WHY UNION ACTIVISTS WRITE GOOD STORIES

Authors

  • Helena H Worthen University of Illinois

Keywords:

short stories, unions, creative writing, working class

Abstract

The representative structure of a union is a maze which, when travelled as a narrative, has drama at every turn. It sets up expectations, pits good against evil, involves many characters with different interests, keeps the clock ticking, and offers opportunities for happy endings (and disappointments) at every level. Union members who are not experienced writers can produce good stories by writing about their lives at work and in the union.

POURQUOI LES ACTIVISTES SYNDICAUX ÉCRIVENT DE BONNES HISTOIRES

La structure de représentation d’un syndicat est un véritable labyrinthe qui, lorsque parcouru comme un récit, propose un drame à chaque détour. Celle-ci établit les attentes, dresse les bons contre les méchants, implique de multiples intérêts, souligne le temps qui passe, et offre des chances de fins heureuses (ou de déceptions) à tous les niveaux. Les membres d’associations syndicales, sans être des écrivains expérimentés, peuvent écrire d’excellentes histoires en témoignant de leur vécu au travail et au sein du syndicat.

Author Biography

Helena H Worthen, University of Illinois

HELENA WORTHENis a labour educator in berkeley, California. She has worked for UNITE, for the University of Illinois Labor Education program, and the National Labor College in Silver Spring, MD. She can be reached at hworthen@illinois.edu

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Published

2013-12-19

How to Cite

Worthen, H. H. (2013). WHY UNION ACTIVISTS WRITE GOOD STORIES. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 48(3). Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/8999

Issue

Section

Notes from the Field