In the Great Lakes Industrial Region, many factories have been abandoned due to closures, leaving behind “treasures” for scavengers to search through.
Although these raiders operate under the cover of night, their actions reflect a broader social phenomenon to some extent.
The disappearance of these factories not only signifies the loss of material wealth but also symbolizes the decline of American manufacturing and the plight of the working class.
Today, the activity of dismantling leftover equipment from factories has transformed into a form of adventure show, attracting considerable attention.
However, the underlying interests behind this phenomenon are far more complex than what is apparent on the surface.
The spoils taken by thieves often enter the market through recycling channels, with most metals eventually being sent to China for reprocessing before returning to the U.S.
In this process, there exists a tacit exchange of interests between recyclers and raiders.
Despite the presence of 13 million industrial workers in the U.S., their skills and work enthusiasm appear lacking compared to countries like China.
Historically, America was renowned for its strong industrial foundation and efficient workers, but today’s working class has failed to inherit the excellent traditions of their predecessors in many aspects.
In the documentary "American Factory," workers express nostalgia for once-great working conditions, but they face increasingly severe challenges as industries move overseas and union power diminishes.
A recent dockworkers' strike reflects strong discontent over wages and working conditions; however, resistance to automation has led to decreased efficiency, further exacerbating the issue.
Behind the transformation of American manufacturing lies a more complex economic structure.
Since the Cold War, many basic manufacturing and R&D sectors have been relocated overseas. Although it may seem that the U.S. still possesses numerous high-end brands and profits, true production capacity is gradually being lost.
The Boeing 737 Max incident has become a microcosm of quality issues in American manufacturing.
Loose internal management and a lack of worker accountability have led to serious safety hazards. Boeing's predicament is not accidental but rather a culmination of long-standing management and cultural issues.
In this context, the article concludes that American manufacturing is not only experiencing the loss of physical assets but also the collapse of an entire industrial culture and talent structure.
While some abandoned factories may still be rebuilt, the lack of a social environment and cultural atmosphere conducive to modern industry makes reviving American manufacturing increasingly difficult.
Historically, American workers have fought against capitalists to win many rights, but today's environment makes it challenging for them to rise again.
Comments