it is safe to assume that all Canadians desire freedom and rights and thus, as a nation built upon diversity and multiculturalism, Canadians are unified through shared democratic values which continuously push for increased transparency and accountability of the government to Canadian citizens.
Kaitlin 3:06 pm on February 13, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you, Jenny, Lindsey, Joseph, Nadir, and Geena for your thoughtful responses!
It was nice to get a mix of posts about both the question on this blog and the one Dr. Myers circulated via email last week. Your connections to current social protest movements/issues, meditations on the potential and drawbacks to the graphic novel medium, and impact of social media were all much appreciated.
Brian, Connor, Lauren, and Vinciane: what do you think?