Joy My Freedom by T.Hunter - Book Report/Review Example

Consequently, several labor unions and organizations were formed in the South in order to ensure the protection of black domestic worker's rights and respect. For instance, Cook’s Union was one of them which intended the care for members during ill or other urgent times. Hunter quotes the objectives of the union as follows; “its objective is not to create strikes and close up kitchens and demand higher wages. The object here is a noble one; to do good, keep well, and if sick to aid each other speed health and quick return to work again” (Hunter, 131).

Another women’s organization that the age of Jim Crow witnessed was the ‘Colored Working Women and Laundry Women’. All these unions contributed to the survival of working-class women of the South (132). Comparatively low rate of wages they earned from domestic works literarily added to their tribulations. They could hardly meet the basic requirements due to the high prices of all necessaries of life and due to the high rates of rent. A single assertion is sufficient to illustrate the adversity; “it is impossible to live uprightly and honestly” (75).

Hunter describes how despite their limitation they pursued happiness to ease their strain of overwork. They sought leisure in ‘Negro Dance Halls’ which was later outlawed by the public officials, for according to them- “they were crime breeders and a disgrace to the city” (160). Atlanta was already in the high level of socio-economic and ethnic segregation which favored only whites. All high-rank jobs had been reserved for White women while the blacks were left to domestic works.

The blacks did not want to find them economically weak and socially victimized anymore. It was their strikes and other attempts that enabled them to progress toward better living conditions in the future. However, despite their endurance, Jim Crow Laws further deprived blacks of their basic rights and freedom (104). Finally, as getting frustrated, the blacks in thousands move toward the North. Hunter states that their migration meant that they had abandoned their Post-War dreams (223). To conclude, Hunter puts forward a feminist query if women’s works like housework, child-rearing, or sex work were not to be counted as of enough value.

The book obviously challenges the world to form a new perspective on work and workers. The book is a true blend of various relevant aspects such as labor, socio-economic issues, culture, and history.