Labor Day 2023 took on special Solidarity Significance, particularly within the entertainment industry, as The A.V. Club demonstrated through its unique holiday message. Amidst the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the publication used its platform to express support for striking workers and to highlight the broader importance of labor movements through film.
A.V. Club’s Labor Day Message: Films for the Proletariat
On August 31, 2023, The A.V. Club published an article titled “Workers of the world unite with these classic films for Labor Day.” This piece curated a selection of films intended to celebrate the proletariat and depict various labor struggles throughout history. The publication, known for its distinctive voice and coverage of pop culture, strategically aligned its Labor Day content with the pressing issues faced by writers and actors in Hollywood.
The “Why” Behind the Message: Standing in Solidarity
The rationale behind The A.V. Club’s message was firmly rooted in the contemporary labor landscape. The publication explicitly acknowledged the “deeper meaning” of Labor Day 2023, given the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. According to The A.V. Club, the strikes highlighted the “intransigence of the studio bosses,” making it a crucial moment to demonstrate solidarity with the workers.
The article directly addressed the striking writers and actors, characterizing them as “172,000 Norma Rae’s standing on their worktables and defiantly holding up signs that scream ‘UNION’.” This powerful imagery connected the current labor disputes with historical struggles for workers’ rights, reinforcing the idea that collective action can lead to meaningful change.
The “How” of the Message: Curated Film List
The A.V. Club’s approach involved presenting a carefully selected list of films that explore labor movements and working-class heroes. These films served as both entertainment and educational resources, offering viewers insights into the history of labor struggles and the importance of workers’ rights. By encouraging readers to “kick back on this long Labor Day weekend, and enjoy some of these inspiring, educational, and true-to-life films,” the publication positioned its content as a thoughtful way to observe the holiday.
The selection of films, presented chronologically, allowed The A.V. Club to showcase the evolution of labor issues and the enduring relevance of these struggles. This editorial choice provided context and encouragement to those involved in or supportive of the strikes, reinforcing the idea that Labor Day is a time to recognize and advocate for workers’ rights. The publication’s support was clear.
Impact and Context: Solidarity Significance in Hollywood
The A.V. Club’s Labor Day message resonated deeply within the entertainment industry, particularly among those affected by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. By using its platform to amplify the voices of striking workers and to highlight the importance of labor movements, the publication contributed to the broader conversation about workers’ rights and fair treatment. The message served as a reminder that Labor Day is not just a day off but also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles for economic justice.
Furthermore, the A.V. Club’s decision to frame its Labor Day content around the strikes underscored the interconnectedness of media, labor, and social justice. By explicitly linking the holiday to current events, the publication demonstrated its commitment to using its platform to address important social issues and to support the rights of workers. This approach aligns with the publication’s reputation for providing insightful and thought-provoking commentary on pop culture and its broader implications.
Conclusion
The A.V. Club’s Labor Day 2023 message exemplified how media outlets can use their platforms to support labor movements and promote social justice. By curating a list of films that celebrate the proletariat and depict labor struggles, the publication provided both entertainment and education, while explicitly expressing solidarity with the striking writers and actors in Hollywood. This approach reinforced the idea that Labor Day is a time to recognize and advocate for workers’ rights, and that collective action can lead to meaningful change.
