Norma Rae

Overall I enjoyed the film. I was shocked by Norma’s strength despite all of her misfortunes. I found it extremely compelling, the way in which Reuben and Norma were represented in the film. Although Norma was not nearly as cultured or educated as Reuben she demonstrates the most toughness, determination and grit to get the labor unions organized in her town. Although Reuben has the labor union organizers on his back to succeed at his job, Norma arguable has much more at stake. She is stuck in a town where the only work available is a job at the cotton mill. In addition to this Norma has an overprotective father to deal with and two children to support. Throughout the film Norma is living under the stipulations of traditional gender roles. Her father feels the need to protect her to which Norma replies “Daddy, your loving me to death.” Similarly her husband Sonny calls into question her motives for staying at Reuben’s office. Norma turns this concern into laughter by doing a mocking rendition of feminine chores around the house. It is clear that she feels stifled with traditional and stereotypical gender roles.
Her goal is solely to improve the life of her children which is integral to encouraging their education, continuing to save money from her job, and changing the work environment at the factory. Throughout the film the audience witnesses Norma attempting to do all three, by encouraging a strict homework routine, putting in long hours at the factory and spending her extra time promoting the labor unions in her small town. Reuben, on the other hand, does not have any dependents. Although Reuben is willing to stand up to labor union management for Norma’s sake, he never takes risks as large as Norma does within the film because he does not have as much at risk. Norma’s ability to successfully dismiss the limitations of traditional gender roles allows her character to not only achieve her goals, but also to improve the quality of life for her town and her children.