Watch Waging a Living

Waging a Living is a powerful documentary film that explores the lives and struggles of several working-class Americans who are trying to make ends meet in an economy that seems stacked against them. Directed by Roger Weisberg, the film follows four individuals over the course of three years as they struggle to keep their heads above water in low-paying jobs that offer little chance of upward mobility.

The documentary is a sobering look at the realities faced by many working-class families in the United States, where the gap between rich and poor continues to widen at an alarming rate. Through the stories of these workers, the film examines the social and economic forces that are making it increasingly difficult for people to rise out of poverty and achieve the American Dream.

The film's central subjects are a diverse group of individuals who represent a cross-section of the working poor in America. There's Jean Reynolds, a single mother who works as a home health aide, making just $6 an hour to care for elderly patients. She struggles to provide for her two sons, both of whom are on the verge of dropping out of school. Then there's Jerry Longoria, a former steelworker who lost his job when the factory where he worked shut down. He now bounces from one low-paying job to the next, barely making enough to support his wife and three children.

The other two subjects are Barbera Brooks, who works as a security guard at an airport, and Mary Venittelli, a college-educated woman who can only find work as a clerk at a convenience store. Both women struggle to pay their bills and make ends meet, despite working full-time jobs.

Through their struggles, the film examines the many challenges that working-class Americans face in today's society, from the lack of access to affordable health care and child care to the erosion of jobs that once offered decent wages and benefits. The film argues that the social safety net in America has eroded over the years, leaving many working-class families with little to fall back on when times get tough.

Despite their hardships, however, the film's subjects are not defeated. They persevere against all odds, holding on to the hope that things will get better. They continue to work hard, day in and day out, in the hopes that their efforts will one day pay off.

The film's director does an excellent job of portraying the lives and struggles of these individuals in a compassionate and respectful manner. The camera captures their struggles as they unfold, showing the viewers the harsh realities of their lives without resorting to sentimentality or manipulative ploys. The film tells their stories with dignity and respect, giving them a voice that is often ignored in the mainstream media.

Ultimately, Waging a Living is a powerful and important film that should be seen by anyone who cares about social justice and the plight of working-class Americans. It forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of poverty in America and the urgent need for change. The subjects of the film are not victims; they are fighters who refuse to give up despite the many obstacles in their way. Their resilience and perseverance serve as a testament to the human spirit and the power of hope.

In conclusion, Waging a Living is a must-see documentary that sheds light on the lives and struggles of working-class Americans. It is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for reform in America's economy and social safety net. It is a film that will make you think, and it will leave you with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing millions of people in this country.