Frontline Season 8 Episode 11 New Harvest, Old Shame

New Harvest, Old Shame is an episode from the eighth season of the award-winning documentary series Frontline. In this powerful episode, the viewer is taken on a journey into the world of migrant farmworkers in the United States – a world that is often hidden from public view.

Frontline shines a spotlight on the challenging and often dangerous conditions that these workers face on a daily basis. They are typically paid low wages and are provided with few if any of the benefits that other workers enjoy, such as healthcare or paid vacation time. The workers are also frequently subjected to abuse and exploitation by their employers, who hold immense power over them due to their tenuous immigration status.

The episode takes viewers into the heart of California's Central Valley, where many of these workers reside and work. The picturesque landscape of the valley belies the harsh realities that its migrant workforce faces, day after day. The show introduces us to a range of workers, from those who pick crops in the fields to those who toil in the packing houses and processing plants that transform the fruits of their labor into consumer products.

The viewer is introduced to a range of social and economic struggles that these workers face. Many of them work long hours in dangerous conditions, without the protection of unions or other labor advocates. Others are subject to unjust deportations and discrimination from law enforcement agencies and other authorities, simply because of their immigration status.

Despite the many challenges that they face, the show also highlights the remarkable resilience and determination of these workers. Many have come to the United States in search of a better life for themselves and their families and have found a way to persevere despite the immense obstacles in their path.

The episode also examines the broader societal structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice in the farmworker industry. The show takes a critical look at the legislative and regulatory frameworks that enable employers to exploit workers with relative impunity. It also explores the ways in which public attitudes towards migrant workers have evolved over time, from the era of the Great Depression to the present day.

Ultimately, New Harvest, Old Shame is a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the realities of modern-day migrant labor. The show offers a compelling portrait of a community that is often invisible, yet that plays a critical role in shaping the food that we eat and the economy that sustains us. It is a powerful reminder of the need to strive towards a more just and equitable society for all.