POV

Original Broadcast Viewer Discussion

You can view the original viewer reactions to Made in L.A. from 2007 on the PBS discussion board here.

We do, however, encourage you to leave new messages here on this board.

by Theresa
August 4, 2009, 5:29 PM

Loved it.

Loved this documentary, I'm in love with the women!!!

by razoredits@gmx.com
August 11, 2009, 11:06 PM

Moving

I posted this on facebook on teh Forever 21 page and guess what? It was removed by the Facebook police! Everyone's civil rights are disappearing but that's another show. THIS show moved me and I fell in love with three strangers I've never met. When a documentary can do that to someone, it's a sign of greatness. Thank you Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar for enlightening me and so many others. I'll be sure to think twice when making ALL my future purchases with the likes of these three in Mind.

Please tell Lupe she's beautiful after all, inside and out (I hope I got her name right, my apologies if I didn't but she is.)

by Victor Velez
August 11, 2009, 11:33 PM

Moving, Inspiring, Film

Rarely - okay hardly ever - do I do this sort of thing - post thoughts on a website. But, as you can see, I was really moved by this documentary. Well done. Thank you for making it. Thank you, POV for sharing it. These women are an inspiration.

by Annette
August 11, 2009, 11:35 PM

Since when should ILLEGAL immigrants have rights in the US?

They were here ILLEGALLY-they have no employment rights in this country. It's not just about immigration, it's about illegal immigration and the damage that it does to our economy that no one seems willing to discuss. The illegal population pays no income taxes, gets to attend public schools for free, gets free taxpayer-funded healthcare and drives uninsured. Why, then, are we bending over backwards to accomodate them? It is absolutely absurd.

by Paul Metzger
August 11, 2009, 11:41 PM

During a job interview I was told that by the Forever 21 interviewer that they do not call their designers, designers, but buyers. I was puzzled by this. I subsequently did some research online and found out they where being accused by different companies and designers of stealing their designs. Their logic is I guess that the clothes/merchandise they sell are not their designs; they just buy them from manufacturers. It's so amazing that they are able to find these clothes/merchandise so readily available, so fast so that they beat the real designers (runway to retail) to the stores.

by Sergio
August 12, 2009, 12:21 AM

Absolutely fantastic piece. This film does a marvelous job of putting faces with the battle. No one should ever have to live and work under the conditions they had. The best part of this film was that it was not ruined with production, editing, or actors/reenactments. Just a truly remarkable story with truly remarkable people.

by Sam
August 12, 2009, 12:56 AM

Misdiagnosis of the problem

The program displays a brutal ignorance of the economic, societal, and political factors that caused this problem. This one-sided demonizing does nothing to help the problem. Because of the nature of this forum, I can only be brief. Here are some of the issues never addressed.
Issue 1: Americans buy cheap goods. Possible Solution: Create artificial restrictions. Problems: "sweatshop exportation," increased clothing costs affect the poor, increased cost of doing business destroys or reduces jobs.
Issue 2: Trade dynamics. Problems: artificial restrictions on trade either shifts costs to American consumers or other American workers.
Issue 3: Union Dynamics. Problems: the documented/ undocumented class system in America was created by unions when immigration reform was instituted by the Kennedy administration. Only skilled immigrants are allowed where there is a need. This protects jobs but creates a legal "no man's land" for unskilled workers desiring to immigrate.
Issue 4: Resource allocation. Problems: contrary to popular belief, allocation of resources is not a rich versus poor inquiry. It usually is about what regions, countries, type of worker, class of worker should be allocated more resources. This allocation can be done by consumer or by government. A consumer allocates resources by private choice. A government allocates by politics.

Myopic "activism" neglects the realities of the situation and only serves to pervert the situation when "reforms" are instituted on such one-sided information.

by Bob Zogg
August 12, 2009, 9:39 AM

very persuasive for viewers to take action and support

Really great feedback from the women in the film. This was one of the best doc. ive seen this summer. You can really connect with the way the women feel and their desperate struggle to overcome their situation.

by Robyn
August 12, 2009, 9:58 AM

Made in L.A.

I felt so sorry for all the women and men fighting the big giant in this country. One never realizes that these are real people. If I can help anyone I will. I am disabled and 53 years of age, I am also female. I am Puerto Rican too. I speak fluent English and Spanish. Please email me with anything you need me to do.Speak English any which way you can if someone doesn't understand they will ask questions. But this is the way my mother learned to speak English in the U.S. Always rememeber it's better to learn a second language because that will help you in the long run. Your children will thank you very much.

Traduccion
Yo me senti tan mal al ver este documentar. Uno nunca realiza que detras de todo esto hay hombres y mujeres con familias. Yo soy hembra tengo 53 anos y soy incapacitada, soy hembra, casada y tengo muchas experiencias. Si yo les puedo ayuda dejenmelo saber immediatamente. Siempre arrecuerdense que deben hablar el ingles como sea si alguien no les intiende ellos te preguntara preguntas. Asi fue como mi madre apprendio a hablar en ingles en este pais. Tirenlo como sea, si no lo dices bien ellos te corrijeran. Siempre arrecuerdanse que sus ninos le aggradeseran usted el hablan el Ingles.

by Santa Espinosa McDowell
August 12, 2009, 10:03 AM

Made in L.A. was a great flim. Most comments seem to agree, except one who sees only "illiegal immigration." For him I suggest he slowly read Pope Benedict XVI's new letter, Caritas in Veritate, especially, Chapter Two, sections 21 & 22, also his Chapter Five, section 67 about need to strengthen the United Nations. Very compelling film

by Tom Donovan
August 12, 2009, 10:31 AM

I started watching this last night when it was already in process. It was indeed moving, however, I am disturbed by the basic fact that these people are illegal immigrants. I see many issues here...one of the biggest being why they had to leave their own countries and families when they most likely would rather stay home. Instead of "ignoring " the illegal situation here in the USA and allowing this to continue, what can we do, as a nation, to help these countries provide jobs? Can we help with social education ie: family planning; better medical care; better education, etc.
There are no easy answers but coming to the USA isn't an easy solution either. I'd like to hear some feedback...thanks

by Carol
August 12, 2009, 3:18 PM

Tom, I see 'illegal immigration' only because that is THE problem. Illegal immigrants from any country have no employment rights in the United States. Millions of legal immigrants have come here from other countries and endured equally harsh conditions. What makes this demographic believe they are somehow exempt from entering the US legally as well? They're not.

by Paul Metzger
August 12, 2009, 4:40 PM

teacher

Blown away! This is such a sensitive reporting of a difficult, complex and frustrating reality. POV just keeps on bringing me to tears. Thank you for telling stories that need to be told. I wish this was what TV is usually...and that pigs could fly!

by Carole
August 12, 2009, 8:57 PM

Made in L.A.

These people may be illegal immigrants but they are also human beings with families and dreams. As long as the U.S allows them to work here, they should be treated fairly and they should fight for their dignity if they must.
Have we become so disinterested in the plight of others that their welfare is of little concern unless they are legal?

What kind of world is this? What kind of people do we want to be?

by Dark Gallows
August 12, 2009, 9:00 PM

We want to be a country that expects it citizens and those living and working in it to be abiding by its laws. Why is there a double standard? I was born and reared here and if I am expected to live by our laws, why shouldn't anyone else?

by Paul Metzger
August 12, 2009, 11:37 PM

I used to shop at forever 21. I think I knew that labor practices like this were going on, but actually seeing and hearing about them made it real. I'm in law school now and I can understand the challenges these workers will face, legal or illegal, in our justice system, which is far from fair. I think the more awareness that gets out, the more help we can be (I just posted the link on my facebook). I will encourage friends not to shop there and try to raise awareness where I live. Like a previous post said, Americans crave cheap apparel, and where I go to school, a small town in Michigan, the only real available options are stores like forever 21. Great film & an incredible story.

by Krystle
August 13, 2009, 1:14 AM

moved educator

I have a student who is the mirror of Lupe. Brought to this country without a choice as a child, she remains "illegal", but works alongside her mother in a shampoo factory. At age 17, she cannot obtain a driver's license, apply for state tuition in college; but she is enrolled in AP courses, runs the student activist group in the school,volunteers her time with "Voces de la Frontera", and is an eloquent voice for people like, and unlike, herself.

If the producers are reading this response, please contact me so that I can attempt to connect my student with Lupe...she is in dire need of a glimmer of hope.

Great film, great lesson, great humanity...

by Bonnie Brusky
August 13, 2009, 2:02 AM

Like Mr. Metzger, I am appalled. Illegals mere presence here is against our law! If the treatment they receive here is unacceptable, if they can't learn our language in three years or apply for citizenship because they are busy raising large families and filing complaints, they and their myriad offspring, should be forcibly removed.

by Mrs.Gibson
August 13, 2009, 4:51 AM

Mr.

To Mr. Metzger (Are you or your family former immigrants...?) and Mrs.Gibson: We are majority folks, and we do appreciate the film and the sacrifices these people endure, whether you like it or not. Are you willing to mow the lawn, wash the cars, clean bedrooms, etc.? Mr. German. (It's just my first name).

This comment has been edited by the moderator for inappropriate content.

by German Estrada
August 13, 2009, 9:18 PM

Paul Metzger, you're points are laughable, in light of US history and legality. In the 1860's, native Americans were legally given Indian territory, by the US federal government, but white settlers, illegal aliens, overran that area, and the US dishonorably reneged on their treaties to please these illegal settlers. Now, it seems, karma is coming around full circle. And these people deserve the right to a better life, just as those white settlers hungered for.

by Beverly Ho
August 14, 2009, 5:17 PM

After reading some of the comments made here, it is sad to come to the conclusion that some people out there still make illegal immigration their "scapegoat", and somehow think that it we were done away with it, all the US problems with issues such as these, would be, like magic, forever gone!

This leads me to believe that one, these people lack a more global understanding of such situations, and nonetheless, have a lot of research and learning to do. I would bet that people who do research and study such topics, even after a lot of information and data is considered and gathered, at the end they do not have a one final answer that explains what causes such events. Still, with all that available information, sometimes they do not have the answer...so how can we expect for the lay person to understand the situations and issues that people as such those in the video face every day?

In general, I believe that some people are so blind to the emotions and lives of others, that when things like these are exposed, these people tend to undermine that it "can be true", especially if it happens here in the US. This video shows the tip of the iceberg, as many other immigrants and American citizens in the same situations face such barriers on a daily basis and in different work fields. I think that the video will carry on the legacy of having basic rights for the simple fact that everyone is a HUMAN being, and that those rights do not depend on the existence of a man-made legal regulations.

by LLecenia
August 15, 2009, 12:59 AM

Excellent documentary

I came across the program flipping through channels. It was a very inspirational story, very moving, humane and real. While the cause of the problem is much bigger than the scale shown, it does show how the lives of these workers very affected and changed by the entire situation.

I was impressed with the documentary, and whether these workers are illegal or not, they deserve respect and dignity. They are no less than anyone else.

It is true that if there weren't too many economic problems in Latin America, these women wouldn't be here. But like I said before, the problem is much bigger.

All in all, big applause for these women because it took lots of courage to ask for what is right, specially under so much fear and pressure.
Thanks.

by Lissy
August 15, 2009, 10:31 PM

Volunteers of America

Watching the Made In America, I was really floored by a shy but also very
articulate Taiwanese woman who was explaining a how to fight shady business practices in Spanish, with a California accent. She was doing this as a community leade rfor migrant and temporary workers being exploited by the garment industry.

Overall, an amazing effort by volunteers like JoAnn Lo and a very senstive documentary by Carracedo about the struggles of the unfairly reviled members of this country.

by Gargantuan Media
August 16, 2009, 3:18 AM

Ms

I missed it - just heard it has already been shown - will it be repeated - shown again PLEASE

by Linda Riera
August 16, 2009, 4:07 PM

I want my teenagers to see this program. When will it be repeated in Northern California?

by sandra
August 19, 2009, 2:02 AM

wonderful, insightful film. I don't know anyone personally that's an undocumented worker, and although I've been very aware of the issues, this film made a very personal, moving statement. I felt more compassion and concern for undocumented workers than I've felt before. The film I thought was very well made. Thank you for for this film! Bravo!

by corbina mancuso from oakland, ca
September 7, 2009, 2:03 AM

No more jobs

Ironically the just shipped the jobs overseas to people who are more appreciative. Beggars can't be choosers

by asdf
September 24, 2009, 4:33 PM

Love it

I thought this was a very informative movie and I was so happy to see these women stand up for something...alot of people just complain and do nothing, but they stood up for what they believed in and they endured. Good job ladies!

by Kelli from Orange Park, FL
September 25, 2009, 8:20 PM

Thank You all of you who made this possible!

One of my aunts had a shop like this one, but since she'd passed through the same sweatshops, she paid well and tried to have the workers in good conditions, but because of the bad paid job altogether she had to close it (most of the contractors demand the work at a deadline, but pay really late, one boutique in Colorado blvd. didn't pay for the job and were charging about $500 for a piece that they had worked and they were suposed to pay them 20 dollars for each piece). She worked that kind of job for over 30 years, now she's very sick with eye, hand, feet, and back problems as a result of that hard work and can't work anymore. I've met so many people like the ones on the video because of my aunt's job, so i felt like i really know them and I'm very happy for all of them and would really like to know the update on her lives.

by Nara from Rosemead, California
September 27, 2009, 2:25 AM

I Loved L.O.V.E.D this film I am an imigrant
I came here 16 years ago I speak english well
because of my status Ive had all kinds of jobs
but never like these women. To be human al you need is
your heart; It does not matter color or race
when someone is hurting someone else it is our
duty as PEOPLE to Help!I wish Happyness an Peace
to all.(my spelling is bad:)

by Frida from Houston, Texas
November 12, 2009, 1:06 AM

I Loved L.O.V.E.D this film I am an imigrant
I came here 16 years ago I speak english well
because of my status Ive had all kinds of jobs
but never like these women. To be human al you need is
your heart; It does not matter color or race
when someone is hurting someone else it is our
duty as PEOPLE to Help!I wish Happyness an Peace
to all.(my spelling is bad:)

by Frida from Houston, Texas
November 12, 2009, 1:07 AM