AWOL - May Day

According to Wikipedia, May Day is "a celebration of the social and economic achievements of the international labor movement." May Day, also known as 'International Workers Day', roots back to 1886 a general strike for an 8-hour work day was taken place in Chicago where police killed/arrested protesters. In remembrance of that day, countries from all over the world celebrate the day on the first of May to stop work. Though many countries are involved, the United States has to be one of the few countries that celebrates May Day effectively like every other country like Napal, Japan, Brazil, and many countries in Europe. In the United States, May Day has been recognized in selected parts of the country such as Minneapolis and Union Square in New York City.

Because I live down the block from Union Square, every year I am able to witness for what I thought was an 'immigrant protest' which turns out to be the May Day Parade. I only thought it was an immigrant protest because I saw many flags that were standing high, which also included the Filipino flag, and many other countries in Asia and South America. Then, when I was not aware of what the purpose of the protest was--I still felt proud that Filipinos and other people of ethnic backgrounds were demanding what they thought was right. NOW, I finally know what the rally was all about.

In the United States, 'Workers Day' is also known as 'Labor Day' which is not celebrated on May 1st. It is rather celebrated on September 7Th of every year. While most Americans are confused about May Day--forgetting the workers' holiday show the fundamental aspects of the AWOL of how Americans do not value the true understanding of what made options possible for workers today. Although many workers are struggling as bad as those who are not even employed, many still do not know the meaning behind May Day, and I feel that if more people were aware of May Day (both groups that are and are not employed) then there would be a bigger movement taken place in the United States.